ARCHITECTS California Occupational Guide Number 210 Interest Area 5-A 1995
THE JOB
ARCHITECTS develop new designs and structural techniques to improve the quality, safety, and attractiveness of the buildings and settings in which we live, work and play. The scope of architectural work is very broad. Architects often work with urban and interior designers, structural engineers, landscape architects and members of other professions to incorporate their efforts into the total building project.
Architects employed by large firms often work on extensive projects as part of a development team; each member specializes in one phase of work such as planning, programming, designing, cost estimating, writing project specifications, or administering construction contracts. Work assignments often vary from project to project, depending upon customer need or the Architect's special area of interest. The principal or other senior Architect of the firm negotiates with clients to secure projects and handles most business contacts with clients. Architects functioning as site planners and designers conduct site analyses, establish basic requirements for the project and suggest alternative design concepts.
Once the general design has been set, Architects prepare schematic and design development drawings. The project director supervises a staff which includes drafters. Drafters prepare working drawings, models, sketches of the proposed finished building and other necessary graphics. Architects also supervise specifications writers who set the qualities and dimensions of the materials to be used and estimators who develop cost estimates based on building area, material types and quantities. During construction, construction administrators oversee the work to ensure that the requirements of the plans and specifications are met.
Architects working for small firms are usually not involved in large-scale projects. They are more likely to work on individual commercial or industrial structures, apartment buildings, residences, or additions to existing buildings. In these firms, one Architect is likely to perform several functions such as acting in the capacity of designer, drafter, estimator and construction overseer, as well as communicating directly with clients and building contractors.
Most Architects now use computers and computer aided design (CAD) as basic tools to create and modify structural designs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Architects do much of their work at computers and drawing boards. They may also spend time in the field consulting with clients and other professionals, making presentations to city planning departments, securing permits and investigating site conditions. During construction, they deal with contractors and subcontractors, making frequent trips to building sites. They often climb ladders to inspect work in progress.
Many Architects belong to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which maintains 21 local chapters in California.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 9,460 Estimated number of workers in 2005 12,520 Estimated new jobs 1990 - 2005 3,060 Projected Growth Percentage 32% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,920
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Self-employed Architects are not counted in these figures. The State Board of Architectural Examiners reports that approximately 20,000 Architects are currently licensed. Based on the above data, about half of them are working for themselves.
Employment opportunities for Architects are cyclical and depend upon building and housing starts. According to the UCLA Business Forecast, residential building permits and the value of nonresidential construction will both increase sharply in 1995 as California pulls out of a steep recessionary decline. In the following years, they forecast a general upward trend through 2003. However, it will take another decade just to reach the average levels of construction activity of the 1980s. Competition for entry-level jobs will be stiff throughout this time period.
Some intermediate and senior-level positions are vacated each year as experienced architects leave salaried employment to establish their own practices. As a result, Architects who have four to seven years of experience and the ability to step into intermediate or senior designer or project director positions are likely to find work more easily.
Several fields of architecture are expected to gain in prominence and provide job opportunities over the next several years: interior architecture and space planning, building renovation and restoration, and low-cost, multiple-family housing design.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries vary somewhat between geographical areas and kind of employer. Junior Architects earn an average of $23,840 annually. The average annual earnings for experienced Architects is $42,480 to $48,220. Project designers earn an average annual salary of $54,000.
State salaries for Assistant Architects earn a monthly salary that starts at $2,652 and tops at $3,609. Associates earn a range of $3,577 D $4,347 monthly. Design Architects have a monthly range of $2,868 D $3,988, and the range for the Senior-level is $4,248 D $5,163. Architects employed by the federal government are paid a GS-5 to GS-15 range which starts at $17,686 annually. They advance through regular steps to an average salary of $47,400 annually. A few earn the top GS-15 salary of $83,502 per year.
Self-employed Architects set their fees based on several conditions such as overhead expenses and competition from others. Architects just starting out may barely meet expenses. On the other hand, those who are famous in their field may earn $250,000 or more a year.
Most Architects work a normal 40 hour week, Monday through Friday. Benefits usually include paid vacation and sick leave; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and retirement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Architects must be licensed by the California Board of Architectural Examiners. Except for small projects, plans and drawings must bear the seal of a licensed Architect. Architects who are responsible for the approval of projects plans and drawings must also be licensed.
The Board requires a combination of eight years of education and experience. Education credit is obtained by completing either the five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.ARCH) or the six-year Master of Architecture (M.ARCH) degree at an accredited school. Contact the Board for a list of accredited schools in California.
High school students should take advanced mathematics and physics, with elective courses in drafting, mechanical drawing and computer science.
Some community colleges offer an associate degree in architecture.
ADVANCEMENT
Typical lines of advancement are from junior to intermediate drafter/designer, to job captain or senior designer and then to project director. Some Senior Architects prefer to stay in creative design work and find personal and professional satisfaction in the increasing responsibility of designing major projects. In addition, many Architects choose to become self-employed, establishing their own practices after they have gained senior-level experience.
FINDING THE JOB
Architects typically enter the job market as junior drafter/designers. Employers prefer new hires with outstanding drafting and drawing abilities and experience gained through internships, even though candidates may have a M.ARCH degree.
Job seekers need a well-organized portfolio with examples of recent work for job interviews. Practical knowledge of building materials and construction methods is also an asset to the beginning Architect. Some employers recommend that students gain a year of on-site construction experience during summer vacations, or after graduation, before seeking work as an Architect.
Job seekers should use all possible resources to obtain employment. These include faculty references, school placement offices, direct applications to employers, network through professional organizations such as the AIA, newspaper ads and notices in trade and professional journals. They may also contact the California Employment Development Department Job Services for entry-level drafting positions.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Institute of Architects California Council, American Institute of Architects 1303 J Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 448-9082
(The California Council of the AIA tracks legislation and maintains relations with government agencies that regulate architectural and construction codes.)
California Board of Architectural Examiners 400 R Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-3393
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Urban Planners No. 175 Landscape Architects No. 216 Drafting Occupations No. 338
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Architect 001.061-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Architects 223020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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