Architecture

There are several variables to consider when choosing a career path. One must take into account the nature of the work, duties of the job, education level, and salary of the position they are considering. This is to ensure that you will be satisfied with your chosen occupation. The career that I feel suits me is that of an architect.

Architects design buildings and various other structures, mostly using a computer to create their designs. They ensure the structures are safe, useful, and cost effective. They create plans for all parts of a building and decide which materials are best to use. Duties of an architect include:

„X Consult with client to determine functional and spatial requirements of the structure

„X Integrate engineering element into unified design

„X Prepare scale drawings

„X Administer construction contracts

„X Represent client in obtaining bids and awarding construction contracts

„X Prepare contract documents for building contractors

People need places in which to work, play, live, learn, worship, etc. Architects transform these needs into concepts, later developing the concepts into building images and plans to be constructed by others. Some architects specialize in the design of one type of building, i.e. schools, housing, hospitals. Others focus on pre design services or construction management, and do minimal design work. They often work with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, and landscape architects.

Williams, K. 2

Like architects, construction managers also engage in the planning and coordinating of activities concerned with construction and maintenance of buildings and facilities. Others who engage in similar work are landscape architects, civil engineers, urban and regional planners, and industrial designers. Architects usually work in a comfortable environment. Most of their time is spent in offices consulting with clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers. Occasionally architects may be under a great deal of stress, working nights and weekends to meet deadlines.

Studying to become an architect includes an internship along with your