Building a successful architectural career requires hard work, talent, and determination. The field is highly competitive, and aspiring architects must navigate a challenging path to success. However, you can build a fulfilling and rewarding career in this exciting field with a solid education and the right mindset and approach.
Choosing A Career Path to Success
In architecture, many candidates transition from being an intern to a job captain, and then they become project architects (PA) or designers. PAs do more of the CDs and technical perspectives, while designers are more core-shell. Title continuity between firms is nonexistent, so one firm’s designer is another firm’s project architect.
Depending on location and type of work, many architects and designers remain in the role of senior designer or architect. However, architecture and design offers multiple niches from which to choose:
- Interior architects,
- Planners for healthcare, aviation, and labs
- Project Managers.
- Operations, and
- Principals.
Furthermore, a variety of sub-categories exist for each role. Ultimately, while labels are essential, architecture is a career field where individuals can shape their roles and career paths within a firm.
Steps in Building a Successful Career
Regardless of the architecture and design niche you select, you’ll need to consider the development of three critical skills: experience, networking and leadership. Here’s how:
- Say yes.Begin your career by working on smaller projects and supporting the senior architects in your firm. Entry-level positions help you will gain valuable experience and refine your skills.
- Learn to network.Building relationships with others in the field can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door with potential employers. Attend events and conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with architects, contractors, and other industry professionals. Stay relevant and demonstrate your commitment to your craft to potential employers by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars. Consider getting additional certifications or specializations.
- Develop your design and leadership skills. Leadership is about working with people. To effectively communicate your vision to clients, contractors, and other members of the project team, you must learn to speak up and take charge.
Ultimately, success in architecture requires a passion for the work and a dedication to excellence.
Architects must be creative, problem-solvers, and have the ability to think outside the box. Because you must also be willing to work long hours, accept criticism, and be persistent in facing challenges, you must also be selective for whom you will work—caliber and quality matter. Learn to value their time and establish your brand.
Building a successful career in architecture begins with a good education and continues with a well-planned career path supported by experience, networking, and leadership. With the right approach, any candidate can build a fulfilling and rewarding career in this exciting field.
Want to jumpstart your design career? Let’s talk.
