What's the difference between all the kinds of architects?

[jp2123]

Well I was wondering how many different forms of architects and whats the difference between them. Residential architect, draftman, ....

thanks

[lekizz]

Every architect will be different

What is similar about them is that "Architect" is usually a title that is reserved for people who have met certain (high) standards. Theoretically they can apply their skills to a variety of different projects and circumstances.

But, like you say, architects often specialise, with greater expertise and experience in, say, housing, or commercial architecture (offices), or public buildings etc.

[phansford]

Here in the States, there is only one definition of Architect. See my eariler post on this matter ..... reading it typically gets lots of people really mad - particular those people who have not put in the study and effort to become an Architect. Read an comment with caution

So the terms you mentioned... "residential designer" and "draftsman" are NOT architects. Architect is a legal term.

Now - there are lots of architects who specialize in different areas of interest. Hospitals, Corrections, education, and so on. This is really about the type(s) of projects that they elect to pursue and then typically they market themselves as specialist in these areas. And some types of projects require accumulated knowledge in a particular area for the building to be successful. Jails and hospitals come into mind. But most architects are generalist and design a variety of buildings.

Your college education (let's assume UNCC ) will give you a general education - you'll design all sorts of projects, from single family houses to large urban buildings. You learn to "Specialize" once you get into the profession and start to focus on certain areas.

[jp2123]

ohhk thanks... Wow i knew it was tough to become an architect but... So it takes a normal person 8-10 years to become an architect? thats a lot lol... I guess a lot of people drop before they even come close the 8-10 years....

Just wondering, I know a lot of people say that architect win a lot of money. But is this really true? and what happens in those 8-10 years (related to money_?

Just in case. I dont want to become an architect for money, is just what i want to do.

[Madimel]

That's a loaded question. What is your definition of "a lot" of money? I worked for an architect who has his own 12-person private jet and hangar and I know a couple of architects who can't make their tax payments. Along with reading about architecture, it will definitely benefit you to read up on business as well. They don't cover that in school and it could come in handy one day.

[phansford]

Traditionally, architects are NOT making the type of money that a doctor would make. I not sure what the going rate is for a recent graduate - $30-35 K (?). Partners in large firms might be making six figures.

You'll make enough to live comfortably and pay your bills. But money isn't everything. It might be more important to you to be able to do certain type of work, say things with a social purpose - projects that provide for the greater good, but not necessarily your pockets. (I've worked with a homeless agency and a low-income housing authority - the fees are pretty low, but the projects have more meaning than a new shopping center... to me and my client)

Success is defined by the individual. Some people think you're only successful if you drive a German car and live on a golf course. Some think your only sucessful if you are winning design awards and getting published.

Some by the quality of their life, not the quantity of things in their life.... subtle stuff here and it will probably go over your head due to your age..... hey - it's all about the Benjamin's right.... it was when I was your age.

So - My definition of success has changed with age and yours will too.

Architecture is not about making money hand-over-fist, its about how we can impact the built-environment, how people live, and the quality of life over all...... then again - some architects will build whatever crap their clients demand.

On the practical side, you want to plan and save for the future. Take those business courses and met with an investment planner earily in your career.

[Madimel]

A good book to read is "Young, Fabulous & Broke" by Suzie Orman. I know some people do not like what she proposed which is to work lots of hours to get noticed in the work place. Although the book was not published until many years after I graduated school, I did performed many late nights at the office and got noticed immediately. It may not work well for everyone, but I do believe that you create your own opportuniites. You have to follow what is important to you. One of the biggest question you are faced with is whether you should take a corporate job at $42k/year or $30/yr at a one man shop. Personally, I picked the latter because that was an investment for my career in my mind.

[Madimel]

Sorry, I digressed on the last post. Here is my convoluted list of the different types of architects. Please note that although I'm a registrant, I consider the term "architect" as professionals in our field of work and not necessarily confined to registrants only.
Snob Architect- Architect that thinks he is above all, and that their design will make the world a better place to live in. Clients are there to serve as ATM machines to fund their master creations.

Mini Snob Architects- Architects who aspire to be Snob Architects but do not have the talent to reach that level. They often put down design of others in order to make themselves feel better about themselves.

Academic Architect- Close relative to the Mini Snob Architect, but their world don't relate to the the real world. Many of these architects have never step foot into a working office.

Registered Project Architects- Architects who gets dumped on by the Snob Architects and the Owners. To make themselves feel better, they dump on non-registrants and tell everyone how difficult the ARE's are.

Project Managers - Staff who do not care to pursue the ARE's. Usually are the most friendly and helpful. But when challenged with an design issue, their eyes usually glaze over and look at you with a blank stare.

Foreign Architects- Architects working in the US, but hold a license from a third world country. Will often complain about the US registration process and how the codes are ridiculous as well.

Mercenary Architects- Usually temporary hire. Works only from 8-5 and complain nonstop why people give them a bad look when they leave at 5 during a deadline.

CAD Architects/Job Captains- these are the architects that work only in the office and seldom see daylight. Any necessary contact with consultants will cause them to hide in the cubicle corner in a fetal position.

Intern/recent grad Architect- Full of energy and ideas for the first couple of months. Then soon realize that they actually made more money working at a bar during their college days.

[phansford]

[Madimel]

Phansford,
I understand your comments. I hope you understand that my point was not to generalize about non-registrants or to diminish the accomplishments of registrants. There are good and bad designers and architects out there. The technically or design deficient architects usually are the ones who are the ones who proclaim loudest of their achievement of passing the ARE. In my experience, I've seen registrants make appalling mistakes as well. Likewise, there are many
incompetent "designers", but clients usually do not have much expectations from them due to their substantially lower fees. Fortunately in our field, we can easily showcase our product/expertise. I make no apologies for my fees, and yes, I've lost contracts to designers. If a client is not able to differentiate my work from that of a "designer", than that client is much better served to go with the designer. I just want to say, "Can't We All Get Along????". I don't define our roles by titles, but rather by what we do.

[lekizz]

Hahaha, your list made me laugh out loud, Madimel But you are oh soooooo bitter!!!

As for the 'academic architects', don't we all start by looking beyond the dollars and cents/shillings and pence of a project? At what point does an idea cease to bear relation to 'reality'?

CAD architects are what is known here as "CAD Monkeys". On the other hand "Architectural Technicians" are a category you seem to have missed, those invaluable people who work their way through Technical Colleges, do all the detailling and hard work on a project, can name their own salary, do lots of private domestic work on-the-side and still manage to have a wild social life/expensive holidays/see their family regularly

[phansford]

[Madimel]

I invite everyone out there reading this to add to the list. It was meant to be a light hearted look at our profession, nothing more.

[Checkpoint43]

"Architect" is to "Residential Designer" as "Doctor" is to "Surgeon".
He's a specialist.
A residential designer focuses on home design, but an architect may design anything from a house to a high-rise.
Just look at the cover of an architectural magazine, and you may see a picture of a chair.
The definition of architecture is very broad.
I like to say that architecture is where art meets technology.
So be sure to ask what area an architect specializes in when choosing one.
After all, you wouldn't want a proctologist checking your tonsils.

[mx2]