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Chris Dawson has been an architect for 15 years, and he currently is the sole proprietor of the Chris Dawson Architect firm in Pennsylvania. He has designed a number of projects that have been recognized by The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Architect Career Path
From an early age, Chris was inspired by architecture and knew that field was the one for him.

“When I was very young,” he recalls, “I would ride my bike to soccer practice. On the way, I always saw this unusual synagogue, which was designed by the dean at Syracuse University at that time, and I was amazed by it. I ended up getting my degree at Syracuse.”

Experiences of an Architect
Chris earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University in New York, gaining experience wherever he could.

“I did internships for professors and professionals at home over the summer when I could get them,” he says.

Chris has worked in several architecture firms in his 15 years of experience, including Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects and Hammel Associates Architects. He currently is the sole proprietor of Chris Dawson Architect located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He is affiliated with a number of architecture organizations, and he is the current president and board member of the Central Pennsylvania American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chapter.

Architecture Degree Programs
To obtain any kind of architecture job, you need at least a Bachelor’s of Architecture, known as a B. Arch, which is different than a Bachelor’s of Art or Science degree. (A B. Arch requires five years of study as opposed to the traditional four-year degree. ) In addition, aspiring architects then need to complete a three-year apprenticeship period.

To succeed, students need plenty of experience to become recognized in the field and to help them stand out against stiff competition competition.

Architect Job Description
Chris is the sole proprietor of Chris Dawson Architect. He has designed many projects there, eight of which have been recognized by the AIA as Design Excellence Award Winners.

Architect Daily Routine
“There is no such thing as a normal day for architects,” Chris explains. “One of the great things about architecture is that every day is different because each is dependent on the types of project you’re working on and at what stage of development they are at.”

In summary, architects’ daily responsibilities entail leading construction projects.

“We need to go about marketing ourselves to land projects,” says Chris. “Once we land a project, we start by understanding the project site, context, and requirements (codes, budget, schedule, etc.), and then develop a conceptual design solution(s), typically in concert with the owner.”

“You then develop a preferred schematic design and a design development package,” he continues, “which starts to paint the picture of all that the project will entail. The next step would be to...

Architecture is a combination of art and science, encompassing the conception, design, and creation of buildings and other physical structures, from airports to schools to museums.

Put more poetically, Le Corbusier, who is regarded as the father of modern architecture, once said, “architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.” Whatever your definition is, an architecture degree will teach you the fundamental principles of designing and creating works of art in which people can live and work.

Architects review, design and plan for the creation of new structures, and for certain projects, oversee the construction process. There are many factors they’ll take into consideration as they begin designing a new building, such as how many people will exit and enter the building, what it will be used for, and what kind of natural elements it will be subjected to.

Architects also need to consider construction and safety rules and procedures. Depending on the size and proposed use of the structure, architects may coordinate with civil or structural engineers during the planning process.

Because of the wide-ranging nature of the work and the breadth of information architects must synthesize in the design process, architecture degree programs are known for their rigorous academic and design standards, as well as their heavy workloads.

Types of Architecture Degrees Available
Architecture degrees are available at the bachelor’s (B. Arch) and master’s (M. Arch) levels, as well as at the doctorate (D. Arch) levels. In order to qualify for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), the licensing exam required in the U.S. to practice architecture, students must have completed either a B. Arch or an M. Arch.

The Bachelor of Architecture is distinguished from a bachelor of arts (BA) in architecture, or a bachelor of science (BS) in architecture, as the B. Arch is often a five-year program, requiring more credit hours than typical four-year bachelor’s degree programs.

Students who earn a BA or BS in architecture, or a bachelor’s degree in another field, must complete M. Arch programs in order to qualify for the registration exam. These programs may vary from two to three years, depending on the student’s undergraduate education.

What an Architecture Degree Teaches You
Architecture degrees include coursework in design and aesthetic theory, and teach students about all facets of design—not just architectural design. Often, students take sculpture, painting, or other artistic classes during early years, in addition to drafting and design courses. Some programs require their students to become proficient in drafting designs by hand before teaching computer-aided design.
Students are also instructed in practical issues, including structural properties, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and construction.

Architecture degree programs often revolve around a studio class, a main clas...

The Basics of an Architect Career
Architects are responsible for creating and designing the structures we use everyday, from the smallest of homes to the tallest of skyscrapers. They must possess a unique blend of artistic, mathematic, and personal skills.

Historically, architects have hand drawn building plans, or blueprints, and even constructed three dimensional models of proposed structures. While these skills are still taught in architectural curriculums and used from time to time, most architects have in recent years switched to computers as their primary design tool.

Many architects are self-employed and so must be adept not only at handling all aspects of a project but also the day to day requirements of a small business. Some architects, however, work for larger firms and may specialize in a certain aspects of the building process, such as project management or blueprint rendering.

How to get an Architecture Degree
A five year Bachelor’s degree with a three year apprenticeship period is the most common route to becoming an architect. Students who already have a Bachelor’s in another field may earn a Master’s degree , but it will likely still take three to four years since many of the courses are specialized. At the end of the apprenticeship period, a student must pass a licensing exam in order to become fully certified.

Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, excellent spatial reasoning and visual skills, good communicator, team player, detail-oriented, good under pressure, problem-solver, ability to adjust plans as the need arises.

Interview with a Professional Architect
To find out all of the ins and outs of an architect career, Read More…

Salary Expectations for an Architect
The average salary for an architect is $64,150, with the middle fifty percent earning between $49,780 and $83,450 a year. Those in the internship phase of their career should expect to earn less.

Most architects work for s...