Architect Career Description
Architects are specialists who design, plan and decorate houses and large buildings - not only with a view to the aesthetical, but also the functional, economical and practical.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
When clients want to erect a building, they consult architects for design proposals.
Firstly architects have to establish the client's precise needs and investigate the location of the site and other buildings in the vicinity. The availability and suitability of building material are investigated. After that they start the preliminary sketches, so that the client can get an approximate idea of what the building will look like.
After the preliminary sketches have been approved, costs are finalised and the final plans are drawn according to scale. Architects must comply with all the municipal regulations and the local authority must approve the plans.
Further aspects of architects' duties consist of discussions with quantity surveyors concerning the estimate of cost and the quantity of building material that will be needed. They also consult the building
contractor who will erect the building. They must also keep a watchful eye on the building operations, because faults can seriously delay the work and result in additional costs for the client.
Large buildings in urban areas have their own particular problems concerning traffic, water supply and so on. For technical problems such as structure, air-conditioning and electrical installations the advice and help of engineers and other specialists are called on.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Architects need a good intellectual ability, especially mathematical and numerical abilities. Because they come into contact with people on various levels, they should be able to interpret their needs correctly. It is important that they have the ability to work independently and be able to make their own decisions. They need fluent verbal and writing abilities in order to express themselves clearly and intelligible to others.
Where can I work?
Architects can work at the following institutions: provincial and municipal services, large employers such as Eskom, Iscor, mining companies, private sector and as lecturers at universities.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Architects can definitely work for themselves by starting their own practices or in partnerships with other architects.
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