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Architects

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 usually 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 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 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 1993            7,620
Estimated number of workers in 2005            10,310
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        35%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   2,090

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.) 

The State Board of Architectural Examiners reports that there are about
20,000 Architects currently licensed in California.  About one-half of all
licensed Architects are self-employed.

Employment opportunities for Architects depend on building and housing
starts.  Residential building permits and the value of nonresidential
construction will both increase through 2003.  Competition for entry-level
jobs will be keen 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

The average salary in 1997 for all Architects in California is about $4,000
per month.  Salaries vary somewhat between geographical areas and kind of
employer.  Junior Architects earn an average of $2,875 per month.  The
average monthly earnings for experienced Architects is $3,950.  Project
designers earn an average monthly salary of $4,500.  

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 - $4,347
monthly.  Design Architects have a monthly range of $2,868 - $3,988, and the
range for the Senior-level is $4,248 - $5,163.  Architects employed by the
federal government may start at the GS-5 level, which starts at $1,627 per
month.  A few earn the top GS-15 salary of $7,680 per month.  

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 well known 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 have a year of on-site construction experience
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
http://www.aia.org

California Board of Architectural Examiners
400 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-3393
http://www.cbae.cahwnet.gov/

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., 1991)
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.