6 THINGS THAT EVERY ARCHITECT SHOULD KNOW

Architecture is an all-inspiring field with an ability to create striking and purposeful buildings and connect with communities through impactful designs.

However, to be a successful architect, it takes time, self-refinement, practice, and persistence, especially after you begin your career. Staying up-to-date with the current trends, polishing your skills, and having industry-specific knowledge are some other aspects you need to refine and stand out in the stiff competition.

Besides implementing what you’ve learned from architecture school, here are some essentials you need to work on as an architect.

1. Math and Related Knowledge

The concepts of mathematics, physics, and geometry can give you an edge in effectively tackling certain challenges during designing buildings. Knowledge gained from these fields will also help you in expressing your creative freedom while providing smart solutions for the issues that arise. You need to improvise instead of relying on only tested methods and techniques. 

Let’s say you’re designing a commercial building that needs to be energy-efficient and earthquake-resistant. The knowledge you gain from these disciplines can be used to effectively design complex structures like these. Furthermore, your material knowledge should be top-notch.

Architects should be well-versed in the usage of different materials in construction, their advantages, disadvantages, and their ability to endure stress. Material knowledge is crucial in designing safe and durable buildings.

2. Exploring Concepts

As mentioned, architecture is all about creative freedom. Exploring different ideas and tapping into abstract thinking is what makes an architect stand out. Developing your approach to carrying out the project will only be possible when you have thoroughly analyzed the construction site and can ignite your abstract thinking and brainstorming abilities. 

Maintain a conceptual approach when designing, as it makes sure each step you take is meaningful. From reviewing the environmental design of the project to selecting feasible materials for construction, thinking conceptually is imperative. What you perceive from conceptual thinking will define the originality of your project. 

3. Design Rendering

In this tech-oriented era, it is necessary to improve your skills in design rendering and architectural drawing. Plenty of software is available ranging from 3D rendering to making simple 2D drawings. AutoCAD is a popular software used by the industry in creating plan section drawings. 

However, when it comes to 3D rendering, professional assistance might be necessary. While you can find many companies providing 3D rendering services, only pick the services that specialize in interior rendering so you can achieve photo-realistic results.

After all, the purpose of 3D rendering is all about portraying your projects and ideas in the best manner possible. Nonetheless, work on improving your computing skills because who can better visualize your concepts than yourself

4. Improve Communication

Architects have to maintain communication between different stakeholders. From dealing with clients to working closely with the site engineer, maintaining communication is key.

Effective communication ensures that your team understands your design goals and implements them effectively. It is best to get your team onboard and explain the project demands so everyone can improvise to achieve the best possible outcomes

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5. Be Inspired

Learning from architecture about different periods is critical. The concepts of modernism, structuralism and contemporary styles are often inspired by architectural heritage. Traveling around to explore mesmerizing architectural constructions is an excellent way to get inspired as most modern concepts, designs, and ideas use a framework similar to these historical marvels. Architects are known to be creative and provide practical solutions in terms of design. Traveling more often to these places will increase your creativity and let you tap into new ideas and approaches.

6. Construction Laws and Regulations

Staying up-to-date with the current laws and regulations about constructing buildings is necessary. Knowing these regulations will assist you in finding out information like the size and number of windows you could install in a building. Only a few construction laws are directly related to the architect’s work but knowing this information will surely improve the way you design buildings. 

Pursuing a career as an architect is indeed rewarding for those who are not indifferent to their profession. Some architects find designing luxury homes interesting whereas others might prefer designing commercial buildings. Since there are a variety of projects, finding where your passion lies will define the work you do.

Whether you’re an aspiring architect or have already created a footprint in the market, learning relevant things to improve your work-related outcomes is the way forward.

Besides the things mentioned above, plenty of other skills can be honed like practicing time management, following a code, and focusing on providing quality services will always aid in making an impact through your designs.