Architecture is the combination of art and science used in the designing and construction of buildings and structures. Students that apply for architecture are both science and art enthusiasts. The architectural course itself requires a combination of mathematical experience and artistic ability.

What general people know about architects is that architects are individuals that design buildings. But the architectural course has many variations. An architect can play many other major roles rather than just designing. Planning, Budgeting, dealing with contractors, abiding by the compliances with regards to health and safety is included within the course of Architecture.

 

Who is an Architect?

An architect is a person who not only plans and designs, but also oversees the construction of a building or a structure. The duties of an architect may be different for every building or construction site. While designing a structure, it is the responsibility of an architect to keep in mind some vital aspects like public safety. Thus, getting appropriate education about the profession and also gaining practical experience before being a license holder is essential for an architect. Formal education courses related to architecture must be pursued by an individual before practicing as an architect.

 

How can you become an Architect?

There are various courses available in India that can introduce you to the field of architecture. Here is the list of courses and their eligibility

For Bachelors in Architecture:

1. A candidate applying for this course must have 50% aggregate marks in their board exams. He/ She must have completed their 12th with Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects.
2. If you have completed three years of diploma after your 10th then you can apply for B.Des.
3. Most of the colleges that offer this course need you to clear architecture entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced and NATA.

For PG and Doctoral Courses:

1. You must have completed your Bachelor in Architecture.
2. It is necessary for you to also crack entrance exams like GATE and CEED.

For Diploma Courses:

1. You can apply for an engineering diploma course right after your 10th grade
2. It is necessary for you to have a minimum qualification of 10+2 to apply for other diploma courses.

Career Options in Architecture:

The field of Architecture is progressing day by day. Architecture is not limited to only designing buildings and structures. There are many other unknown career options in Architecture that you should think of before pursuing architecture.

Top Careers in Architecture

1. Interior Architecture

Interior architects specialize in designing and building interiors for safety, functionality and aesthetics. It is important to not only understand the durability and strength of building materials but also be skilled in the use of light, color and textures in a space.

Work Prospects: Freshers can earn an average salary of Rs. 5.7 lacs p.a.

Recruiters: D Decor Exports, Godrej Properties, Oberoi Realty, Unitech, etc.

2. Landscaping

A landscape designer creates attractive & functional outdoor spaces for homeowners, businesses, schools and other organizations. Like the job of an architect who builds houses, a Landscape Designer’s job is all about planning. They plan where trees, walkways, and water should go, what type of plants should be planted, etc.

Work Prospects: Freshers can earn an average salary of Rs. 5.7 lacs p.a.

Recruiters: WEBE Design Labs, Green Valley Landscape, Four Leaf Landscaping, Greenstar Landscape, etc.

3. Green Architecture

Green architecture is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment. The “green” architect attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices.

Work Prospects: Freshers can earn an average salary of Rs. 5.7 lacs p.a.

Recruiters: Made in Earth, Space Design Consultants, Dustudio, Mozaic, etc.

4. Exhibition Space Design

Exhibition designers are responsible for the design and layout of public, trade, and industry exhibitions, museum displays, galleries and local businesses.

Work Prospects: One can work with Interior Design Firms, in-house design teams of museums, Event Management Companies, etc. Freshers can earn an average salary of Rs. 4.5 lacs p.a.

Recruiters: CS Direkt Events & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, Black Pepper India, Designing Labs, XOX Design, etc.

Also Read: Top Architecture Colleges in India

Emerging Careers in Architecture

• Cartography

A cartographer is an individual that produces maps using science, technology and art together. If you are fond of geography, then cartography is a career you would love to explore.

• Environmental Planning

As an environmental planner, you will have the opportunity to know more about natural resources and the risks to the environment. You will be responsible for making plans for land use in urban and rural areas while keeping in mind key aspects like social, economic and environmental issues.

• Restoration Architect

We understand the culture the best through our heritage and history. You as a restoration architect will have the duty of restoring pieces of history and finding solutions to keep them in their best shape always.

• Set Designing

A set designer is a person in charge of creating and designing sets for films, televisions and theatre. Big budget movies these days depend a lot on the set designs.

• Urban Planning

The percentage of people moving to urban areas for living purposes is increasing rapidly every year. For more people, more space needs to be created in urban areas. As an urban planner, you will be covering changes that can cause sustainable development and solve problems on a large scale.

• Research Architect

With the current wave of digital design and the constant advancement of digital tools, our methods of representation and expression are changing dramatically. Information technology has had a profound impact on architecture that is far from over. These constant improvements are in part made possible by the exciting research being done by architects, not necessarily consisting of designing buildings, but focusing more on how these new tools can enhance our work.

• Conservation-Restoration

A conservator-restorer is a professional responsible for the preservation of artistic and cultural artifacts. Conservators possess the expertise to preserve cultural heritage in a way that retains the integrity of the building or site, including its historical significance & aesthetic. Conservators tend to specialize in areas like archaeology, furniture and wood, historic interiors, metals, stone and wall paintings etc.

• Lighting Architect

Light has a profound impact on our mental and physical health, as anyone living at high latitudes can empathize with it. Delving into the architecture of lighting entails improving the quality of our experiences, our health and well-being, and the sustainability of not only the natural environment but also smaller spaces such as our work environments.

If you are planning to be an architect, you should start preparing for entrance exams. SILICA offers the best coaching for you to crack various architectural entrance exams like NATA. We help you with study material, mock tests and also question papers. Enrol now with SILICA and explore your career with architecture.

Also Read: Architect, Interior Design, Fashion Career Guidance for 2021-22

Also Read: Design Career options after 10/12th Standard (Commerce, Science, Arts)

Also Read: What Are The Best Books To Prepare For NATA Entrance Exam 2021?

Also Read: What Are The Best Colleges For Architecture That Accepts NATA SCORE?