ARCHITECT Guillermo Lugo Calexico High School Work Experience Education

ARCHITECT Personal Characteristics: Personal characteristics are abilities that may be natural. These abilities can be improved through use. An interest in figuring out new ways to do things. Ability to do precise work with tools, instruments or equipment. High ability to catch on to things, to make mathematical calculations, to visualize structures in three-dimensional space, and to see small differences in shapes. Above average verbal ability to communicate ideas and communicate with clients, and to write specifications and reports. Average ability to check for details and finger dexterity. Need average eyesight. Ability to work well with people and direct and supervise them and to influence others. Some situations that may be stressful are meeting deadlines, resolving conflicts and working up to clients expectations. Capability to endure long work hours working according to set standards. Requires a willingness to work hard and a need to be responsible. Ability to move often from one task to another using different skills. Ability to make judgments using knowledge or experience.

CALIFORNIA PAY AND OUTLOOK CALIFORNIA PAY: Pay depends on size and type of employer and geographic location. Many start as assistants; assistants and associates usually earn less. Entry pay ranges from $1,900 to $3,700 per month. Experienced pay ranges from $2,160 to $4,165 per month. Top pay ranges from $2,650 to over $9,100 per month. Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) data for 1998:OES OES category Architects, Except Landscape and Marine(22302) Average pay: $4,797 per month. Median pay: $4,612 per month. America's Career InfoNet. Search for California in wages and trends: Definition of Average, Mean and Median Pay CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT: Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) employment projections to 2008:OES OES category Architects--Ex Landscape, Marine(22302) Total jobs: 9,600 Job openings due to growth: 1,400 Job openings due to separation: 1,300 CALIFORNIA OUTLOOK: Outlook depends heavily on economic activity and stability, level of new construction especially of nonresidential structures, cost of materials, and lending rates. High interest rates and construction costs limit building activity and affect demand for architectural services. The market can change rapidly with building construction cycles. Competition for jobs with the most prestigious firms is strong. Those students willing to relocate may have the most success in locating a job. Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) growth projections through 2008:OES Much faster than average growth is projected for Architects--Ex Landscape, Marine(22302) Demand for jobs can change quickly; always check local newspapers, periodicals and websites.

PREPARETION Most Architects complete a four-year bachelor's and a master's degree program. Programs are available at universities and colleges. Architects must be licensed in many states. Most community colleges offer the first two years of study. Another way to enter this field is to get training and experience in the Military ( 97). Some military courses may qualify for college credit. Additional training may be needed to enter the civilian work world. For additional information on accredited schools, contact the national Architectural Accrediting Board.Military Educational Program(s): Architecture and Environmental Design Related Programs: Drafting Engineering Interior Design High School Courses Recommended: College Preparatory Advanced Mathematics Art Blueprint Reading Commercial and Graphic Art Computer Science Construction Drafting Economics English Composition History Physics Speech It is a good idea to see a counselor about graduation requirements at your high school. Courses you take will vary depending on your career goals. All high schools do not offer the same courses. Course titles may be different at each school. Some courses offered at your high school may be regional occupational program/center courses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT This section reflects the physical activities and physical demands that most people working in this occupation engage in during the course of a workday. However, these occupations often can be performed by those with disabilities when provided with appropriate adaptations. Generally indoors in comfortable offices. Often seated at drawing boards for long hours and also spending time in discussions with clients, contractors, and other Architects. Workweek often exceeds 40 hours and includes evenings. Architects use computers in many ways and computers are becoming a standard tool. Use computer- aided design and drafting (CADD) to make accurate drawings where repetitive work can be more easily done by the computer, then they can duplicate them in different sizes. They also use computers to make engineering calculations, estimate costs, calculate energy loss and heating costs for different building designs, and use word processing to draw up contracts and specifications.

SKILLS A skill is a goal directed behavior that can be strengthened through practice. Knowledge of planning and designing. Technical writing ability. Ability to relate to people. Knowledge of construction methods and materials. Mastery of technical problems. Decision-making and business management skills. Drafting and lettering skills. Knowledge of alternate energy systems design and solar home design and construction.

ASSOCIATIONS A skill is a goal directed behavior that can be strengthened through practice. Knowledge of planning and designing. Technical writing ability. Ability to relate to people. Knowledge of construction methods and materials. Mastery of technical problems. Decision-making and business management skills. Drafting and lettering skills. Knowledge of alternate energy systems design and solar home design and construction.