Number of Jobs

18,600

Median Salary

$74,110

Unemployment Rate

4.7 percent

Jordan Goldstein, managing director and principal of one of the world's top architectural firms, Gensler, became an architect at age 5. At the time, his parents were house hunting, and they'd bring him along to see the different options. After the visits, Goldstein would return to his Legos he had buckets of them and recreate what he had seen. "Ever since that point, I was looking for the quickest path to becoming an architect and building things," he writes in an email.

Architects are perhaps a rare blend of creativity and practicality. They are artists with grounding in reality. After all, most Lego lovers will tell you that a firm foundation is a necessary component in making a soaring skyscraper. Architects use their skills in design, engineering, managing and coordinating to create aesthetically pleasing and safe buildings that serve a purpose. They're artists, but instead of a canvas, they have cities, parks, college campuses and more to display their work. And their masterpieces are the shops, libraries, office buildings and grocery stores we frequent all the time. Architects are involved at each step of a project, from the initial planning sessions to the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

One of the biggest advances in the architecture field is digital design and building information modeling, Goldstein writes. "3D models are now layered with information and the models themselves are actually databases on the design that can be utilized for construction, facility management, and energy management," he explains. "With the growing usage of digital printing, architects are quickly able to study the 3D implications of design ideas and mature the project. The understanding of computational design is allowing architects to move right from design to fabrication, leaping over the more conventional aspects of the design process and expedite construction."

The economy is recovering, which is good news for everyone, but it's especially good for architects, who took a beating between 2009 and 2011. Job losses have leveled off considerably, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted 17.3 percent employment growth between 2012 and 2022. Combine these projections with a low unemployment rate, just 4.7 percent, and the job outlook for architects appears to be very solid.

The BLS reports the median annual wage for architects is up slightly from $73,090 in 2012 to $74,110 in 2013. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made approximately $119,370, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $44,930. The metropolitan areas of Bridgeport, Connecticut; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Santa Cruz, California, pay their architects the best.

To practice in most states, architects will need to graduate from one of the 123 schools of architecture that are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Students can enroll in a five-year Bachelor of Architecture program. Alternatively, if they have an undergraduate degree in a different field, they can get a master's degree that can take anywhere from one to five years to complete. Upon graduation, students must complete a training period or internship, which typically takes three or more years to complete. Only after the training period is complete are they eligible to sit for the Architect Registration Exam. After passing this exam, architects will have to obtain a state-specific license. And to keep licensure in most states, architects will have to keep up with continuing education standards.

After graduating from school, architects are required to undergo a several-year training period or internship. Many times, these internships can lead to jobs or at the very least, networking opportunities. Once their foot is in the door, architects need to show employers that they're team players. "Architecture is not a solo art and is instead a collaborative profession that benefits from diverse points of view," Goldstein writes. "At Gensler, the collaborative approach to design is integral to everything we do." Architects looking to impress employers should also showcase their communication skills, since architects will be conversing with clients and colleagues on a regular basis.

How much do architects make in your city?

Last updated by Emily H. Bratcher.

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Architecture for London transformed this flat in Barnsbury, North London, into a glorious one-bed apartment with an impressive high-spec finish

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AFL combine bold, innovative artistic talent with strong practical considerations in their approach. Truly a fantastic team of architects

- Wecca Ltd, Westminster

Rising stars reveal Londonhouse extension:Architecture for London has won planning for thishouse extension andrefurbishment in Dartmouth Park. The practice wasrecently shortlisted for anAJ Retrofit Award

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Local experience

Our architects are familiar with the complexities of London projects,with sensitive properties and sites with neighbours in close proximity.We understand the requirements of each local authority.

RIBA Chartered Architects

We are an RIBA chartered architecture practice. We aim to maximise the potential of your property or site and can manage the complete process.

Outstanding design

Our architects combine beautifulspaces, materials and natural light to create inspirational spacestailored to your requirements.

Book an initial design session to proceed

Contact us on020 3637 4236to arrange an initial design session with an architect. During this initial meeting we will help to define your brief andanswer any questions you may have in relation to budget, programme or consents required.We can thenproduce some initial sketch plan options for discussion.

Following the design session your architect will send through the sketch options discussed and a detailed programme that illustrates the duration of each stage from outline design to completion on site. We will also send a fee proposal for architectural services and a recommended way forward for the project.

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All of the original members of Architects were intently involved with the Brighton music scene due them all growing up in the surrounding areas. They cross several genres with their technical music, the primary influences have been noted as ranging through artists from hardcore punk and heavy metal music with Meshuggah, Converge, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Gojira and Thrice all noted as influencers. Sam Carter who was a drummer and studied drums at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music before joining Architects, had performed in multiple local bands, one of which had the opportunity of supporting Enter Shikari. Architects was born in 2004 when Drummer Dan Searle and his twin brother Guitarist Tom Searle began the project under the name Counting Days, until the addition of Matt Johnson, guitarist Tim Hillier-Brook and Tim Lucas on bass guitar continued as Architects.

After the release of their debut album Nightmares in May of 2006, the band were offered the opportunity to tour with several prolific artists including Beecher and Bring Me The Horizon, yet due to the age of the members at the time they had to book several weeks off college in order to continue their touring schedule. After their first album, Architects sound was forced to change dramatically due to the departure of lead vocalist Matt Johnson He was replaced by local musician Sam Carter who had been described by Searle as an 'easy choice'. After their next album 'Ruin' which took them on large headline tours in both the UK and the US they revealed they had been signed to Century Media Records for a three album deal. The first release was 'Hollow Crown' which made the first dent on the UK charts, placing it at #117 and was promoted with the band completing a 19 date headline tour of the United Kingdom before supporting Parkway Drive in Australia.

Their next album 'The Here and Now' was released in 2010 and saw the band's sound following a more commercial direction, with sales figures reflecting this as they charted at #57 in the UK, a substantial gain compared to its predecessor. Critics enjoyed the album, but fans were not impressed with the departure from the heavier, more technical sound they had first been attracted to. They slowly began to remedy this with their next releases, returning to the music they were first inspired to make, the outcomes were greatly rewarded as the 2014 release 'Lost Forever//Lost Together' saw them crack the top 20 of the UK and Australian album charts whilst making their first dent on the US billboard.

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Architects Overview

Almost three times the proportion for all occupations, 21 percent, of architects are self-employed. In order to obtain a license, architects must earn a professional degree in architecture, have at least 3 years of work, training and passing all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. Competition is keen for this career, especially for employment in the most prestigious firms.

Architects are responsible for designing the places that people need in order to live, play, work, learn, meet, worship, shop, meet and eat. All are licensed professionals trained in the science and art of designing buildings. It is their responsibility to develop concepts for structures and then go on to turn those concepts into plans and images.

In addition to the general look of the building, architects also must take into consideration factors that will make the building functional, secure and economical and fits the needs of the people who use them. They may be involved in all phases of a construction project. Their responsibilities require certain skills such as engineering, designing, supervising, managing and communicating with builders and clients. Persuasive skills are also helpful, as architects need to clearly communicate their visions.

With a client, the architect will discuss all requirements, objectives and budget of the projects. Sometimes, architects provide a variety of predesign services, including selecting a site, preparing cost analysis and land-use studies, specifying the requirements the design must meet and conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies.

After architects discuss and agree on a proposal, they develop the final construction plans that demonstrate details of construction and the buildings appearance. They also must complete drawings of structural systems, such as heating, air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing and communications systems. In some cases, the plans will include building materials and interior furnishings. Architects are required to follow zoning laws, building codes, fire regulations and various other ordinances, like requiring easy access for people who are disabled. Using the traditional paper and pencil for creating design and construction papers has been replaced by computer-aided designing and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) technology. Often, architects are required to make continual revisions based on the clients needs and budget constraints.

Sometimes, architects assist clients in hiring a construction crew and negotiating their contracts. They may visit building sites to ensure that contractors are following the design, using the specified materials, adhering to the schedule and performing quality work. The job is only complete when all construction is finished, construction costs are paid and mandatory tests are conducted.

Collaboration is a large aspect to this career, as a great deal of time is spent coordinating information with urban planners, engineers, landscape architects, interior designers and other professionals. Some specialize in one phase of work, while others specialize in designing one type of building, such as schools, housing or hospitals. Plan and predesign services or construction management are two other specializations.

Architects spend a lot of time in comfortable offices developing reports and drawings, communicating with clients and working with other architects and engineers. Travel is sometimes required in order to oversee the progress of a project. Approximately 1 in 5 architects work longer than 50 hours per week. Long hours and work during nights and weekends is necessary to meet deadlines.

In most states it is required that architects hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 117 schools of architecture with degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Graduation from a non-accredited program may be sufficient for entry-level jobs in some states.

Students with no architectural background can earn their professional degree through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program. Others decide to earn a masters degree after completing a bachelors degree in a different field. This can take as long as five years or as little as one year, depending on the extent of previous training in architecture.

Educational background and preference determine which type of degree to pursue. Those who are sure of their career choice should pursue the 5-year professional degree as this will allow them the fastest entrance into employment. Most programs include courses on building design with an emphasis on CADD, architectural history and theory, technology, structures, construction methods, math, physical sciences, professional practice and liberal arts.

Postprofessional degrees are also offered to those who already have a bachelors or masters in architecture or other areas. Continuing education beyond the professional degree in not mandatory, but it is encouraged in order to learn teaching, research or other specialties.

Graduates are required by all State registration boards to have at least three years of a training period before they are allowed to take a licensing exam. The Intern Development Program, a program of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the standard for State trainings. These standards require board training from under the supervision of a licensed architect. Completing an internship during school might count towards part of the three year training period.

Between graduation and licensure, graduates usually work in the field under the supervision of a license architect. In order to become licensed, a graduate must complete a period of practical training and pass all the divisions of the Architect Registration Examination.

Continuing education is also required in some states in order to keep a license. These requirements vary depending on the State, but often involve completing a certain number of credits biennially or annually through formal university classes, workshops, self-study courses, conferences or other sources.

Good communication is key to this career, as architects must communicate their vision to clients and builders. Artistic and drawing ability is helpful, but understanding spatial relationships and visual orientation are more important. Creativity and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are also essential qualities. In order to successfully use CADD programs, computer skills are also required.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offers architectural certification. Only after an independent verification of the applicants educational transcripts, professional references and employment record is certification awarded. A growing number of architects are pursing certification because it makes it easier to become licensed across States, as it is the primary requirement.

Advancement in this career may lead to more complex assignments or taking a managerial position. Eventually, some architects become partners in a firm. Still, 21 percent go on to establish their own practices.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, New York) 2. University of Illinois, Urbana, Champaign (Champaign, Illinois) 3. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, California) 4. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis, Minnesota) 5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Michigan) 6. Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas) 7. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, California) 8. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) 9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Pomona, California) 10. Arizona State University, Tempe (Tempe, Arizona) See All Architecture Schools

1. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division 2. Capella University - Online School 3. Savannah College of Art and Design

Employment for architects is projected to increase by 16 percent in the next decade, which is faster than average for all occupations. These openings will be due to a growing population in the Sunbelt States, the need for more healthcare facilities as baby boomers retire, as well as more educational facilities.

It has become common practice for architecture companies to outsource the drafting of construction documents for large-scale residential and commercial projects to architecture firms oversees. This continuing trend has a negative impact on employment growth for lower-level interns and architects who would normally be assigned to these projects.

Employment openings at architectural firms will also be due to workers who transfer to other careers or retire. Competition for entry-level positions is to be expected as a large number of students are graduating with an architectural degree. Internships and the ability to distinguish themselves from others with their creativity will help individuals gain employment.

The knowledge of green design, or sustainable design, is a growing demand. Concerns about the environment and rising energy costs have led more new buildings to be built green.

Emplyoment for architects is directly related to the activity of the construction industry. Employment is also location specific, as some parts of the country will not need new buildings or structures.

The median annual wage of wage-and-salary architects is $70,320. The highest 10 percent earn more than $119,220, while the lowest 10 percent earn less than $41,320. The middle 50 percent earn between $51,480 and $91,870. Architects beginning their internships should expect to earn significantly less.

While an architect is attempting to establish their own practice, they may go through a period when their expenses outweigh their income. Changing business conditions may cause the earnings of partners in established firms to fluctuate.

Often, firms will pay fees and tuition for employees who continue their education.

On average, Architects earn $72,700 per year.

10% 25% 75% 90% $42,320/yr $54,910/yr $93,620/yr $122,640/yr

On average, Architects earn $34.95 per hour.

10% 25% 75% 90% $20.34 $26.40 $45.01 $58.96

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Located in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, the 10 acre site contrasts between gently rolling fields that abruptly terminate in a 100-foot-high bluff that drops to the waters edge below.

Set in historic Greenwich Village, the residence is composed of two low buildings, originally one was a metal shop and the other a garage.

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White is the most wonderful color because within it you can see all the colors of the rainbow. The whiteness of white is never just white; it is almost always transformed by light and that which is changing; the sky, the clouds, the sun and the moon.

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