Job Prospects - Architects

Architects can work with construction companies wherein they are asked to serve as a designer. Initially an architect is expected to understand specific requirements of clients and strike a right balance between aesthetics and practicality. Additionally, an architect with skills can help clients by his ideas in terms of balancing the requirements of appearance, financial budget and time frame. Some architects even work independently and earn their livelihood through consultancy fees which entirely depends upon the skills and profile as well as work experience.

Most of the jobs in architecture come up in government organizations such as Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defense, National Building Organization, Town and Country Planning Organization, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., etc. While some other organizations or bodies like State Departments, Housing Boards, Local Bodies for construction works, Builders, Architecture Firms, Consultants, etc. also hire architects.

Architects working independently have ample scope in terms of earning. However, the inherent hazard with independent practice is that the professional undergoes lots of work as he alone has to plan details of sizes, specification and estimates of the cost of the structure, etc. Moreover, he require good models and graphics as there would not be any other person to assist him which is the case when he works with some construction company. Specialization works well for better prospects in architecture as it is a matter of requirement.

International Focus

Ample working opportunities are available for architects who have specialization in one segment or the other. Numerous internationally acclaimed construction and real estate development companies provide employment opportunities to candidates who are willing to explore career outside India. Companies like Atelier Bow-Wow, Leo A Daly, Zaha Hadid, Erick van Egeraat, Duda/Paine Architects, PageSoutherlandPage, Gresham, Smith and Partners, Rafael Vinoly Architects, etc. have international operations and invite applications from experienced architects from around the world.

Major attraction working with such architecture companies is that candidates receive attractive salary packages and other perquisites. Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and many other cities have gone through tremendous changes in terms of raising high rising buildings and the architects have played crucial role in it. A great demand is coming up for architects specialised in urban designing, regional planning, etc.

Besides the architects who have done some specialization course in building engineering and management, architectural conservation, industrial design, landscape architecture, naval architecture, architecture concerning traffic and transport planning etc. too have bright career prospects in the USA and other western developing countries which are looking for sustainable development and settlement. Most of the overseas jobs in architecture come from private sector real estate developers who are looking to carve a niche with the help of design and planning.