Architect
Also known as: architectural designer, architects, residential architect, architectural planner, commercial architect, building designer
About this occupation
Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects.
Essential skills and knowledge
- interpret technical requirements
- conduct field work
- building codes
- architectural theory
- draw blueprints
- negotiate with stakeholders
- relationship between buildings, people and the environment
- design spatial layout of outdoor areas
- integrate engineering principles in architectural design
- design buildings
- write an architectural brief
- analyse problems for opportunities
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (O*NET 17-1011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
- Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
- Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
- Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening
US median pay: US$99,280 a year (2025), 106,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.7)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionExtremely important (4.6)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Landscape Architects
- Construction Managers
- Civil Engineers
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Industrial Engineers
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Project Management Specialists
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.