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Architect Job Description
Architect job description: roles and responsibilities from brief to site visits, design and BIM skills, and licence requirements (NAAB, AXP, ARE).
The role in brief
An architect plans and designs buildings and other structures, and sees them through construction. They agree objectives, requirements and budget with the client, develop the design, prepare the drawings and specifications contractors build from, make sure the design meets building codes, zoning, fire and accessibility rules, help the client choose a contractor, and visit the site to check the work follows the design. They coordinate engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and drafters along the way. In the US every state and DC requires architects to be licensed; the usual path is an accredited degree, a paid experience programme (generally about three years) and the Architect Registration Examination. This page covers building architects; for cloud or software roles see the cloud architect and solutions architect job descriptions.
- Meet clients to set the project brief, requirements and budget, and give early estimates of cost and construction time
- Develop concept, schematic and detailed designs, presenting options to the client with drawings, models and visualisations
- Prepare construction documents and specifications, coordinating structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings from consultants
- Check designs against building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations and accessibility requirements, and prepare permit submissions
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Applying for a role like this? Practise the assessment free →Responsibilities
- Meet clients to set the project brief, requirements and budget, and give early estimates of cost and construction time
- Develop concept, schematic and detailed designs, presenting options to the client with drawings, models and visualisations
- Prepare construction documents and specifications, coordinating structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings from consultants
- Check designs against building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations and accessibility requirements, and prepare permit submissions
- Lead and review the work of junior architects, architectural staff and drafters, and seal documents where licensed to do so
- Help the client obtain bids, select a contractor and negotiate the construction contract
- Administer the construction contract: answer contractor queries, review submittals and change orders, and visit the site to check work follows the design, schedule, materials and quality standards
- Track project budget, fees, schedule and records of cost, materials and progress
- Coordinate with civil and structural engineers, planners, interior designers and landscape architects throughout the project
- Contribute to winning new work through proposals, presentations and client relationships
Required skills
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Nice to have
Qualifications
- 1Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch., M.Arch. or D.Arch.) from a NAAB-accredited programme; many states require an accredited degree for licensure
- 2Active architecture licence in the state(s) where the role will practise, or for an intern or architectural designer role, progress towards licensure (experience programme and Architect Registration Examination)
- 3Experience recorded through NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or equivalent, for candidates on the path to licensure
- 4Several years of post-degree experience for a project architect role, more for project lead
- 5Continuing education to keep the licence current, as your state requires
- 6In India, registration with the Council of Architecture to use the title "architect"
Work environment
Work environment
Career growth
Unlicensed graduates usually start as architectural designers or interns, gaining the experience needed for the exam. Licensed architects progress to project architect, project manager and associate or principal, often owning client relationships and the business side. Some move into architectural and engineering management, specialise (healthcare, sustainability, conservation), or start their own practice.
Common questions
What are the roles and responsibilities of an architect?
An architect sets the project brief and budget with the client, designs the building, prepares construction drawings and specifications, makes sure the design meets codes, zoning, fire and accessibility rules, helps the client choose a contractor, and checks construction on site against the design. On larger projects they also coordinate engineers and other consultants and manage fees and schedule.
Does an architect need a licence?
Yes, to practise and use the title. All US states and the District of Columbia require architects to be licensed, and most require continuing education to keep the licence. The usual path is an accredited degree, paid experience (NCARB's Architectural Experience Program, generally about three years) and the Architect Registration Examination, developed by NCARB. Rules differ by state, so check the board where the person will practise. In India, the Architects Act 1972 restricts the title "architect" to people registered with the Council of Architecture.
Can you hire an unlicensed architecture graduate?
Yes, under a different title such as architectural designer or architectural intern, working under the supervision of a licensed architect who reviews and seals the drawings. Many states restrict use of the word "architect" to licensed people, so do not put it in the job title for an unlicensed role.
What is the difference between an architect and a cloud or solutions architect?
An architect designs buildings and is a licensed profession. Cloud architects and solutions architects design software and IT systems; the title is borrowed and needs no architecture licence. If you are hiring for technology, see the cloud architect or solutions architect job descriptions instead.
How do you screen architect applicants?
Verify the licence with the state board, then go through the portfolio with the candidate and ask what they personally did on each project: concept, documents, coordination or construction administration. A short work sample shows judgement better than polished renders, for example marking up a set of drawings with code or coordination issues, or responding to a contractor's request for information on a detail.
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