Architect
Architects plan and design buildings, residences, and other structures, balancing aesthetics, safety, functionality, and sustainability. They must be licensed, which requires a professional degree, internship, and passing the ARE exam. The BLS reports a median salary of $82,840 with 5% projected growth. Specializations include sustainable design, urban planning, and historic preservation.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with reviewing blueprints and making revisions based on client feedback. Mid-morning might include a site visit to check construction progress. After lunch, the architect works on 3D renderings in software like Revit or AutoCAD. Late afternoon could involve a meeting with structural engineers to coordinate building systems, followed by sketching concepts for a new project proposal.
Key Stats
Education
Master's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $53,000
Median: $82,840
Senior: $136,000
Job Growth