Possible Career Questions
Here are a few guiding questions for your interview/job shadow. Most people enjoy talking about their careers.
It makes most adults feel good that young people are eager and interested in learning about what they do. If
possible get input from more than one person for each career of interest. This avoids the risk of screening out a
career due to tainted feedback from an adult that is having a particularly good or bad day.
How and why did you choose this career?
As a kid, I had an interest in Visual Arts, and I was particularly keen in buildings because it fascinated me.
Coincidentally, I had the skills to visualize and imagine things so it was a natural thing to take up. My father
was a great influence, as he was an architect too. He took me to various sites and I found it interesting as he
explained that each site varied in challenges.
What is a typical work day like?
I make rounds with the designers to make sure everything is running the way it is supposed to be. Ill look at my
correspondents to get them all sorted out, which include projects, contracts and legal issues. I would get in
touch with the contractors and they would send me photographs of the process. Back then we had to survey the
sites ourselves. Presentations to the clients are a key factor in regards to my work day, providing them with
building ideas as well as the financial implications that will come with it. But essentially, we try to work around
what is most viable for the client.
What are the most and least rewarding aspects of your job?
The most rewarding thing about architecture is to be recognized by the community and the client and that the
work is well done. On the other hand, Time is of the essence. The long hours can get tiresome and if the clients
dont like the work we do, time is wasted.
What are the working conditions like (stress, pace, physical comfort, travel, environment, relocation, hours,
routine vs. crises, etc.)?
It can be pretty stressful as youre always working within time constrains, having indecisive clients is another.
In relation to physical comfort, exposure to the dust of the site can pose a risk to discomfort. Aside from that I
spend most of my time designing in the office. Travelling as an architect is somewhat irregular. Occasionally
you are asked to travel attend conferences to study new ways of building technology and concepts. The Work
environment depends on the management of staff, constant communication and supervising the quality of their
work is essential to maintain a good work environment. Relocating happens, the office expands and we get a
bigger workspace, through that we meet different challenges, such as acquiring new staff and balancing the
finances that come with the relocation. Work hours could vary from a 9-5 job or some go on to the wee hours of
the morning. Occasionally, my routine coincides with clients. For example, a miscommunication between the
current construction in relation to the consultants draft would differ.
What education requirements are needed for your career? What Post-secondary Institutions do you
recommend for this occupation? To be an architect, you are required a complete degree in architecture, which
takes about 7 years, The fresh-graduate will then apply for an architectural license. Youre required to take an
internship beforehand, and later signed by a senior architect who affirms the various procedures and exercises
you are required to undergo before applying for a license. Bartlett School of Architecture, The Architectural
Association School of Architecture, or the University of Manchester are great options for post-secondary
institutions.
6. What skills are required for this career?
Architecture requires you to visualize three-dimensionally, despite architecture being a desk job, great
communication skills are required in order to establish a healthy relationship with your client firsthand.
Understanding their point of view is an example. A positive outlook is an essential skill in architecture,
interpreting building laws to your advantage and to be knowledgeable in that regard to creatively work around
their laws.
Would you choose this career if you could make the decision again? What (if anything) would you do
differently?
I definitely would, I wouldnt change anything and have no regrets whatsoever. Its an absolutely rewarding
experience.
What are the best opportunities for someone entering into your career?
As a high school student, starting early provides you with a head start, enlist in programs that might provide an
advantage or even look up tutorials on the internet. In the business field, getting to know people around the field
of interest is a great start. Little conversations could build up to great opportunities that might lead to something
far more than you may expect.
What is the job outlook for this career? (Is there a shortage or oversupply of people in this career today?)
Depending on which country youre in, The growth in population of a certain country heavily depends on job
supply. A growing population with little infrastructure requires many architects while a small population might
have an oversupply.
Does this career provide the opportunity to balance time between work and family?
It does if youre running your own company. If not, it depends on your boss *laughs*
11. What is an entry level wage? How about after 10 yrs.? What is the maximum potential for most
talented/experience people?
On average, an entry-level design architect would provide you of an income of roughly $51000/year, and
$72550/year for a median of an average architect. Experienced and talented architects grant you international
fame and an atrocious amount of money. Some renowned architects like Norman Foster, who designed the
Gherkin in London as well as the Hearst Tower in New York, or the late Arthur Erickson, the architect that
designed the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. These are examples of amazing architects who have achieved
great success and glory.
12. What are some related careers I should consider?
Interior Design, Civil engineering, Town planning and Landscape Architecture are great alternatives to
Architecture and Design.
13. Any words of advice?
Architecture is a job youre going to need to love to do. Choose a profession that you love, as it is going to be
with you forever. Passion is essential, your career is not for moneys sake. To seek excellence, you need passion
or you wouldnt get anywhere with it.
Where can I find more information about this career (ie: Associations etc)?
Macleans is a great source of information for post-secondary institutions for architecture. Architectural websites
and magazines could aid in building an endless library of architectural knowledge too.