How to Become an Architect

When it comes to creating something from nothing, Architects really take the cake. Not only must the final product be aesthetically pleasing, but it also must be safe and reliable. If you want to become an architect, you basically must become part artist and part engineer.

Architect Training is essential

Given the dual roles you must play, it's not surprising that every State (including Washington, DC) requires that you become licensed before you can call yourself an architect. After all, you are legally responsible for all of your work.

How many people will your new staircase hold? Is your 2nd story strong enough? Will your new design withstand high winds? Are your materials environmentally safe?

These are just some of the questions that you'll learn how to answer during architecture school. That's right, if you want to become an architect, you'll definitely need to attend architecture school. It's practically a prerequisite for success in this dynamic field. You'll thank yourself later.

Job outlook for Architects

If you possess all of the skills, training, and credentials, the job outlook for architects is fairly favorable. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the architecture industry will grow about as quickly as most other occupations.

For residential spaces, demand is actually expected to increase as baby boomers reach their highest level of earning potential and can afford to purchase larger houses with more amenities.

Architects Enjoy Varied projects and a great lifestyle

Whether your work for a firm or as a freelance architect, your projects will probably be quite varied. Working with your clients, you'll help create a custom work or living space over the course of several months. It's exciting work with many interesting challenges. You can expect to make a median salary of $56,000 depending on location, skill, and project.