Chapter 1

Professional, Architectural Careers, Office Practice, and

Opportunities

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Links for Chapter 1

Architectural Careers

Design Basics

The Design Process

Related Web Sites

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Architectural Careers

• Beginning Drafter - Entry level position to gain experience and skill

• Experienced Drafter - Expected to make construction decisions based on initial designs

• Positions are available with architects, engineers, and designers

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Architectural Careers

• Designer - May work under an architect and as a coordinator of many drafters

• Architect - Must be licensed to practice– Designs residential and commercial buildings

– Additional schooling beyond high school required

– A variety of architectural careers available

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Architectural Careers

• Engineer - Work is more technical and requires high level of math and science– Education beyond high school required

– A variety of engineering fields available

– Required to pass an examination for certification

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Architectural Careers

• Illustrator - Combines artistic and architectural skills to produce drawings

• Model Maker - Follows plans to build scale models

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Architectural Careers

• Specification Writer - Understands the construction process to write necessary details of the plans

• Inspector - Checks plans to ensure codes and laws have been followed

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Design Basics

• Financial Considerations - Estimates for labor and material costs are calculated

• The Client - Important to ensure that their desires in the project are being met accordingly

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The Design Process

• Initial Contact - The designers and client meet to discuss design ideas, fees, schedules, and ensure personalities are compatible

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The Design Process

• Preliminary Design Studies - Following the research, bubble drawings and scaled sketches are created– Rooms must be considered throughout this

stage and may include room usage, furniture layout, and size requirements

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The Design Process

• Initial Working Drawings - A drafter begins to make working drawings that include the foundation, plot, roof, electrical, cabinet, and framing plans

• Final Design Considerations - A conference with the client is needed to discuss the initial working drawings

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The Design Process• Completion of Working Drawings - Drawings

include at least:– (A) Architectural– (S) Structural– (M) Mechanical– (E) Electrical– (P) Plumbing

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The Design Process

• Permit Procedures - Once all plans are complete appropriate permits must be secured before construction begins

• Job Supervision - Although not usually done by the designer, sometimes he/she is required to go to the site and solve problems.

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Related Web Sites• Sweet’s System - www.sweets.com• National Association of Home Builders -

www.nahbrc.org• Residential Architect Online -

www.residentialarchitect.com• Architect’s First Source for Products -

www.afsonl.com