A Career in the Arts

Architectural Designer

Architectural designers draw and plan architectural projects. They overview construction progress to ensure the overall standards are met, with the client and the environment, and everything is going accordingly. These architectures confirm the designs are able to meet the deadline, have sufficient and high-quality material, and are approved by the client. They collaborate with other architects and engineers as well for a better performance.

Responsibilities

• Architectural designers create designs for the architectural projects. This includes brainstorming, sketching, and discussing thoughts with other workers.

  
  

• They present plans, progress, reports, necessities, and goals for the building. They would also go over this with engineers, other architects, and the client(s)

  
  

• If there are any issues or hinderances, the designers will attempt to solve the problem and prevent any other conflicts that would mess with the process.

  
  

• These designers usually conduct research on the materials needed, the location, and durability that would work best for the structure.

  
  

• Their duties could also involve furnishing the interior, depending on what the client wants.

Qualifications

• Communication skills

• Collaborative skills

• Experience in technology and software resources

• Organizational/management skills

• At least 1-4 years of experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture

A Typical Day as An Architectural Designer

The workplace environment might consist of a large office, workstations, computers, and an open area for discussion. An architectural designer is able to go on construction sites and possibly travel based on the client's preferences. Meetings and presentations might be a consistent factor within the environment.

College Majors

The most common majors are:

• Computer Science

• Architecture

• Business

• Electrical Engineering

  
  

Can also include:

• Architectural Engineering

• Interior Architecture

  
  

Schools With Architectural Programs (In Virginia)

• University of Virginia (UVA)

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

• George Mason University