Architect

Job Description

Architects conceptualize, plan, and create designs for the construction and renovation of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. 

WHAT WOULD I DO?

Architects engage in various tasks and responsibilities throughout the day, some of which may include:

• Consulting with clients on the purpose, type, and style of renovations or new building construction being considered
• Conceptualizing and creating building plans that describe design specifications, building cost, materials, and construction schedules
• Preparing sketches and blueprints
• Preparing or supervise the preparation of construction documents  for use by contractors and tradespersons
• Creating bidding documents, engage in contract negotiations, and award  construction contracts
• Visiting job site to monitor activities on construction sites and ensure compliance with specifications

AM I SUITED FOR THIS JOB?

Key skills required for architects are:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organized
• Creative
• Proficient in design software
• Able to promote and sell services
• Analytical

THE ENVIRONMENT/TYPICAL DAY

A typical day begins with reviewing upcoming projects in the office. This requires understanding the particulars of a client, the complexities of the project, its deadlines, and the deliverables. In this process, the architect will also determine which project is most urgent and distribute their attention from the most urgent or impending project to the least. 

Much of the day is likely to be spent on the computer, emailing clients and consultants. Architects will also spend large periods of time creating and developing designs and construction documents, making revisions to design models, and reviewing structural models. 

They may also have meetings with other members of their team, to discuss ongoing projects and work collaboratively to execute their objective. Architecture projects require a team, therefore collaboration is a common-place activity on the day-to-day for architects. 

Sometime during the day, or at least once during the week where a project calls for it, an architect will conduct a site visit to see their drawings executed. They will tour the location to understand the process, equipment, space, and even time required to make their plans viable.

Ultimately though, a “typical” day for an architect does not exist  as every day will be varied. As it is a project-based career, architects are always working on multiple things, and juggling new issues. The lack of routine means your days are always varied and offering something new. 

Working hours for architects can vary significantly. For some, they may work 7 to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Others may work 12-hour days, and weekends. Self-employed architects will have varied hours based on the amount of business they have. 

WHAT ARE THE WAGES AND BENEFITS?

According to Job Bank, the median wage for architects across Canada is $38.46. On average, the low rate is $24.00/hour and the high rate is $60.44/hour. 

WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK IN CANADA?

Over the period of 2022 to 2031, according to the Canadian Occupational Projections System, new job openings are expected to total 5,400 while there will be 5,700 new job seekers.

According to Job Bank, over the next 3 years, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan will have very good job opportunities. British Columbia will have good opportunities. Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia will only have moderate opportunities. 

Architects have access to a variety of benefits depending on the perks offered by their workplace. All architects who are members of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) are provided with various benefits including home and auto insurance, professional liability insurance, travel perks, online stores and other savings. 

HOW DO I BECOME AN ARCHITECT?

To become a licensed architect, you must have: 

• Education: 
• You could complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture. There are 12  accredited schools of architecture who have been approved by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board
• Alternatively, you could participate in the apprenticeship offered through the RAIC  Syllabus Program
• Experience: To obtain experience, you must complete the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP). This program is offered by the associations of architects in each province and its requirements are specific to the particular jurisdiction. If accepted into the program, you must have a “Supervisor”, a licensed architect at your place of employment who is responsible for supervising your progress. You must also have a “Mentor”, a licensed architect who will act as external support and help to guide your work over a period of time and according to the rules of the IAP. Both your Supervisor and Mentor need to review and sign off on your Canadian Experience Record Book for you to complete the program. Interns or Intern architects usually complete the IAP in 3 to 4 years. 
• A passing grade on Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC): The ExAC is a four-section exam to test the minimum standards of competency of an intern after completing the Internship in Architecture Program. In all provinces, passing the ExAC is one of the final steps to become a licensed architect. 

Architects in Canada are licensed at the provincial or territorial level. Some provincial or territorial associations may have requirements in addition to the above before licensing or registration. 

WHERE WOULD I WORK?

Architects work in architectural firms, private corporations, or with the government. Some architects are self-employed, opening up their own architectural firm. 

HOW DO I FIND A JOB?

Search through the industry-specific online job board of the RAIC. 

Look for jobs in general online job boards such as  Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and Careerjet. 

Rely on your career office while in school to learn about prospective jobs that may not be as evident on the public domain. 

APPLYING FOR A JOB

To put yourself in the best position to land a job as an architect, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Create a portfolio of your past projects to demonstrate your skills. Your portfolio must visually represent how you think through a design problem and your process. Present your portfolio in a digital spread format that can be emailed but also create a page printable version. 
• Edit your resume to align with the requirements of your prospective employer to increase your chances of securing an interview. Your resume should be clear, concise, and with no grammatical errors. 
• As noted earlier, your career office is a key tool to lean on in the job search process. They can assist with interview preparation, career-building strategies, networking opportunities, and advice on marketing yourself effectively to prospective architecture and design firms
• Prepare for the interview. Research the firm or organization you are interviewing with and practice answering interview questions. Your portfolio and resume may get you the interview, but a successful job placement depends on how well you can communicate your skills, abilities, and values. Practice helps with that ease of communication. 

WHERE CAN THIS JOB LEAD?

There is a lot of room for growth as an architect. As licensed architects gain more experience, they can move up to senior/architect or designer. They can then become project managers, department heads, and later, the director or a partner architect with equity in the architectural firm.  

Despite these career opportunities, some may wish to pursue alternative careers right from graduation or after several years in the field of architecture. The education to become an architect equips one with many transferable skills, making such career pivots achievable. Some alternative careers for architects are:

• Graphic designer: Graphic designers use a combination of artistic and digital tools to create visual graphics such as logos, images, layouts, and illustrations. They work with clients to meet their needs for the visual aspects of websites, products, books, magazines, promotional materials and more. 
• Interior designer: Interior designers create aesthetically pleasing and functional indoor spaces. They develop an understanding of the spatial composition of the space they are designing, select decorative items, determine materials for construction, and manage the color and lighting selection. Similar to architects, interior designers often handle building inspections and read blueprints. 
• Urban planner: Urban planners work with stakeholders such as public officials and developers to create plans for public land use within cities. They conduct market research, gather data, perform analyses, and examine environmental impact studies to guide their plans.
• Sustainability consultant: Sustainability consultants work with organizational leaders and stakeholders to assist them in creating eco-friendly processes and environmentally sustainable policies within their operations. These consultants help organizations to reduce their environmental footprint by designing proper waste disposal policies and maintaining energy efficiency.