In 2009, a 13-story apartment building
in Shanghai toppled over while it was being built--because, experts
believe, of shoddy construction practices. In 2004, a section of the
Charles de Gaulle Airport terminal in Paris collapsed, most likely
because of a problem with its architectural design. Perhaps even more
famously--or infamously--the 5,939-foot Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed
only four months after its construction in 1940 during a period of
strong winds.
While these kinds of architectural disasters are rare, they remind us of the tremendous skill it takes to design the buildings and structures we depend upon. And the people who wield that skill are architects.
Building blocks of architecture
Architects rank high when it comes to happiness with their jobs, according to a 2007 study by the University of Chicago. Why? Because architecture offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity and practicality, especially for those who are advanced enough in the profession to have a high degree of responsibility and freedom.
This combination of factors is what lures many into the field. Architecture can be simple and unassuming, or breathtakingly creative and beautiful; just consider the work of such famous architects as Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. But an architect's work also needs to be based in sound principles of physics and engineering, as these collapses remind us.
These two aspects come into play in the design of nearly any building, whether a home, commercial building, school, hospital, or even sewage treatment plant. In fact, a New York City-based architect won a coveted award in 2007 for his highly creative but functional design of a sanitation garage.
While most architects don't aspire to work in sanitation, the example points to the many specializations the field offers. Some architects specialize in residential design with an emphasis on green building. Others focus on high-profile commercial buildings, designing visually arresting urban structures. Regardless of the specialization, architects often work with engineers and builders as part of a team, and may spend a great deal of time coordinating with other members of a building project.
Licensed to design
When the Roman Emperor Vespasian was shopping around for an architect to oversee construction of the Coliseum around 72 AD, he most likely wasn't checking to see whether candidates had fulfilled their licensing requirements. In the modern era, however, the title of "architect" is regulated much like that of a medical doctor, and it is illegal to refer to yourself as an architect without possessing a license.
In order to obtain a license, students must obtain a degree through a program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, or NAAB. These programs provide the educational requirements necessary to take the Architectural Registration Exam, and are offered at a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Before a license is issued, an architect must also have practical experience working in the field--usually for a minimum of three years. This experience is typically acquired through an internship.
Architecture school: Online options
Online architecture schools don't yet offer complete degrees that lead to licensure. However, there are several educational options available to future and current architects through architecture schools online.
First, some students enter the profession by obtaining an associate degree in a related field, such as drafting. These degrees are widely available through architecture school online. Online architecture school programs that are accredited by the NAAB can count toward your professional architecture degree down the road.
Second, some online architecture school classes are geared toward students wanting to explore the field of architecture without making a commitment to a professional program. These online architecture courses teach basic principles of architecture and introduce students to the profession.
Third, the American Institute of Architects, or AIA, approves a number of online architecture school courses that meet continuing education requirements for licensed architects.
Designed to succeed
The construction industry was hit hard by the recent economic downturn, and architects weren't immune to the effects. However, according to the AIA, in November 2010, the Architecture Billings Index reached its highest level since November 2007--representing an increase in the demand for design services and a signal that architecture is on the rebound. In the start of 2011, those numbers dropped slightly, but still stayed in the range of the November 2010 level.
Over the long term, employment opportunities for architects are projected to be excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the national average of 10 percent.
Salaries can also be lucrative. As of May 2010, the mean annual wage for architects was $78,530, with the top ten percent earning $119,500.
Building your future as an architect
Architects earn their titles--through rigorous schooling, practical experience, and ongoing education. But if you have the ambition--and the skills--it is a profession well worth the effort.
While these kinds of architectural disasters are rare, they remind us of the tremendous skill it takes to design the buildings and structures we depend upon. And the people who wield that skill are architects.
Building blocks of architecture
Architects rank high when it comes to happiness with their jobs, according to a 2007 study by the University of Chicago. Why? Because architecture offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity and practicality, especially for those who are advanced enough in the profession to have a high degree of responsibility and freedom.
This combination of factors is what lures many into the field. Architecture can be simple and unassuming, or breathtakingly creative and beautiful; just consider the work of such famous architects as Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. But an architect's work also needs to be based in sound principles of physics and engineering, as these collapses remind us.
These two aspects come into play in the design of nearly any building, whether a home, commercial building, school, hospital, or even sewage treatment plant. In fact, a New York City-based architect won a coveted award in 2007 for his highly creative but functional design of a sanitation garage.
While most architects don't aspire to work in sanitation, the example points to the many specializations the field offers. Some architects specialize in residential design with an emphasis on green building. Others focus on high-profile commercial buildings, designing visually arresting urban structures. Regardless of the specialization, architects often work with engineers and builders as part of a team, and may spend a great deal of time coordinating with other members of a building project.
Licensed to design
When the Roman Emperor Vespasian was shopping around for an architect to oversee construction of the Coliseum around 72 AD, he most likely wasn't checking to see whether candidates had fulfilled their licensing requirements. In the modern era, however, the title of "architect" is regulated much like that of a medical doctor, and it is illegal to refer to yourself as an architect without possessing a license.
In order to obtain a license, students must obtain a degree through a program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, or NAAB. These programs provide the educational requirements necessary to take the Architectural Registration Exam, and are offered at a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Before a license is issued, an architect must also have practical experience working in the field--usually for a minimum of three years. This experience is typically acquired through an internship.
Architecture school: Online options
Online architecture schools don't yet offer complete degrees that lead to licensure. However, there are several educational options available to future and current architects through architecture schools online.
First, some students enter the profession by obtaining an associate degree in a related field, such as drafting. These degrees are widely available through architecture school online. Online architecture school programs that are accredited by the NAAB can count toward your professional architecture degree down the road.
Second, some online architecture school classes are geared toward students wanting to explore the field of architecture without making a commitment to a professional program. These online architecture courses teach basic principles of architecture and introduce students to the profession.
Third, the American Institute of Architects, or AIA, approves a number of online architecture school courses that meet continuing education requirements for licensed architects.
Designed to succeed
The construction industry was hit hard by the recent economic downturn, and architects weren't immune to the effects. However, according to the AIA, in November 2010, the Architecture Billings Index reached its highest level since November 2007--representing an increase in the demand for design services and a signal that architecture is on the rebound. In the start of 2011, those numbers dropped slightly, but still stayed in the range of the November 2010 level.
Over the long term, employment opportunities for architects are projected to be excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the national average of 10 percent.
Salaries can also be lucrative. As of May 2010, the mean annual wage for architects was $78,530, with the top ten percent earning $119,500.
Building your future as an architect
Architects earn their titles--through rigorous schooling, practical experience, and ongoing education. But if you have the ambition--and the skills--it is a profession well worth the effort.
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