Careers in Architecture
When you hear “architecture,” you might picture someone designing buildings at a desk. But architecture is much broader than that.
There are many different types of architects, specialties within the field, and careers that use the skills you develop through an architecture education. Your interests can help determine which path is right for you.
Different Types of Architects
Residential Architect
Residential architects design homes and other living spaces. They work with homeowners, developers, and builders to create spaces that fit the needs of the people who will live there.
Commercial Architect
Commercial architects design spaces such as offices, stores, schools, and other larger buildings. They think about how people will use and move through these spaces.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects focus on outdoor spaces such as parks, campuses, playgrounds, and gardens. Their work considers how buildings and natural environments work together.
Sustainable Design Architect
Sustainable design architects focus on reducing the environmental impact of buildings. Their work can involve energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and the use of natural resources.
Historic Preservation Architect
Historic preservation architects work with older and historic buildings. They help preserve or restore these structures while maintaining important parts of their original design.
Urban Architect
Urban architects think beyond individual buildings and focus on larger areas such as neighborhoods and communities. They consider how buildings, streets, public spaces, and people work together.
These are just some of the possible specialties. Architecture also includes areas such as restoration, research, planning, and specialized design.
Careers That Work With Architecture
You don't have to become a licensed architect to work in the architecture and design industry.
Some related careers include:
- Architectural Designer — Develops designs and drawings for buildings and spaces.
- Architectural Drafter — Creates detailed technical drawings and plans.
- BIM Modeler — Creates digital building models used by architecture and engineering teams.
- Urban Planner — Helps plan cities, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
- Architectural Historian — Researches and studies architecture and its history.
- Project Manager — Helps coordinate the development of architectural projects.
Each career has different education and training requirements, so it is important to research the specific path you are interested in.
What If You Don't Become an Architect?
Studying architecture does not mean you have to become a traditional architect.
Architecture can help you develop skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, design, visual communication, and working with others. These skills can be useful in many different fields.
Architecture graduates can pursue careers in areas such as:
- Real estate and development
- Construction
- Art and design
- User experience (UX)
- Film and set design
- Product design
- Education and research
- Government and public agencies
- Entrepreneurship
Your architecture education can become a starting point rather than a limitation.
Find Your Path
There isn't one “architecture career.” There are many different directions you can take depending on what interests you most.
Maybe you love designing houses. Maybe you're interested in sustainability or historic buildings. Maybe you care about how entire cities work. Or maybe you love architecture but eventually want to take your design skills into another field.
The first step is exploring what interests you. The more you learn about the different paths in architecture, the easier it becomes to imagine where you could fit.