Architect | Career Planet

OFO No: 216101

Other names for Architect:

Building Architect
Conservation Architect
Heritage Architect

Youtube clip – All about being an Architect

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Architect?

Architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces around them. They work closely with users, clients and officials to make sure that projected designs match the needs of these groups.

Architectural professionals serve clients who might need buildings for themselves, or who could represent other users, e.g. hospitals, schools, community centres or private corporations. They assist clients in drawing up a brief and plan for their needs with the assistance of quantity surveyors, engineers and project managers.
They then prepare sketch designs and models, cost projections, project documentation, submit plans for approval by the authorities, acquire tenders and then administer the building contract.

Besides the time spent in the office, the architect moves around between various building sites and is in constant contact with clients and the many disciplines active in the building process.

Architecture can be practiced in one of four categories:

professional architect
professional senior architectural technologist
professional technologist
professional draughtsperson

There are opportunities to progress from one category to the next.

What does an Architect do?

meets with clients to discuss proposed project
sketches preliminary layouts
presents ideas, drawings, costs etc to client
liaises with clients, developers, builders and subcontractors where needed
researches fittings and finishes
keeps up to date with technology and building regulations
goes to site meetings

Are you . . . ?

extremely creative?
a person who can think and design in 3d?
spatially aware?
accurate?
organised?
good at communication?
computer literate?
mathematical?
logical?
a hard worker?

How do I become an Architect?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Architectural Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Tswhane University of Technology
University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Architecture (professional)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Tswhane University of Technology
University of Johannesburg

Master of Technology in Architectural Technology

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Tswhane University of Technology

PATH 2

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
University of Cape Town
University of Kwazulu Natal
University of Pretoria
University of the Free State
University of the Witwatersrand

Honours in Architectural Studies

University of Cape Town
University of the Witwatersrand

Masters in Architectural Studies (professional)

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
University of Cape Town
University of Kwazulu Natal
University of the Free State
University of the Witwatersrand

2 years workplace experience (in architectural company)

Pass registration exam set by the SACAP

Final assessment by the SACAP

Designation: Awarded by SACAP (only those registered may use the title Professional Architect)

TRAINING:

CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

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