Every structure in the world had a simple beginning as an idea.  Regardless of whether the structure was designed for form or function, there are the people who take the ideas and make them into reality.  An architect takes the ideas for the buildings and makes the plans for the structure.  Not only designing the structure to meet the look and size that is required, they also make sure that the building can be safely built, that the structure is secure, and that it is all up to the local business codes.

From the initial meeting with the client, the architect begins a design to meet their desires.  The initial planning and design involve not only the physical aspects of the building, but also working on cost estimates of the materials and labor needed, the correct materials to make sure the building is solid and safe,  and working with city building codes to make sure the building will pass its inspection.  From the office to the field, the architect goes out and helps with selecting a site for the building and conducting environmental impact reports for the construction. Even after finalizing the design and details of the construction, the architect has to remain available for any changes or questions that the client or construction crew might have involved in the project.

Architecture has been tapped as being one of the fastest growing careers through 2016. The average salary for an architect is 89,000.00 a year for 2008, and is expected to rise over the next several years.  This growing field has a high level of competitiveness for available internships and positions, but skills and a certain aptness for design and structure will do nothing but help in getting a job.

To gain employment as an architect, one needs to get at least a bachelors in architecture.  This degree has a heavy emphasis on studio courses covering design and aesthetics, concentrating on drafting and building of models.  In addition to these courses there are also classes covering structures, the mechanical aspects of a building, mathematics, and electrical and plumbing design. Courses in computer aided drafting and physics might also be included to further the education.  While a bachelors of science or art in architecture give some skills needed for this career, these are not acknowledged by the licensing comities, and a masters in architecture would be needed to gain a license to work as an architect with these degrees.

In addition to the degree, there is also internship or particle hours that need to be completed before being eligible to take the license test. Once the license test is passed, most states require continuing education hours to be taken to maintain the certification.

Once the degree and certification has been completed, one is ready to enter the working world to use the skills and knowledge to assist in the design and implementation of building design.  As with any job, one needs to expect to start small at the ground floor and to need to gain real work experiences to gain more responsibility and duties.

Few jobs in this world can provide the type of satisfaction that a job in architecture can.  From visualizing a project to implementing all aspects of the design and planning, from the blueprints to the electrical and plumbing layout of the building, from a mental picture to the final project, this allows a person to see something they designed become a reality.