What's it about?

Architecture is the study which deals with planning and designing of building and structures. Architects are involved in designing a variety of structures such as houses, apartments and colonies, offices and industrial complexes, hospitals, hotels, airport terminals, stadiums, shopping and commercial complexes, schools, etc. They provide professional services to individuals and organisations not only regarding new constructions but also for alterations and renovations. Further specialisation in the field can be in industrial design, urban design, landscape architecture, town planning, environmental planning, and transport planning, etc. Postgraduate courses in these areas are open to BArch degree/diploma holders.

Clock work

• 9.30am: Reach office using the car pool
• 11am: Discuss status of a project with colleagues
• Noon: At the drawing board. Sketch out ideas
• 2pm: On the computer; transfer paper sketches onto the computer
• 5pm: Discuss outcome with seniors; re-do or finalise sketches
• 7pm: Leave for home if work is complete

The payoff

Pay packages depend on the type of employment taken up. Private consultancy in architecture can fetch the highest returns. As a starter, you can expect a salary of R20,000 and in two to three years, about R40,000.

Skills

• Understanding people’s needs is at the core of the work
• An aspirant should be a creative artist with an interest in designing
• Ability to sketch free-hand plan – though not of utmost importance – is beneficial while explaining intricate details of the structure to clients
• Imaginative outlook
• Awareness of social and environmental factors
• Apart from being technically sound, good mathematical ability is important as the work involves working out cost estimations
• Good communication skills; physical stamina to work on the desk as well as on site

Pros & cons

• Allows you to stay young as every project is a new learning
• You can live your dreams through designs
• Get to travel a lot
• Profession does not really allow for flexibility or part-time work from home options
• Not a regular nine-to-five job; takes over life in its entirety
• Less paying than jobs in related fields