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Architect Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

An Architect, or Architectural Designer, is responsible for designing and planning a new build. Their duties include carrying out consultations with clients, sketching designs, and negotiating with contractors. They need to have a combination of architectural expertise and communication skills to consult with clients successfully.

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Architect duties and responsibilities

Architects carry out many duties and responsibilities throughout the day, some of which may include:

  • Preparing sketches and blueprints
  • Supervising Interns
  • Communicating or negotiating with contractors and tradespeople
  • Overseeing or leading presentations
  • Visiting job sites to monitor progress
  • Attending meetings with clients
  • Offering solutions during the building process
  • Putting together proposals for projects
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Architect skills and qualifications

Good Architects require a blend of creative talent, technical knowledge, and management experience to achieve a successful build. Some other key skills and qualifications may include:

  • Outstanding initiative to guide and supervise team members
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to promote and sell services
  • Strong organizational and creativity skills
  • Ability to analyze information
  • Proficiency in design software

What does an Architect do?

An Architect oversees the entire design process and building of a project. Issues regarding infrastructure, appearance, functionality, and safety codes are addressed, as well as certain details such as the number of people that are expected to flow through the building daily. Architects also spend their time using design software to more accurately portray the finished product. They will conduct presentations with the clients, investors, Builders, and subcontractors. Once the build is underway, the Architect is present at the construction site to ensure that the original design plans are being followed.

Architect experience requirements

Experience requirements may vary between provinces, but typically Architecture students gain valuable experience through an internship or apprenticeship program. In Ontario, for example, experience is acquired through the Internship in Architecture Program, which is offered by the regulators of the Associations of Architects. The program typically takes about three years to complete and allows the prospective Architect to work on projects under the supervision of a mentor or licensed Architect. The candidate gains about 5,600 hours of experience during this time.

Architect education and training requirements

Prospective architects may be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture or complete their studies at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Those wishing to practice in the field are required to complete an Architect registration examination at RAIC. In some cases, candidates may need a master’s degree in architecture. Also required is registration with the Association of Architects within the province of employment. Prospective architects may also need to show you a certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the Canada Green Building Council.

Architect salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, Architects in Canada typically earn $85,069 per year. The average salary varies based on factors including the size of the architectural firm, location, scope of projects, and whether the Architect is self-employed.

Job description samples for similar positions

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Architect job description FAQs

Who does an Architect report to?

Exactly who an Architect reports to depends on their workplace. Architects who are employed by a firm, for example, will report to the Lead Architects and other senior officers who make up the management team at their company. They may also report to contractors if the project was sourced from them. Self-employed Architects usually report to the clients who hired them. There may also be instances wherein employed and self-employed Architects will be hired by the government and, in this case, may have to report to the agencies overseeing the construction.

What is the difference between an Architect and an Engineer?

An Architect’s resume demonstrates problem solving skills and an aptitude for mathematics. Standout resumes also highlight the candidate’s experience in project management and practical knowledge of current design software. Other useful factors to look for on an Architect’s resume include the type of architecture the candidate is interested in (i.e. residential) as well as the size of any architectural firms they have worked at before. Successful candidates also have excellent interpersonal skills and are critical thinkers.

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