Be An Architect: Know Courses To Study, Jobs & Opportunities

By Sharath H Aithal

Architecture is an art, science and practice of designing and constructing buildings. It is both, the process and product of Planning, Designing and Construction of a space. It requires manipulation and co-ordination of material, technology, light and shadow.

Courses To Study

UG level: Bachelors of Architecture (BArch)

BArch is a 5 year long course. Here are the subjects/topics you can expect to study:

• Architecture Design
• Materials and Methods in Building Construction,
• Architectural Graphics
• Computer Applications of Architecture
• Building Services
• History of Architecture
• Theory of Architecture
• Basic Design
• Visual Arts
• Art Appreciation
• Communication Skills
• Model Making
• Building Structures
• Site Survey
• Climatology
• Photography
• Vernacular Architecture
• Estimation
• Product Design
• Heritage Documentation
• Sociology
• Digital Architecture
• Contemporary Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Geographical Information System
• Professional Practice
• Working Drawing
• Urban Design
• Interior Design
• Project and Construction Management
• Research Methods
• Thesis

Internship: 6 months – 1 year

Placements: Students are guided to apply in reputed firms respective to their design style and skill set.

PG Level: Master of Architecture (MArch)

MArch is a 2-year course in India. Students may even pursue Masters abroad on various topics according to their field of interest. Here are the subjects/topics you can expect to study:

• Urban Design
• Habitat Design
• Project Management
• Landscape Design
• Heritage Conservation
• Product Design
• Digital Architecture
• Interior Design etc

Internship: 3 Months.

PhD in Architecture is also an option for further research/study.

How to enroll into an Bachelors of Architecture (BArch) program

Eligibility criteria:

• 10+2 or equivalent examination of Central/State Governments with 50% aggregate marks and with Mathematics as a compulsory subject of examination; OR
• 10+3 Diploma (any stream) recognized by Central/State Governments with 50% aggregate marks with Mathematics as a compulsory subject of examination; OR
• International Baccalaureate Diploma passed/appearing, after 10 years of Schooling with 50% marks in aggregate and with Mathematics as compulsory subject of examination.

Exams required:

• A student must have qualified a recognized aptitude test in Architecture - NATA  or JEE Main (Paper 2).
• NATA (National Aptitude Test for Architecture) conducted by Council of Architecture has 2 parts. Part A comprises of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) relating to Mathematics and General Aptitude to be answered online and Part B of drawing will be answered on A4 size drawing sheets.

Skills Required to clear NATA / JEE Main (Paper 2) exams:

• Drawing & observation skills
• Visualizing 2D & 3D objects
• Analytical reasoning
• Architectural awareness
• Sense of proportion
• Aesthetic sensitivity

Skills learnt by a student of Architecture during the Course

• Creative Skills
• Innovative thinking
• Drawing Skills
• Communication Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Ability to work in a Team/ Group of Peers
• Presentation Skills
• Basic Computer Skills
• Capability towards Problem Solving

Architecture and Beyond: Scope and Opportunities

Architecture has emerged as one of the most sorted courses in the last 5-10 years due to overgrowing demand for Architects in the field of construction. With smart city projects across India coming up, India has a shortage of nearly 5,00,000 architects at present. Younger India wants built spaces to be designed in the most modern way with current technologies, hence architects are in most demand.

With new regulations coming into effect where an architects signature is made mandatory for approval of built spaces the demand has grown even further.

The minimum annual salary of an architect - which was around Rs.3,00,000 in the year 2000 - has increased to Rs.6,00,000 in the year 2018. An Architect has a lot of opportunities which are listed below: -

• Entrepreneurs (Architects are allowed to have their own office as soon as they pass out)
• Architects (Individual Firm, Partnership Firm, MNC)
• Furniture designers
• Architecture Photography
• Construction & Community based volunteering
• Infrastructure development Managers
• Graphic designers
• Set Designers
• Jewellery designers
• Advance research in Architecture
• Faculty at School of Architecture
• History, Restoration and Preservation Architects
• Interior designers
• Valuers – Built Environment
• Sustainability Consultants
• Product designers
• Landscape Designers
• Project/ Construction Managers
• And many more fields

An Architects Work Profile

Architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings, restoring and conserving old buildings and developing new ways of using existing buildings. They are involved in construction projects from the earliest stages right through to completion.

• Preparing and presenting design proposals to clients
• Advising clients
• Producing detailed drawings
• Negotiating with contractors and other professionals
• Attending regular meetings with clients, contractors and other specialists
• Co-ordinating the work of contractors
• Making site visits to check on progress
• Dealing with problems that might come up during building.

Architecture is considered to be the biggest field in the world, with construction industry set to rule the 21^st and 22^nd Century. Wishing the best of luck to students.  

About the Author:

Sharath Aithal

Sharath Aithal is an Architect and Academician by profession. He has been awarded with: Best Thesis Award Winner - COA, MHRD. He is also a Member – Council of Architecture.