If you are interested in becoming an architect, you have a few options. You can choose to be a residential architect, commercial architect or an urban architect.
Architects are responsible for designing buildings, factories and other structures. They often work closely with clients to develop plans for their projects.
Residential Architect
A residential architect designs buildings that will be used as homes, such as single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartment complexes. Osgoodeproperties work closely with clients to design homes that meet their specifications and aesthetic preferences.
Residential architects must consider current building codes, safety issues, and functional considerations such as floor plans and outlet placement. They also need to consider zoning laws and environmental factors, as well as the structural stability of the building.
Creative residential architects draw inspiration from the natural landscape as well as globally-inspiring objects and shapes. Clients sometimes set specific requirements, such as wanting a design that harkens back to a certain period or complements their art collection.
After a client approves their design, residential architects move on to the documentation phase. This includes drafting detailed drawings and lists of materials needed for permitting. They must also submit the project drawings to the local planning and zoning boards, which can take weeks or months.
Commercial Architect
Those who work in this field design buildings for commercial use, such as offices, factories, shopping centers, hospitals and hotels. They take into account the comfort, energy efficiency and ease of maintenance of their clients’ facilities. They also consider safety regulations, building codes and city regulations, construction costs and other factors that influence their design choices.
A commercial architect may work in-house or as an independent contractor. They usually meet with clients to discuss their requests and then create sketches or proposals.
They may then generate detailed plans, budgets and schedules, which they use to gauge a project’s progress. They also oversee contractors who construct a property, ensuring that they comply with a client’s choices and common design principles.
A successful commercial architect combines their skills in design and architecture with business experience and understanding of consumer behavior. They also have strong communication skills, which they use to explain to clients how their plans can best serve their needs.
Urban Architect
Urban architects are architects who work with a variety of people to design the cities and towns in which they live. Their goal is to make these places better for everyone, from ensuring that the buildings are aesthetically pleasing to making sure that they’re safe and efficient.
Unlike some other types of architects, urban architects have an interest in the environment and how they can benefit it. This can include using recycled materials, solar panels and pre-installed appliances that are energy efficient.
They also focus on making cities and towns more environmentally friendly by incorporating new technology that will keep them clean and healthy. This can help prevent pollution and smog.
Urban designers draw on the skills of developers, planning authorities, landscape architects and many other professionals to create better spaces for people. They can start from drawing up masterplans for large areas through to designing a local street or public space.
Architect Job Captain
Job captains oversee the work of architects and draftsmen on a project. They keep a budget and timeline, ensure that the work is done according to standards, and coordinate with clients and team leads at every stage of a project.
They also need to be familiar with CAD software and technical schematics, and they often perform onsite inspections of construction sites as well.
While most architectural offices hire a Project Manager (PM) to lead projects from the pre-design phase through construction, Job Captains play a crucial role in ensuring that the vision of a project remains on track.
They also oversee production of design deliverables and construction documentation, including drawings and specifications. They are also responsible for client and consultant relationships, quality assurance, and other administrative tasks that keep a project running smoothly.
These include coordinating with engineers and contractors. They may even be involved in some of the project’s more design-related activities, such as developing Revit BIM models or producing renderings.
