National
| Median wages (2008) |
$33.81 hourly, $70,320 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
132,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Faster than average (14% to 20%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
48,000 additional employees |
17-1011.00 - Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Sample of reported job titles:
Architect, Project Architect, Project Manager, Architectural Project Manager, Principal, Design Architect
Tasks
- Consult with client to determine functional and spatial requirements of structure.
- Prepare scale drawings.
- Plan layout of project.
- Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
- Integrate engineering element into unified design.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Direct activities of workers engaged in preparing drawings and specification documents.
- Conduct periodic on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with plans.
- Seek new work opportunities through marketing, writing proposals, or giving presentations.
- Administer construction contracts.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Compasses — Dividers |
| Drafting kits or sets — Arm drafting machines; Track drafting machines |
| Photocopiers — Diazo copiers; Engineering copiers |
| Power saws — Circular saws; Fretsaws |
| Straight edges — Parallel bars |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software; Google SketchUp software; Roof Builder Tools software; Virtual reality modeling language VRML software |
| Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat software; CADFind Sketch & Search software; FileNet P8 software |
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software; Micro-Press MicroStation PowerDraft |
| Office suite software — ArchiOffice software; Microsoft Office software |
| Project management software — Craftsman CD Estimator; Microsoft Project; Primavera Systems software; Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal (project management feature) |
