Occupation Details
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$64,560.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$101,400.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$127,070.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
13,040
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
14,090
+105 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,052
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
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).
Training Details
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.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Architect
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Operations Analysis
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Architectural templates
- Arm drafting machines
- Circular saws
- Compasses
- Computer laser printers
- Computer-guided milling machines
- Diazo copiers
- Digital cameras
- Disk grinding machines
- Dividers
- Engineering copiers
- Fretsaws
- Hand saws
- Mat knives
- Mitre boxes
- Notebook computers
- Parallel bars
- Personal computers
- Plotters
- Precision knives
- Soldering irons
- Tablet computers
- Thermal saws
- Track drafting machines
Technology
- 1ST Pricing Window & Door Toolkit
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Amazon Redshift
- Apache Hive
- Apache Maven
- Apache Pig
- Applied Search Technology CADFind
- AzTechSoft GPS2CAD
- BQE Software ArchiOffice
- BeamChek
- Bentley MicroStation
- CA Erwin Data Modeler
- Chef
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare contract documents
- manage contracts
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- bid engineering, construction or extraction projects
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate time needed for project
- judge distances
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- convert design specifications to cost estimates
- evaluate product design
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand property documents
- understand construction specifications
- understand government construction contracting regulations
- recognize construction industry codes or symbols on blueprints
- analyze spatial data
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- consult with customers concerning needs
- negotiate business contracts
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret aerial photographs
- interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
- develop tables depicting data
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- lead teams in engineering projects
- coordinate engineering project activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- plan construction of structures or facilities
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use field notes in technical drawings
- use government regulations
- use graphic arts techniques
- use land surveying techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use scientific research methodology
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use building or land use regulations
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- read blueprints
- read maps
- read technical drawings
- research property records
- obtain information from individuals
- resolve engineering or science problems
- use creativity in graphics
- design construction projects
- use creativity in designing interior spaces
- design office layout
- determine specifications
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- draw maps or charts
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computer graphics design software
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
- Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
- Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
- Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
- Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
- Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
- Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
- Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
- Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
- Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.
- Administer construction contracts.
- Create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer-assisted design software.
- Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.
- Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentations to generate new work opportunities.
- Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
- Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
- Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.
- Gather information related to projects' environmental sustainability or operational efficiency.
- Inspect proposed building sites to determine suitability for construction.
- Design environmentally sound structural upgrades to existing buildings, such as natural lighting systems, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems.
- Calculate potential energy savings by comparing estimated energy consumption of proposed design to baseline standards.
- Prepare operating and maintenance manuals, studies, or reports.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Architects, except landscape and naval
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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