Careers in Architecture

Curious what it’s like to study and work in the field of architecture? The information and links on this page are intended to help K-12 students, their parents, and educators learn more about what architects do, how to pursue a career in architecture, and provide resources and opportunities to explore the profession.

What is architecture?

Architecture is all around you! The buildings and structures where we live, work, and play are works of architecture. At a basic level, architecture provides shelter. It should also provide delight and improve our lives. Architecture combines art and science to create our built environment.

What is an architect?

An architect is a person specifically trained and licensed to plan and design buildings. Architects are problem solvers and forward-thinkers. They combine their imagination with science and technology to design projects that address the needs of their clients. In addition to design work, architects also lead a team of collaborators to build a structure, including the client/owner, engineers, contractors, skilled trades, and others.

A well-designed space can improve our mood, make it easier to learn, help hospital patients heal, or let seniors age in place. Architects understand how buildings influence our physical and mental health. They are bound by professional ethics to protect the health, safety, and welfare of people using their buildings.

What do architects do?

Architects design buildings. But more than that, they solve problems. The problems can be small, like remodeling a kitchen, or large, like building a skyscraper. Clients hire architects to solve a specific problem. Architects and the design team work together to meet the clients’ needs and solve their design problems. 

Architects need to be able to do math and technical drawing. But most importantly, architects must be problem solvers. Good architects are creative and flexible critical thinkers. Creativity is important because there are many ways to solve a design problem, many “right” answers; architects have many options to meet the needs of their client.

Architects often specialize in a particular area. Some focus on historic preservation or adaptive reuse (turning old buildings into something new, like a factory into apartments). Others explore new building technologies and materials. One architect might excel in design while another architect loves to figure out the technical details. Many architects focus on how buildings can use less resources and save energy to help the environment.

Can I be an architect?

Yes! Some people know they want to be an architect because they love buildings. Other people pursue the profession because they enjoy building with physical tools like blocks or programs like Minecraft. People who are interested in making things, understanding how things work, or design might find architecture is a good career for them.

The skills learned in architecture programs – from kindergarten through college – of problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and perhaps most importantly, how the built environment shapes our lives, are valuable in any career and as an engaged citizen.

Think architecture might be the career for you?

Here are some steps to prepare.

Explore the field.

The American Institute of Architects and others have activities and resources online – from coloring pages to curriculum to career guides. Start with these materials and if it’s interesting, keep exploring.

Try it out!

There are many programs in our region where you can learn more about architecture and construction. Sign up for a summer program or encourage your teacher to participate in an in-school opportunity. Architects work with many other professionals, including contractors. Getting some construction experience will help you understand how buildings go from design to reality. 

Prepare academically.

College architecture programs are rigorous. When you’re looking at your course options, clubs, our extracurricular activities, consider taking studio art classes (drawing and 3D design), mechanical drawing and CAD (Computer Aided Design) classes, physics, math (trigonometry and maybe calculus), writing, and communications (English, writing, speech or debate). And familiarize yourself with the professional associations and other career resources.

Think about your portfolio.

Part of the college application process for architecture schools includes submitting a portfolio. Don’t panic – you aren’t expected to have designed buildings before college. Your portfolio should show creative thinking and problem solving; a visual guide to how you think.

A portfolio consists of 10-20 images and brief descriptions (submitted digitally) that show a student’s technical skills, experience, and design voice. A sewing project might demonstrate an ability to create a 3D form. The ubiquity of iPhones means even a student who never set foot in a high school art studio can capture images of the lighting, textures, and compositions that speak to them. Drawings, paintings, set design, costumes, comic strips, graphic design, and choreography also demonstrate the student’s thinking and sensibilities. Projects from in-school or extracurricular programs can also provide portfolio material.

Watch a video from Miami University on what to include in a portfolio.

Go to college.

A college degree is required to become an architect. The most direct path is graduating from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Some architecture students get a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by a Master's in architecture, an M.arch degree. Others get a 5-year undergraduate degree known as a B.arch. Study Architecture has additional resources for students considering architecture schools.

Admission into an undergraduate architecture program is usually a two-step process. First, admission to the college or university then admission into the architecture program. University admission consists of an application essay, GPA, and standardized test scores; architecture program admission is typically based on a portfolio. 

College architecture programs are hands-on. In addition to general education requirements, students may take architectural history, landscape, and urban design. They also get practical experience learning to use shop tools and through studio classes that get increasingly complex each year. Some programs also require co-ops where a student works in an architecture firm for a semester.

In college, consider joining AIAS or NOMAS to start building your network and gain access to additional career resources.

In our region, there are three architecture programs:

Additional resources on university programs and student programs are available through Architecture Careers Guide.

Get licensed.

Becoming a licensed architect takes many years. As you near graduation, you can join AIA as an Associate member to take advantage of resources for Emerging Professionals including scholarships and awards. 

After graduation, you complete a professional internship by working under a Registered Architect. Finally, you take the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE), a series of six tests. You are an architect only after passing the AREs and getting licensed by the state. Most states also require ongoing continuing education to keep your license.

The college courses, experience, and exams ensure architects are ready to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people who use the buildings they design.