Do you want to start and build a successful career as an architect in Nigeria? are you a graduate in architecture and now ready to build a career in architecture?
This article will show you how to start and build a successful career as an architect in Nigeria
As in any profession, the steps to be an architect seem simple, though involve a lot of hard work, and can be filled with fun. Simply put, becoming an architect involves education, skills, experience, and examinations.
Your journey from student to professional architect will move through several stages which has its highest degree in practical hands-on training with the evolving digital world.
What is Architecture?
Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.
Who is an Architect?
An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice, architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have human occupancy or use as their principal purpose.
Etymologically, the term architect derives from the Latin architectus, which derives from the Greek (arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e., chief builder.
The professional requirements for architects vary from place to place. An architect’s decisions affect public safety, and thus the architect must undergo specialized training consisting of advanced education and a practicum (or internship) for practical experience to earn a license to practice architecture.
Practical, technical, and academic requirements for becoming an architect vary by jurisdiction, though the formal study of architecture in academic institutions has played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole.
Architects are responsible for designing a variety of buildings, structures and other creative concepts in various industries. This career has a great job outlook and offers competitive salaries. In this article, we discuss what an architect does, the most common types of architects and the steps you can take to become one.
What does an architect do?
Architects are licensed professionals who are trained in the science and art of building design. They are responsible for the design and construction of buildings and other structures that are erected and used in various settings.
Architects oversee not only the aesthetic appeal of a structure but also its safety and functionality. They must also take into consideration the economic aspects of buildings and ensure they meet the needs of the individuals who will be using them.
Common duties of an architect may include:
Developing architecture that best aligns with a client’s needs
Overseeing architectural projects to ensure functional and high-quality design
Producing blueprints for a project
Composing predesign figures that may include cost analysis, land studies and the environmental impact of a structure
Researching and following zoning laws, building codes, city ordinances and other regulations that impact an architectural project
Using advanced computer technology to draft models of structures and explore different construction approaches
Finding and obtaining construction contracts and coordinating with construction workers
While there are several types of architects in various industries, the primary objective of all architects is to plan and design all components of a structure.
Types of architects
The following are the most common types of architects practicing today:
Technical architect
These professionals are primarily concerned with the technical aspects of a structure, such as its thermal efficiency and water tightness.
Technical architects study and modify construction mechanics and details to make sure buildings meet regional and local construction standards and regulations.
Planning architect
This type of architect is typically brought into a project to help advise on a project’s adherence to local and national requirements and regulations.
For example, a planning architect may outline a site’s legal restrictions or submit a project to the local or regional authority for approval.
Site architect
A site architect is responsible for overseeing all activity on a construction site from start to finish.
A site architect may assign instructions to construction workers, procure the construction contract and ensure quality and safety are maintained throughout the project’s duration.
Design architect
This type of architect works on the overall design and structure of a building. A design architect may create the initial outline of a structure, formulate blueprints and adjust the building design to suit the client’s preferences.
This professional may also play a role in the selection of the materials used to build the structure as well as oversee the construction and design team throughout the build process.
HOW TO BUILD A CAREER AS AN ARCHITECT AND BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
Earn a bachelor’s degree
While each state varies, most states require aspiring architects to obtain a five-year Bachelor of Architect degree through a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. There are currently 176 NAAB-accredited programs throughout the world at 139 different institutions. Typical courses in an accredited architect bachelor’s program include project management, building systems, and environmental planning and impact analysis.
Practical Hands-on Training
Having a university degree or certificate in architecture is good but not enough, you still need practical skills on how to use the software if you really want to succeed in it.
Do you want where you can learn architectural Design in Abuja Nigeria. Our practical hands-on architectural engineering software training gives you all you need to kick start your architectural journey.
The following are now integral part of the field because of the continuous industrial revolution and must be learned to stand a chance in the competitive field:
AutoCAD 2D/3D
Revit Architecture
ArchiCAD
Artlantis modeling
Tekla Structural Designer
SAP 2000
STAAD Pro
Prota Structure
Prota Structure
Orion CSC.
The above software package is practical one on one training that take you from scratch to advanced level. To be certified and valued professional architect, all these must be learnt which is what Bizmarrow Technologies is providing.
Training Delivery Methods
bizmarrow-computer-training-institute-Nigeria
Physical class training
Join our physical instructor-led interactive, and practical hands-on training in our training centers in Nigeria.
Live online training
learn from the comfort of your home or offices with our Virtual Instructor-Led live online, interactive, and practical hands-on training
Become licensed
To become a practicing architect in your state, you must obtain licensure by passing the Architect Registration Examination. Most states require a bachelor’s degree and the completion of an internship to be eligible to take the exam.
Regulatory bodies for architect in Nigeria
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)
The NIA is a member organization of professional Architects, with the objective of promoting the practice of the profession of Architecture in Nigeria. It has approximately 6000 full members, associates, graduates and student members in 32 State Chapters. It is a member of the International Union of Architects and a founding member of both the Commonwealth Association of Architects and the Africa Union of Architects. It is a non-governmental organization, but performs some statutory functions on behalf of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, and cooperates with governmental and non-governmental agencies and institutions. The NIA conducts examinations with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, and may be called to arbitrate in cases of dispute or liability.
Architects’ Registration of Council of Nigeria, ARCON,
The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) was established by Decree No. 10 0f 1969 further amended by Decree No. 43 of 1990. As a result of the enthronement of democracy in our political life that led to the review of all existing laws, the law setting up the Council was also reviewed to fall in line with the new dispensation. In line with this thinking, the law was now renamed Architects (Registration, Etc) Act Cap A19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The Council maintains a register of architects and architectural firms respectively in line with the enabling Act. In the case of the Register of Architects three categories of architects viz: Full, Provisional Stage 1 and 2.
Fully registered Architects are those who can practise as principals or consultants to clients and can submit building plans for planning and bye-laws approval.
Provisional registered Architects Stage 2 are entitled to use the title Architect but can only practise under the supervision of a full registered Architect and shall not act as principal or consultant in any private organisation.
The B. Sc. Architecture degree holder or its equivalent are registered under the Provisional Stage 1.
Thereafter the composition of the Council has seen several changes. Today representatives of all the States and the Federal Capital Territory, The Nigerian Institute of Architects, Accredited Schools of Architecture and the supervisory Ministry are represented.
The executive members of the Council comprise the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Registrar.
Conclusion
Architects are responsible for various aspects of the construction of a structure or building and need a number of hard and soft skills to be effective at their jobs.
If you want to be a professional architect in this digital age, you must learn the necessary architectural design software used by practicing architects.
Enroll in the training at Bizmarrow Technologies and add value cum skills to your certification.
