Houses & Buildings
Architectural Draftsperson
Restaurant Architect
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Architects use creativity and a practical
understanding of structures and materials to develop concepts,
plans,
specifications and detailed drawings for buildings and other structures.
They negotiate with builders and planning authorities, administer building
contracts and inspect the work carried out.
Architects
apply technical skills and creativity to design commercial, industrial,
institutional, residential and recreational buildings that are both
practical in use and beautiful in appearance. Unlike other construction or
building professionals, architects focus more on the look of a building as
opposed to its structure.
They work with a number of construction professionals as well as town
planners and project clients to ensure that the use of the building is
supplemented and complemented by its design and look. They may work on
multi-level skyscrapers in the CBD, or small heritage buildings that require
conservation work, as well as a wide range of domestic and commercial
buildings.
ANZSCO description: 232111: Plans and designs buildings, provides
concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings, negotiates with
builders and advises on the procurement of buildings (registration or
licensing is required).
Specialisations:
Conservation or Heritage Architect.
Architects often specialise in particular types of work, for example,
domestic, low-rise commercial, high-rise commercial, industrial,
conservation and heritage buildings. Architects need to keep up with
changing trends in the construction industry and the community. They have
considerable contact with the public.
Architects may also be involved in project feasibility studies, strategic
asset investigations, heritage studies, urban planning, interior design or
landscape design.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Architects need:
-
creativity and artistic ability
-
technical ability and spatial awareness
-
the
ability to sketch and draw
-
a good
level of English, mathematics and physics
-
good
communication skills
-
the
ability to work, liaise and negotiate with other people
-
the
ability to meet strict deadlines.
(Source:
Career Addict)
Duties and Tasks
Architects may perform the following tasks:
- discuss requirements of clients or builders (to
design a new structure or modify an existing one) and prepare a brief
- prepare sketch drawings, production drawings and
detailed drawings by hand or using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) equipment
- combine structural, mechanical and artistic
elements into the building design, such as decks and atriums, lifts, air
conditioning systems and decorative finishes
- discuss designs and cost estimates with clients
and others involved in the project, including
engineers,
quantity
surveyors, landscape architects and
town planners
- obtain necessary approvals from authorities
- prepare specifications and contract documents
specifying building materials, construction equipment and, in some
cases, the interior furnishings, for
builders, tradespeople and legal
advisers
- observe, inspect and monitor building work to
make sure that it is progressing according to the contract and
specifications
- evaluate projects once they are completed and
occupied.
Working conditions
Architects work in offices when designing and drawing, but are
often required to visit work sites. They may need to travel frequently to
visit clients at their workplace or at building sites (locally or overseas).
They may also need to work with the public when developing government-funded
projects that have particular cultural significance. Work conditions can
sometimes be stressful due to strict project deadlines and clients’ demands.
Tools and technologies
Architects use drawing and measuring instruments and materials, as
well as computer-aided design (CAD) and modelling software. They may also
use a variety of stands and equipment for making and displaying
three-dimensional models of their designs. Sometimes, it might be helpful to
take cameras out on site visits. Architects work in an industry with
constantly changing trends and must adhere to building regulations, so it is
important that they have access to the most up-to-date information and
technical manuals.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a qualified architect you usually need to complete an
accredited architecture degree at university followed by postgraduate
studies.
Did You Know?
Architects often design things other than buildings. For
example, furniture and lamps. Nike Air shoes were designed by an Architect!
The Sydney Opera House was designed by Joern Utzon, a Danish
architect, who won an International competition to design this structure.
The building commenced in 1959 and was officially opened in 1973. Utzon resigned in
1966 over a dispute in finances and the interior design.
He was given the keys to the City of Sydney in April 1998.
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