Architect
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Architect
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 An architect at work, 1893. |
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Architect
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An architect
is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight/supervision of the
construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or
render services in connection with the design and construction of a building,
or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings,
that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use.[1] Etymologically, architect
derives from the Latin architectus, itself derived from the Greek arkhitekton
(arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e. chief builder.[2]
Professionally,
an architect's decisions affect public safety, and thus an architect must
undergo specialized training consisting of advanced education and a practicum
(or internship) for practical experience to earn a license to practice architecture. The practical, technical, and
academic requirements for becoming an architect vary by jurisdiction (see
below).
The
terms architect and architecture are also used in the disciplines
of landscape architecture, naval architecture and often information technology (for example a software architect). In most of the world's jurisdictions, the professional
and commercial uses of the terms "architect" and "landscape architect"
are legally protected.
Origins
Main article: History of Architecture
Throughout ancient and
medieval history, most architectural design and construction was carried out by
artisans, such as stone masons and carpenters, rising to the role of master builder. Until modern times there was no clear distinction between
the architect and engineer. In Europe, the titles
"architect" and "engineer" were primarily geographical
variations referring to the same person, often used interchangeably.[3][4]
The Practice of Architecture
In
most developed countries, only qualified persons— those with the appropriate
licensure, certification, or registration with a relevant body, often
governmental— are legally permitted to practice architecture. Such licensure
usually requires an accredited university degree, successful completion of
exams, and a training period. The use of terms and titles, including
derivatives such as Architectural Designer, and the representation of oneself
as an architect is restricted to licensed individuals by law.
To
practice architecture implies the ability to practice independently of
supervision. The term Building design professional (or Design
professional), by contrast, is a much broader term including professionals who
practice independently under an alternate profession, such as engineering professionals, or those who assist
in the practice architecture under the supervision of a licensed architect,
such as architectural technologists and intern architects. In many places, independent, non-licensed individuals are
permitted to offer design services outside of the professional restrictions-
such as the design of houses and other smaller structures.
Architects in practice
Architecture is a
profession in which technical knowledge, management, and an understanding of
business are as important as design. An architect accepts a commission from a
client. The commission might involve preparing feasibility reports, building
audits, the design of a building or of several buildings, structures, and the
spaces among them. The architect participates in developing the requirements
the client wants in the building. Throughout the project (planning to
occupancy), the architect co-ordinates a design team. Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers and other specialists, are hired by
the client or the architect, who must ensure that the work is co-ordinated to
construct the design.
Design role
The
architect hired by a client is responsible for creating a design concept that
meets the requirements of that client and provides a facility suitable to the
required use. In that, the architect must meet with and question the client
[extensively] to ascertain all the requirements and nuances of the planned
project. This information, known as a program or brief, is essential to
producing a project that meets all the needs and desires of the owner—it is a
guide for the architect in creating the design concept.
Architects
deal with local and federal jurisdictions about regulations and building codes. The architect might need to comply
with local planning and zoning laws, such as required setbacks,
height limitations, parking requirements, transparency requirements (windows)
and land use. Some established jurisdictions
require adherence to design and historic preservation guidelines.
Construction role
Architects
typically put projects to tender on behalf of their clients, advise
on the award of the project to a general contractor, and review the progress of the work during construction.
They typically review contractor shop drawings and other submittals, prepare and issue site instructions, and provide
construction contract administration and Certificates for Payment to the
contractor (see also Design-bid-build). In many jurisdictions, mandatory
certification or assurance of the work is required.
Depending
on the client's needs and the jurisdiction's requirements, the spectrum of the
architect's services may be extensive (detailed document preparation and
construction review) or less inclusive (such as allowing a contractor to
exercise considerable design-build functions). With very large, complex
projects, an independent construction manager is sometimes hired to assist in
design and to manage construction. In the United Kingdom and other countries, a quantity surveyor is often part of the team to provide cost consulting.
Alternate practice and specializations
Recent
decades have seen the rise of specializations within the profession. Many
architects and architectural firms focus on certain project types (for example,
health care, retail, public housing, event management), technological expertise
or project delivery methods. Some architects specialize as building code, building envelope, sustainable design, technical writing, historic preservation(US) or conservation (UK), accessibility and other forms of specialist
consultants.
Many
architects elect to move into real estate (property) development, corporate facilities planning, project management, construction management, interior design or other related fields.
Professional requirements
Main article: Professional requirements for
architects
Although
there are variations from place to place, most of the world's architects are
required to register with the appropriate jurisdiction. To do so, architects
are typically required to meet three common requirements: education,
experience, and examination.
