|
|
 Architects
What is an Architect?
Many may wonder, exactly what is an architect. For those that remember the
popular television show The Brady Bunch, Mr. Brady was an architect. Though
he certainly didn’t seem to spend very much time building anything. Occasionally
he would be shown looking at an architectural model or be shown going or coming
from work. Architects do so much more – and many fascinating things.
Simply put, an architect is someone who plans and designs a building’s
construction. What is truly amazing is that architects create something where
first there was nothing. Architects create beauty in something that could simply
be practical. There are so many projects for architects, from building homes,
apartments and corporate buildings. An architect works with their clients to
help create their dreams into reality. Every time you see any type of building,
an architect helped to create it. The client will come to them with wants and
needs, but they may not understand everything about designing a building. The
architect will help take the client’s wants and needs and help translate
this into a building model to show the client. A great architect can help a
client discover their wants or needs sometimes without the client expressing
them outright. Sometimes the architect will work with a client that mentions
some of their elements and then they discover that the architect has picked
up on other important elements that should be included in the design. That
is the sign of a strong architect.
An architect must understand a great deal about building and structure so
they will know exactly how any building will be built. The more they know about
the materials that a building is put together with, the better. Architects
also need to know about building concerns that keep safety in mind for both
the client and the general public. Architects attend school specifically to
study architecture and then also are required to obtain an architecture license
to actually practice their craft. In some ways many could consider architecture
both an art and a science, as an architect must be concerned with the aesthetics
of a building but also concerned with all of the practical elements that go
into building a building as well. It is a very unique career that draws to
it uniquely intelligent people with tremendous creativity and keen intelligence.
To work an architect is given a commission from a client. The architect then
works on the project for the duration of the project. Projects can be as short
as several weeks or can last for years. It depends on the type of project and
what is involved. When an architect works for a client, they need to keep a
number of factors in mind. Zoning requirements are important to keep in mind
in different areas – as one area can have one set of requirements and
another area can have an entirely different area. Some places have height requirements
for buildings. They may even have requirements for land usage. Also very important
is the respect for historic preservation, as some places and buildings are
deemed historic landmarks. An architect must be aware of all of these elements.
It is a wonderful, fascinating career.
Related Topics:
Finding a Great Architect Job
How Much Does An Architect Earn?
Jobs in Architecture
|
