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Career in Architecture

CAREER IN ARCHITECTURE

“Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins. These were the words of renowned 20th Century German-American architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, also known as one of the pioneers of modern architecture.

His words strike us with their stark simplicity. They draw attention to what perhaps makes architecture such a fascinating subject – that from something so simple, as two bricks placed together, something so complex, as entire buildings, structures or monuments, are created. Where question of construction of a house or a building comes there comes the role of Architecture. An Architect prepares plan for the building, estimates the cost and looks after its construction till completion. While designing the Architects take various things in consideration e.g. functional aspects, safety, economy and need of the people who use them etc. Architecture is a specific area of study and work which deals with design, plan of buildings and structures. The construction industry is one of the largest organised economic sectors of our country. Architects often work with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects and others.

What Is Architecture?

An architect is a scientist and artist rolled into one. He/she is involved in many activities like

  • Design: An architect primarily designs buildings. An architect carefully makes plans, based on which the building is constructed. An architect also looks at the way in which the space gets utilized, depending on what function the building will serve and how many people will use it. For instance a hospital has to be designed and built differently from an office or a school.
  • When making a plan, the architect takes into account many practical issues such as climatic conditions, water supply and drainage, electricity supply, orientation, topography of the land and multiple other such factors. He/she usually possess sound engineering knowledge as well as practical knowledge about building materials, public convenience facilities such as parking etc. Safety is another very important factor, that Architects looks at while designing the building
  • The architect also looks into the aesthetics of the building based on what it represents. Will it reflect a certain philosophy? Will it show comfort or represent luxury? Will it represent opulence and richness of life or minimalistic beauty? Will it have intricate structures or stark, straight, direct lines?
  • Renovation and conservation: Many a times, the work of an Architect is also to renovate or structurally modify the existing buildings. He/she also looks into conservation of old and heritage structures.
NATURE OF WORK:

The design of a building involves a lot more than just appearance. So an architect takes a lot of things into consideration, such as safety, function, economy and suitability. As such, this duties demand a variety of skills-designing, engineering, managerial and supervisory. One can specialize in Naval Architecture which involves designing ships, ships building yards, construction of oil rigs on high seas etc.

PERSONAL CHARACTERTSTICS:

Drawing, design and mathematical ability are essential. Architects should be practical, creative, self-disciplinarians and decisive.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE:

Admissions to architecture courses are on the basis of an admission test to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as well as proficiency in drawing. The minimum educational qualification to appear for this admission is 10+2 Science or equivalent level of education. Most institutions select students through an entrance examination. The B.Arch. pre-entrance test is the same as the pre-engineering test (except that it has an aptitude test) when the Architecture Department is in Engineering Institute. Most Institutes including IITs take students through Joint Engineering Entrance Test. B.Arch. is a 5 years course after 10+2 with PCM. The P.G. course is generally for 18 months to 2 years.

THE CAREER PROFILE OF ARCHITECTS:

The students of Architecture during their final year have to undergo a practical apprenticeship with an architectural firm, where they do work, related to design and drawings. After graduation, architects join architectural agencies or firms and manage small assignments. They learn under senior architects the technicalities involved in design. After a few years of brushing up with basic skills, the young architects learn to handle small projects, can make architectural plans and can use their knowledge and judgments in presenting initial proposal.

Courses & Eligibility

Bachelor degree (B.Arch., which is a 5 year course: 10+2 from a recognized board/university with a minimum of 50% aggregate in the science stream (physics, chemistry and mathematics). For some architecture courses having Mathematics as a subject at 10+2 level is the only eligibility. Alternatively, if you have a minimum 50% aggregate in a Diploma in Civil Engineering under the 10+3 years scheme of State or National Government, then you are eligible for the B.Arch. At the end of the course, you will need to do an internship in an architectural firm to gain valuable experience by working alongside people who have been in the field for a longer duration, before setting out to begin on your own or join an Architectural firm or Real Estate companies. At the end of the course, you will have to register with the Council of Architecture of India and thereby become a full-fledged architect.

M.Arch. (Masters Programme in architecture)

The master’s programme in architecture can be pursued from many institutes in India. One can also pursue an architectural degree abroad, however one must keep in mind that it is from a university recognized by the Indian Council and other similar governing bodies. The more recognized the institute, the better your chances of getting work afterwards in India. Do bear in mind that the cost of studying abroad is considerably higher.

Course Fees

A 5-year degree in architecture from a government institute can cost between Rs 1.6 – 2.3 lakhs. In a private institution, it may cost between Rs 2 – 3.5 lakhs. The fee mentioned does not include hostel, library expenses etc.

