How to Get a Job as an Architect
Architects interact with a wide-ranging group of people on each project, so working well with others is a must. "You need to show that you work well in teams—especially with people different than you are," Richard L. Hayes, director of knowledge resources for The American Institute of Architects, wrote in an email. According to Hayes, demonstrating that you "can think about the best path through a complex problem" is another important element to getting a job in the field. Healthcare architecture, such as designing healthy communities and buildings, is a growing area of specialization that Hayes recommends for aspiring architects.
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Architects
"Explain your design philosophy and what influenced your approach." - Callison Architecture Architect Candidate (Location Unknown)
"Who is your favorite architect?" - DBI Architects Architectural Designer Candidate (Washington, DC)
"What's the most successful design you made?" - Gensler Architectural Designer Candidate (Location Unknown)
What is the Job Like?
Architects spend most of their time drafting plans or corresponding with clients from comfortable office spaces, but they also frequently visit construction sites to check on the progress of projects. Successful architects are able to juggle a number of professional relationships for each project while still completing other job responsibilities. Most architects work less than 50 hours per week, but as deadlines approach, many are forced to work long nights or weekends to finish in time.
Real Reviews From Architects
+ "The pay is good, and the projects are interesting. There is plenty of interaction between architecture, planning, and structures so there's a lot to learn." - Skidmore Owings Architect Level C (Chicago, IL)
+ "It is a global firm that a person has the ability to work on a project located anywhere in the world. The primary sources of projects ar"Excess overtime and ridiculous deadlines." - Callison Architecture Project Architect
- "Excess overtime and ridiculous deadlines." - Callison Architecture Project Architect (New York, NY)
- "People get promoted by just being at the firm, which results in incompetent and unknowledgeable people leading projects." - OZ Architecture Project Architect (Denver, CO)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
