Careers in Architecture | Architect - Career Information - Career Planning | Building a career in architecture | Careers in Design & Architecture

Careers in Architecture Overview: Well, if you are the kind of person who is curious about your surroundings, then you might just be interested in learning how to improve them. As an architect you would have the power and the responsibility to shape the environments in which people spend their daily lives. This makes architecture one of the most influential professions in today's society. Architecture is an area of study and work which deals with designing and planning of buildings and structures. Before a building can be built, it needs to be designed. That design starts with an idea in the mind of an architect. An architect sketches, makes blueprint of the designs and then sees them come to reality as houses, skyscrapers and even monuments. Architects design the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures, but the design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures. Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, factories, hospitals, houses, and airport terminals, college campuses, industrial parks. In addition to planning and designing they may advise on the selection of building sites, prepare cost analysis and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for land development. The key to a successful architect is good planning and an understanding of what can and cannot be done given the environmental conditions, cost restrictions, and expectations of the clients. Area of Study : Landscape and Architecture: In landscape architecture, architect plan and design the outdoor environment .They are more concern with the exterior or appearance of the building and its surrounding. They decide exactly where each item should be planted or built. Their overall goal is to make sure public spaces are both beautiful and functional. Students of landscape architecture learn how to design and create landscapes using plants, trees, structures, and other natural and human-made elements. Architectural Engineering: Architectural engineering programmes combine architecture and engineering. Student learns about the links between design and construction. Students learn to use and evaluate building materials. They also learn about equipment and methods of construction. Urban Design and Planning: Students in this area of study learn to develop long- and short-term plans to use land for the growth and revitalization of urban, and rural communities. Students learn how they can best use of a community’s land and resources for residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational purposes. Studio Arts: Students in studio arts learn the skills and techniques they need to express themselves as visual artists. Islamic Architecture and Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture: Islamic architecture has encompassed a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam to the present day, influencing the design and construction of buildings and structures within the sphere of Islamic culture. Based at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture (AKPIA) is dedicated to the study of Islamic art and architecture, urbanism, landscape design, and conservation – and the application of that knowledge to contemporary design projects. The goals of the programme are to improve the teaching of Islamic art and architecture; to promote excellence in advanced research; to enhance the understanding of Islamic architecture, urbanism, and visual culture in light of contemporary theoretical, historical, critical, and developmental issues; and to promote knowledge of Islamic cultural heritage. Established in 1979, AKPIA is supported by an endowment from His Highness the Aga Khan. AKPIA at Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages a rich and collaborative exchange involving both schools. Through cross-registration, AKPIA students enrolled in one institution may take advantage of courses at the other. This cooperative arrangement, in which five professors teach in three departments within two prestigious educational institutions, both distinguishes the programme and enhances the overall experience for students. At Harvard University’s Department of History of Art and Architecture, doctoral candidates can pursue concentrations in Islamic art, architecture, urban studies, and architectural and urban history. The department offers programmes in the main aspects of the history of Western art, Islamic and Oriental art, African art, and in architectural history. A double major is offered with Islamic art as the major or minor field. Additionally, candidates enrolled in the Department of History of Art and Architecture can cross-register at the Centre for Middle Eastern Studies for a joint Ph D Programmes of instruction prepare students for teaching the history and theory of art at college level, for museum work, and for independent research and writing. The Harvard Design School (also known as the Graduate School of Design or GSD) offers master’s degree programmes in the departments of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning and design. The Aga Khan Professorship of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism in Muslim Societies provides leadership and greater focus to the GSD’s emerging intellectual, design interests in both historic and contemporary aspects of open-space, and built environments in Islamic societies. AKPIA at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers interested students a concentration in Islamic architecture and urbanism as part of the two-year Master of Science in Architectural Studies (SMArchS) degree. This programme prepares students for careers in research, design, and teaching. Topics covered in this curriculum include the interaction between architecture, history, and culture; the structure, form, and morphology of cities; historiography of Islamic architecture and urbanism; the critique of contemporary design in Islamic countries; and the development of theoretical and critical strategies for architectural and urban historic preservation. In addition, the programme sponsors a lecture series, travel grants, and a postdoctoral fellowship programme. Educational Institutions NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi (http://www.neduet.edu.pk) Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years Master in Urban and Regional Planning - 2 years Indus valley school of Art and Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Karachi http://www.indusvalley.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years University of Karachi, Department of Visual Arts, Karachi http://www.ku.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Art and Planning,  Jamshoro http://www.muet.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years Bachelor of City and Regional Planning - 4 years Dawood College of Engineering and Technology, Karachi Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years Faculty of Art and Planning, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore http://www.uet.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years BSc of City and Regional Planning - 4 years Master in Architecture (B.Arch) – 1-2 years MSc of City and Regional Planning - 1-2 years M Phil and Ph D (Research only) National College of Arts, Department of Architecture, Lahore http://www.nca.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years University of the Punjab , College of Art and Design , Lahore http://www.pu.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years University of Peshawar, Department of Geography and  Urban and Regional Planning, Peshawar http://www.upesh.edu.pk MSc in Urban and Regional Planning – 2 year COMSATs Institute of Information Technology http://www.ciit.edu.pk Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – 5 years  Working Condition: Architects generally work in a comfortable environment. Most of their time is spent in offices advising clients, developing reports and drawings, and working with other architects and engineers. However, they also often work at construction sites reviewing the progress of projects. They may also require working long hours and may experience a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines and design standards. They interact with clients and other professionals, and may be required to supervise groups of workers. Potential Employer: City, provincial or federal government Architectural Firms Engineering consulting firm Construction companies / Property developers Academic institutions Career Prospects: Architectural Engineers Urban Planner Industrial Designer Interior Designer Landscape Architect Design Engineer       Set Designer Creative Designer     Professor Go to Back / Go to Next / Go to Main