Architecture designer jobs generally require a bachelor's degree in architectural or civil engineering and designers are required to be licensed professionals in their field. Each state has its own regulations for licensing. To achieve certification, the designer must pass the Architect Registration Examination. Generally, a training period or internship is required after graduation in which one will assist in preparing architectural drawings, build models, and perform additional research as assigned.
In this very demanding field, architecture designer jobs typically involve a wide array of duties and responsibilities including: drafting & designing (often using Computer Aided Design and Drafting software - CADD), interacting with the client to insure the design meets the customer's needs, and visiting construction sites to insure that layouts and schematics are followed in the construction process. Architectural designers are often involved throughout the construction phase managing contractors. All building, fire and zoning codes must be followed within the design and construction processes.
Excellent communication skills, conceptual abilities, and planning discipline are required as part of architectural design. Projects will begin with complex discussions with the client on a wide variety of issues that will include the desired form and function of the building, projected cost parameters, and any special features desired. In architecture designer jobs, here is where the real work begins as the designer must now work within these parameters to create a design that meets all of the client's requests. Significant levels of research into specific materials to be used in the construction process must be done and the design must be created so blueprints with a complete bill of materials can be generated. A final proposal is submitted to the client, and upon approval, the job will be released to begin the construction process.
Considerable knowledge of modern building construction methods is important and some knowledge of surveying and site inspection is necessary for success in an architectural design position. In some cases, an analysis of an existing structure is necessary if the client is looking to refresh or add onto an existing structure. In many cases, designs will be created off rough sketches and oral instructions.
Working with engineers, urban planners, contractors, and landscape architects, architecture designer jobs require a broad scope of knowledge, communication skills, and management skills to be able to pull a multiplicity of disciplines together to complete a successful project. The architectural designer must also consider climate, surrounding structures, slope of the land, and a wide range of natural features and constraints in addition to code and zoning requirements.
