Architects, licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design, transform people’s needs for places in which to live, work, and play into concepts and develop these concepts into plans of buildings that is then constructed by others.

Architects may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial discussion with the client through the entire construction process. Their duties require specific skills—designing, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating with clients and builders. Architects spend a great deal of time explaining their ideas to clients, construction contractors, and others. Successful architects must be able to communicate their unique vision persuasively.

All States require individuals to be licensed before they may call themselves architects and contract to provide architectural services. Usually, the degree must be from a school of architecture that has degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Most architects work in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry. A small number work for building construction firms and for government agencies responsible for housing. The rest is self-employed.

Since all states require individuals to be licensed before they can contract to provide architectural services, during the time between graduation and becoming licensed, architecture school graduates generally work in the field under supervision of a licensed architect who takes legal responsibility for all work.

In order to become licensed, the student requires a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and a passing score on all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

Three types of professional degrees in architecture are available through colleges and universities. The majority of all architectural degrees are from 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering university-level studies from high school or with no previous architectural training.

In addition, a number of schools offer a 2-year Master of Architecture program for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area, or a 3- or 4-year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in another discipline.

Employment of architects is expected to grow about as fast the average for all occupations through the next 5 years. Besides employment growth, additional job openings will arise from the need to replace the many architects who are nearing retirement, and others who transfer to other occupations or stop working for other reasons.

Competition will be especially keen for jobs at the most prestigious architectural firms as prospective architects try to build their reputation. Prospective architects who have had internships while in school will have an advantage in obtaining intern positions after graduation.

The average salary for an architect was $60,300 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,690 and $79,230.

Architects design the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures. However, buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures.

• Specific skills such as designing, engineering, managing and supervising are all required from the architect. Attention to detail, leadership and organization skills are essential for your duties.
• Architects spend a great deal of time explaining their ideas to clients, construction contractors, and others. Successful architects must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• As an architect you can work in architecture, engineering and related service industries, in addition to residential and nonresidential building construction firms and for government agencies.

Landscape architects design playgrounds, public parks, playgrounds, shopping centers, among many other areas so that they are not only functional, but also beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment. They plan the location of buildings, roads, and walkways, and the arrangement of flowers, shrubs, and trees.

• A bachelor's (usually takes 4-5 years to complete) or master's degree in landscape architecture usually is necessary for entry into the profession.
• As a landscape architecture, you should possess strong analytical skills. Creative vision and artistic talent also are equally important.
• Good oral communication skills are essential; as a landscape architect you must be able to convey their ideas to other professionals and clients, and to make presentations before large groups.
• Strong writing skills also are valuable, as is knowledge of computer applications of all kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets.

Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft to structures such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines.

• Employers are most interested in applicants with well-developed drafting and mechanical drawing skills; knowledge of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology; and a solid background in CADD techniques. In addition, communication and problem-solving skills are important.
• As a drafter, you can find work in architectural, engineering, and related services firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a contract basis for other industries. Job opportunities are available also in manufacturing industries such as machinery manufacturing, and in construction, government and employment services.

Construction managers plan, direct, and coordinate a wide variety of construction projects, including the building of all types of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, and schools and hospitals.

Construction managers may oversee an entire project or just part of a project and, although they usually play no direct role in the actual construction of a structure, they typically schedule and coordinate all design and construction processes, including the selection, hiring, and oversight of specialty trade contractors.

• Important skills to acquire as a construction manager is flexibility, the ability work effectively in a fast-paced environment and think on your feet, and multitasking skills.
• Understanding of engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings are essential as well as good oral and written communication and leadership skills.

Intern Architect is a term often used to describe a person who has successfully completed a professional and accredited degree in Architecture (5-year B.Arch or 1-5-year M.Arch) and is studying for the professional certification exam.

• The Intern Development Program (IDP) is designed to provide structured training for Intern Architects to insure that they are exposed to most aspects of the architectural profession prior to sitting for the Architect Registration Examination.
• A candidate works under the tutelage of one or more architects as mentor(s) on a regular basis. Additionally the intern architect selects a sponsor, who is an architect who does not work for the firm where the intern is employed. Together the mentor and the sponsor work with the intern to make sure that the intern is actively working towards satisfying the requirements of the IDP program.
• The program is based on a points system, where the intern tracks experience in a variety of activities. These activities include contracts, client contact, working drawings, design, field supervision and other tasks that architects will perform as part of their professional responsibilities.

Commercial and industrial designers combine the fields of art, business, and engineering to design the products used every day by businesses and consumers. These designers are responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of most manufactured goods. Usually these designers will specialize in one particular product category. Some specialties include automobiles and other transportation vehicles, appliances, and furniture.

• Employers increasingly expect new designers to be familiar with computer-aided design software as a design tool, such as Adobe and InDesign.
• As a designers you must also be creative, imaginative, and persistent and must be able to communicate your ideas in writing, visually, and verbally.
• Because tastes in style can change quickly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure also are important traits. In this field you need self-discipline to start projects on your own, to budget your time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules.