Architects are at the forefront of designing the built environment that will surround us in the 21st Century. As professional experts in the field of building design and construction, architects use their unique creative skills to advise individuals, property owners and developers, community groups, local authorities and commercial organisations on the design and construction of new buildings, the reuse of existing buildings and the spaces which surround them in our towns and cities.

The work of architects influences every aspect of our built environment, from the design of energy efficient buildings to the integration of new buildings in sensitive contexts. Because of their ability to design and their extensive knowledge of construction, architects' skills are in demand in all areas of property, construction and design. Architects' expertise is invaluable when we need to conserve old buildings, redevelop parts of our of towns and cities, understand the impact of a development on a local community, manage a construction programme or need advice on the use and maintenance of an existing building.

The challenge of architecture is to produce and an artistically pleasing design within a given budget. It is an essential service for all. architects design and supervise the construction of various types of buildings, keeping in view the primary consideration of stability, utility and beauty. They receive instructions from their client or employer on the type, function, capacity and approximate cost of the building required. They survey and inspect the site of the proposed building and obtain an accurate site plan. They, then prepare a sketch scheme of the floor plans, the elevations, and the perspective drawings. May such schemes may have to be produced before one is finally approved. At the next stage contract documents are drawn up including detailed drawings and specifications and estimates of costs. Necessary documents related to town planning and related aspects are obtained from the local authorities.

How To Become An Architect

The training period of an architect is five years. Architecture is taught through diploma or degree courses in the different colleges/schools of architecture throughout the country. Admission to the architecture courses is on the basis of an admission test to evaluate a candidate's aptitude in physics, chemistry and mathematics as well proficiency in drawing. The minimum educational qualification to appear for this admission test is successful completion of plus two or equivalent level of education. Selection to the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) programme is based on performance in the admission test, merit at Class XII examinations, participation in co-curricular activities and interview. Most of the courses prefer applications in the age group of 16-21 years.

Subjects in the architecture course include history of architecture, practical mathematics, design and construction, town planning, economics, some sociology, environmental science, and professional practice. Computers are an important part of the training in architecture.

Further specialization in this field can be in industrial design, urban design, landscape architecture, town planning/ urban planning, environmental planning, building engineering and management, transport planning, etc. These courses are open to B.Arch. degree/diploma holders.