Educational
requirements generally consist of a university degree in architecture. The experience requirement for degreed
candidates is usually satisfied by a practicum or internship (usually two to
three years, depending on jurisdiction). Finally, a Registration Examination or
a series of exams is required prior to licensure.
Professionals
engaged in the design and supervision of construction projects prior to the
late 19th century were not necessarily trained in a separate architecture
program in an academic setting. Instead, they often trained under established
architects. Prior to modern times, there was no distinction between architects,
engineers and often artists, and the title used varied
depending on geographical location. They often carried the title of master builder, or surveyor, after serving a number of
years as an apprentice (such as Sir Christopher Wren). The formal study of architecture in academic
institutions played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a
whole, serving as a focal point for advances in architectural technology and
theory.
Professional title distinctions
According to the American Institute of Architects,[5]
titles and job descriptions within American architectural offices might be as
follows:
- Senior Principal / Partner: Typically an owner or majority shareholder of the firm; may be the founder; titles may include president, chief executive officer, or managing principal/partner.
- Mid-level Principal / Partner: Principal or partner; titles may include executive or senior vice president.
- Junior Principal / Partner: Recently made a partner or principal of the firm; title may include vice president.
- Department head / Senior Manager: Senior management architect or non-registered graduate; responsible for major department(s) or functions; reports to a principal or partner.
- Project Manager: Licensed architect, or non-registered graduate with more than 10 years of experience; has overall project management responsibility for a variety of projects or project teams, including client contact, scheduling, and budgeting.
- Senior Architect / Designer: Licensed architect, or non-registered graduate with more than 10 years of experience; has a design or technical focus and is responsible for significant project activities.
- Architect / Designer III: Licensed architect or non-registered graduate with 8–10 years of experience; responsible for significant aspects of projects.
- Architect / Designer II: Licensed architect or non-registered graduate with 6–8 years of experience, responsible for daily design or technical development of projects.
- Architect / Designer I: Recently licensed architect or non-registered graduate with 3–5 years of experience; responsible for particular parts of a project within parameters set by others.
- Intern Architect: Unlicensed architecture school graduate participating in defined internship program; develops design or technical solutions under supervision of an architect. (It is important to note that in the US some states prohibit the use of the word 'Architect' to be used in any way to describe an unlicensed person who is in the architectural profession.)
Architect's fees
See also: Earnings for architects
Architects' fee
structures are typically based on a percentage of construction value, hourly
rates or a fixed lump sum fee. Combinations of these structures are also
common. Fixed fees are usually based on a project's allocated construction cost
and can range between 4 and 12% of new construction cost, for commercial and
institutional projects, depending on a project's size and complexity.
Residential projects range from 12 to 20%. Renovation projects typically
command higher percentages, as high as 15-20%.
Overall billings
for architectural firms range widely, depending on
location and economic climate. Billings have traditionally been dependent on
the local economic conditions but, with rapid globalization, this is becoming
less of a factor for larger international firms. Salaries also vary, depending
on experience, position within the firm (staff architect, partner or
shareholder, etc.) and the size and location of the firm.
Professional organizations
Architect and
buildings in 21st century (1910 card)
Refer to the
international list of professional
architecture organizations for groups created to promote career and business
development in architecture. A wide variety of prizes are awarded to architects to acknowledge superior
buildings, structures and professional careers.
Prizes, awards, and
titles
The most lucrative award an architect can receive is the Pritzker Prize, sometimes termed the
"Nobel Prize for architecture." Other prestigious
architectural awards are the Aga
Khan Award for Architecture, the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture, the Alvar Aalto Medal (Finland), the Carlsberg Architecture Prize (Denmark), and the Governor General's Awards (Canada). Other awards for
excellence in architecture are given by national professional associations such
as the American
Institute of Architects (AIA), the Royal
Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal
Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Institute
of Architects Bangladesh (IAB).
Architects in the UK who
have made contributions to the profession through design excellence or
architectural education, or have in some other way advanced the profession,
might until 1971 be elected Fellows of the Royal
Institute of British Architects and can write FRIBA after
their name if they feel so inclined. Those elected to chartered membership of
the RIBA after 1971 may use the initials RIBA but cannot use the old ARIBA and
FRIBA. An Honorary Fellow may use the initials Hon. FRIBA. and an International
Fellow may use the initials Int. FRIBA. Architects in the US who have made contributions to the profession
through design excellence or architectural education, or have in some other way
advanced the profession, are elected Fellows of the American
Institute of Architects and can write FAIA after
their name. Architects in Canada who
have made outstanding contributions to the profession through contribution to
research, scholarship, public service or professional standing to the good of
architecture in Canada, or elsewhere, may be recognized as a Fellow of the Royal
Architectural Institute of Canada and can write FRAIC
after their name.
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