Job description

          Have you ever stopped to take a glimpse at the many buildings around you? From small apartment homes to tall business buildings, each were designed by their very own architect(s).

          Architects work with their clients to design and sketch blueprints for both new and old buildings. After the design has been approved, the architect works with construction managers and other associates, and participates in the construction of the building. The architect organizes the activities that each associate will perform, as well as negotiates contracts.

          Architects are responsible for the safety and stability of the buildings they have designed. The designs must follow all local by-laws.

Work setting

          Architects may be self-employed or they may work for architectural design businesses. The working environment of a self-employed architect is his/her home, while an architect working for an architectural design business works in an office.

          Strict deadlines and unexpected delays may place stress and pressure on the worker. The hours an architect works may vary greatly. A self-employed architect's hours depends on how much business he/she gets and how many hours he/she is willing to work. In larger businesses, the amount of hours an architect works depends on how much work is given to him/her by the senior architect. Some may work 7 to 8 hours per day for 5 days per week, while others may work 12 hours per day for 6 days per week.

Rewards, stresses, and challenges

         Long hours of work and meeting deadlines can place a lot of pressure and stress on an architect. In addition, working hours may vary greatly. Luckily, the hard effort is not put to waste. A person just starting off as an architect may receive a pay within the twenties; however, the average wage of an architect is higher than the Canadian median wage across all occupations. Not only that, but the full-time full-year pay of an architect is also above average compared to all occupations!

The full-time full-year pay of an architect is $74,153, while that of all occupations is $56,033.

Ways to work

          The majority of architects are required to use computer-aided design software, otherwise known as AutoCAD. This program is highly efficient when designing both 2-D and 3-D structures. Some architects, however, still choose to work on large drafting tables, using pencils, rulers and paper.

Health & safety issues

         After the design has been approved of, the architect works together with the contractor and other people involved in the project on the construction site. Any construction site can be a dangerous environment. Everyone participating in the construction project must wear proper safety equipment, such as hard hats and steel-toed boots.