When deciding on a career path, architecture may be one of your choices. Many dabble in architecture as a hobby, enjoying the drawing aspect, creativity and 
constructing things together but this can soon lead to success through the right career choice.
An architect has a passion for spectacular buildings, turning less into more and understanding the client and their needs. A good architect will listen to their client and then design a building or home that meets their every need but combining this understanding and creativity with management and problem solving skills will put the architect on road to success.
If you want to become a successful and wealthy Architect, you need to understand the route to success. First, know how your skills can empower your career going forward and allow you to achieve great goals that can even lead you to award winning projects. And then, you need to understand what makes a great architect in themselves, the drive, ambition and wanted mind-set that others seek.
What’s Cool about being an Architect
Becoming an architect gives you the ability to work on your own as a freelancer, start your own design consultancy or even work for a firm where you will be one of many. They all have their own advantages, but it’s always a better option to start in a company while you build up your portfolio and prove your ability. By working for a firm you may end up as one of the team working on one project or you may be handling a portfolio of projects on your own. Either way with the right educational degree, training and examinations behind you, you will be able to use your passion and creativity to design spectacular spaces and account manage many projects. The mind of an Architect is an amazing thing; creativity and manageability combine to draw together a construction like no other.
Showing dedication to your projects and achieving milestones will surely put you ahead of the rest. Wealth comes with open creativity so set your sights on small projects first and achieve one goal before expanding to a tall tower in the city.
Architects create cool spaces – “combining art and purpose”:
Here’s a short video where an Architect discusses his typical day at work
What to do: Degrees and Certifications
In most states of US, architects must hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 123 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
When progressing towards success for an architect it can be a long process. Did you know that it can take seven years to qualify as an architect? And you need the determination and passion to succeed as the great Architect we just described. The educational side of architecture is broken into three phases. The initial degree, the post graduate degree and then there is the one year working experience which needs to be completed before you can consider completing the third examination.
The degree comprises of all aspects of architecture from the history of architecture, structural engineering, and environmental designs to building materials and sustainability. It is very important that as a successful architect you can understand and manage the entire project from the drawing stages to handing over the keys to a building. In the majority of cases an architect’s job is only completed once the new owners move into the property or building.
Get to know the top 10 schools in US that offer the best graduate programs in architecture and design.
Get to know more about the profession at BLS.gov
Connections and Portfolio
As a future architect there are ways you can increase your chances of becoming both successful and wealthy by doing what you love doing; designing stunning building and homes across the country. Being in the right place at the right time is a common saying but with architecture there is more to this saying.
Registering with the Architects Registration Board is the first step to success, registration is statutory and you can register as soon as you have completed the third exam after your one year working experience. Being included in the register improves your chances of being accepted for projects and being considered a worthy candidate when someone is looking for a qualified architect. Make sure you are in this place registering as it is crucial to success.
The next important aspect is to have an updated portfolio available to show customers with past drawings and completed projects. It is very important that your portfolio is younger than three years old, designs are changing, materials are changing and the older the portfolio the less relevant it will appear. Socially networking your designs will spread awareness so do jump on this bandwagon as the world we live in today is of a social form and you are more likely to get noticed by spreading your work through social media forms or even uploading your portfolio pictures on Instagram.
Examples:
- When applying for a college application, here are some tips that can help you: arch.rpi.edu
- Here’s a good example on how to present an online portfolio – a must for architectural illustrations. It is as simple as a well designed website: svingel.info
Do remember to take additional courses once you are working as an architect as wealthy architects are always developing their skills further and it can help you achieve success from the business side of things. Business courses online can help you with marketing and real estate courses can get you insider knowledge into property values, designs and more. Most Architects earn a comfortable living but there are some that reach the peak of that skyline and reap more fortunes.
According to BLS.gov: The median annual wage of architects was $72,550 in May 2010. Many firms pay tuition and fees toward continuing education requirements for their employees.
Also, Architects often work with workers in related professions like the civil engineers, urban and regional planners, interior designers, and landscape architects.
SALARY INFORMATION:
About the Guest Post Author:
Jennifer Beswick has worked within the construction industry, her path started through finding a job through the Telegraph construction job board. Jenny hopes that her experience and this article gives you an insight into the world of architecture. Do keep in touch to let us know how your path develops.