Computer screen with image of architect software

10 Essential Skills Needed to Be an Architect

Do you want to learn how to become a great architect? Focus on building these 10 essential skills that will take your career to the next level.
Post Date: 
Thursday, November 3, 2022

Do you ever look at the buildings around you and find yourself captivated by their detail, beauty, or just overall design? If so, you can thank architects for this. Architects use their skills and creative ideas to design and construct homes, office buildings, shopping centers, and other structures.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in this dynamic industry, keep reading to learn about what essential skills are needed to become a great architect. 

What is architecture?

Architecture is defined as the process of planning, designing and constructing buildings or structures. Along with designing and constructing industrial and commercial buildings, architects must carefully consider a structure’s aesthetic, sustainability and functionality. 

These professionals may also work with those in other industries including general contractors, civil engineers and trade specialists. Although architects are specifically known to design buildings, the field is wide-ranging and includes specialty jobs ranging from interior design to sustainable green design. 

10 Essential skills needed to be an architect 

Regardless of what type of architect you choose to become, these essential skills will help to give you a competitive edge in the field. 

1. Design 

Understanding the fundamental principles of design is a necessity to become an architect. Whether you’re creating a school building or a grocery store, you’ll have to follow a specific design process, while simultaneously making the overall appearance and layout appealing so as to meet your client’s needs. 

Some aspects that you’ll have to understand in the design process include planning, drafting, sketching and conceptualization. The only way to have exceptional design skills is to practice. You can also consider taking a few extra basic drawing and design courses. Additionally, reading architectural magazines and project critiques can further improve your design skills and increase your knowledge about the industry. 

2. Computer 

Given that technology is ubiquitous nowadays, learning how to be tech-savvy is a must. While some architects still draft designs by hand, most have migrated to digital technology due to its efficiency and persuasiveness for clients. Common software that you should familiarize yourself with to enhance your computer skills include:

  • Building information modeling

  • Computer-aided design

  • 3D Printing

  • Revit

  • Model Making

  • Computer Processing

  • Architectural Rendering

3. Communication 

Architects may need skills to complete their project like designing, supervising and managing but it comes down to teamwork as communication may make it easier to function collectively.

While you don’t have to be a master orator, you do have to know how to effectively communicate your ideas in a way that gets your message across. As an architect, you will most likely pitch ideas to your clients and give presentations —  the success of a project will heavily depend on the effectiveness of your communication skills.

4. Problem-solving 

There are always going to be problems that arise while you’re working on a project — how you adapt and resolve the issue is what matters. Architects have to deal with difficulties and complications during each step of the design process including legal issues, overall client communication, dealing with deadlines and staying within budget. To avoid setbacks, architects must react and respond quickly, communicate with others and stay calm. For example, architects have to settle the conflicts among what a client wants, the regulations applied to the building, and what the public desires. 

5. Leadership skills

At some point of your career, you will most likely take on a leadership role where others will be looking at you for guidance. The more leadership skills you have, the more you’ll ensure the team stays on track of completing each project efficiently on-time and on-budget. As a leader, you’ll need to anticipate any bottlenecks that may arise and take the necessary steps to combat them. 

So, what leadership qualities make a good architect? 

  • Integrity: Companies, clients and co-workers all want someone who they can trust to put forth their best efforts. Those you work with also want to know that you’ll act in the best interest of them. 

  • Honesty: Architects must maintain relationships with co-workers, clients, and professionals in other industries — being honest can help those you work with trust you and your decisions.

  • Responsibility: When deciding to become an architect, you should be prepared to multi-task and work with hard deadlines and budgets. You must be responsible enough to manage your time when working with clients, creating a design project, and adhering to rules and regulations. You should also be comfortable delegating assignments to members of your team.

6. Mathematics

Without understanding of mathematics, architects  wouldn’t be able to transform their initial sketches and blueprints into functional and extraordinary buildings.For example, architects may need to calculate the dimensions and ratios of a building prior to constructing any framework. Learning how to logically think and use mathematical principles will help you in becoming a successful architect.

7. Teamwork 

Constructing buildings or structures requires a collaborative effort — teams need to work together effectively to adhere to a common set of objectives. Architects often meet with clients, consult with their team and work with engineers to complete a project. Teamwork is the backbone for any architectural project as architects work with other specialists with many different perspectives. Architects can gain insight, which can help improve a project’s cost efficiency.

8. Legal Knowledge 

Having sound knowledge of legal codes, rules, and regulations ensure that you’re adhering to all the proper policies.. Moreover, you may bear responsibility if there are problems with your building — knowing what’s permitted can be valuable to assist in working out the issues in a formal manner.

For example, architects may need to know what plot of land is able to be built upon —  some plots are reserved only for governmental, commercial or residential use. Understanding the legal process will save you a lot of time when revising your designs. 

Laws and regulations you may have to follow as an architect include:

  • Building codes

  • Fire safety

  • Building construction

  • Zoning codes

  • Architectural codes

  • Building systems

9. Creativity

If you decide to become an architect, you'll be thrilled to hear it involves taking a  creative journey in designing state of the art buildings. Clients may have specific requests to design a building and architects must use their out-of-the-box thinking and creativity to turn that idea into a reality. You will need to use your imagination to create innovative designs and bring your visualizations to life. 

10. Project management

Project management refers to utilizing your skills, tools and techniques to ensure a completion of a project. Although architects are mostly in charge of the design and planning stages, they also have to make sure that engineers or surveyors are doing their job on the project. Additionally, architects with project management skills can have a good understanding of what a client wants. For example, architects can listen to a client’s preferences or vision of a project before drafting any plans.

Build your career at NJIT 

Becoming an architect requires that you possess various transferable skills. While it may take time for you to perfect these skills, you can learn how to by enrolling in an undergraduate architectural program. Don’t wait—register now to get a jumpstart on your architectural career!

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