<a href="/index.php?id=2352&cHash=a0affe0f22&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=12396">James' Profile</a>
What is an Architect?
The Technical Department is involved in all developments from inception through to completion. The department acts as a primary focal point for a housing developer in providing practical, cost-effective and also an aesthetically desirable product. The department provides a technical involvement in the initial pre-purchase site evaluations, the preparation and submission of planning applications, both engineering and architectural designs and a continuing involvement in projects right through to their final completion including the handover of roads, sewers and communal open spaces.
Architects design to budget construction projects taking into account the safety, social factors, building regulations and planning restraints. When a design has been approved they then would produce detailed drawings for the building contractor, with precise dimensions and materials. Architects work closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments and would regularly inspect the construction work to assess progress.
How can you become an Architect?
To train as an architect, you will need a degree in architecture from one of the 36 nation-wide Architecture Schools, recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). To get on to one of the courses, you will have to have passed 2 A Levels / 3 H Grades and hold GCSE grades A-C / Standard Grades 1-3, in Maths, English and Science. However all universities and courses are different so it's best to check them out first.
There is a minimum of seven years training in architecture:-
A 3 year degree.
A year in an architectural office.
A 2 year diploma.
And one year's work experience
Skills Needed
A strong aptitude for maths, science and IT
A working knowledge of CAD software and good freehand design skills
Work well under pressure
Good Problem solving / Logic skills
Communication skills
Attention to detail