INSTITUTES OF ARCHITECTURE:

There are around 86 institutions which impart training in Architecture. The well known institutions are:-

  1. School of Architecture, CEPT, Ahemdabad
  2. School of Planning and Architecture, IP Estate, New Delhi
  3. The Centre of Environment and Planning Technology, Ahmedabad,
  4. Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh,
  5. J. School of Architecture, Mumbai,
  6. Naval College of Engineering INS Shivaji Lonavla, Mumbai,
  7. IIT New Delhi,
  8. Vastu Kala Academy, School of Architecture & Interior Designing, 9/1, Institutional Area, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi
  9. IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur. (Admission through IIT JEE)
  10. IIT Roorkee, Roorkee
  11. Faculty of Architecture, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi
  12. National Institute of technology , Tiruchirapalli
  13. Punjab University, Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh
  14. Lucknow University, Govt. College of Architecture, Tagore Road, Lucknow
  15. Goa University, College of Architecture, Campal Panaji, Goa
  16. Indian Education Society’s College of Architecture, 791, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W), Mumbai
  17. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, School of Planning & Architecture, Mahavir Marg, Hyderabad
  18. Pune University.
  19. Kerala University, College of Engineering, Thiruvananthpuram
  20. Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Sushant lok, District Gurgaon, Haryana

Some institutes who specialise in different aspects of Architecture are:

  1. Kasturba Lal Bhai Campus, Ahmedabad-381009. Offers a P.G. Course in Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.
  2. NICMAR (National Institute of Construction Management) offers Masters in Construction Management, an 18 months course. Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech./MBA/ MA in Social Sciences with minimum of 55% marks.

Career Prospects

A qualified architect may either work with an architectural firm or begin his/her own firm. He/she also has the option of being employed by various government organizations such as Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defense, National Building Organization, Town and Country Planning Organization, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., etc. While some other organizations or bodies like State Departments, Housing Boards, and Local Bodies for construction works, Builders, Architecture Firms, Consultants, etc. also hire architects.

A Day in Life

This is a general look at how an architect would function when managing a project:

  • Get a detailed brief from the client. Understand the exact purpose of the building and its function, where it will be built, estimate of the number of people that will be using it and other specific requirements that the client may have.
  • Work on a detailed plan of the structure and work with in-house (or outsourced) team on graphic design, preparation of a miniature model, estimating and costing, Make detailed timelines based on client’s requirement.
  • Present a detailed plan on the structure to the client along with a proposed budget.
  • Get approvals for the same after incorporating changes if any.
  • Appoint a suitable construction company.
  • Begin work on the project by coordinating with the appointed construction company, local authorities (such as the Municipality) where necessary. Ensure safety measures at all stages.
  • Supervise every stage of construction. Keep track of timelines at each stage.
  • Towards the end of the construction, involve and coordinate with electrical specialists, local water works, electricity suppliers, carpenters, painters, glassware providers, utilities and facilities providers, interior decorators, garden and landscape specialists and a whole list of people who will help the architect to bring the project to its completion.

Pay & Remuneration

Architecture is a professional course. Just like a C.A. or a doctor, one may choose to work as an employee or start ones’ own practice. The initial or starting level earnings of an architect can be approximately Rs 2.5 lakh per-annum. of course the earnings would vary depending on the city and your area of specialisation. For example in New Delhi, a B.Arch graduate employed in an architectural firm may get Rs. 2.5 to 3 lakhs a year beginning, while employment in a real estate company may fetch a salary of Rs. 5-6 lakhs to begin with. However the same architect working in the architectural firm after a few years of experience may start his own practice and start making very good money.

Famous Personalities

  • Charles Correa: An internationally acclaimed Indian architect who was behind the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Kanchanjunga Apartment tower in Mumbai, the Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, the planning of Navi Mumbai, MIT’S Brain and Cognitive Sciences Centre in Boston.
  • Hafeez Contractor: Vastu building at Worli Seaface. Has also designed The Imperial I and II, the tallest buildings in India.
  • Anant D. Raje: His acclaimed works include the Executive Management Centre at the IIM Ahmedabad, Forest Management Institute in Bhopal, India and the Institute of Statistics in New Delhi.
EMPLOYMENT AVENUES WITH GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION:

They can work with various Governmental and autonomous organisation such as Urban Development Department, Central Public Works Department, National Building Organisation, New Delhi, Town & Country Planning Organisation, New Delhi, HUDCO, City Development Authorities like B.D.A., C.D.A., etc.

SELF-EMPLOYMENT:

One can set up his/her own firm for providing service privately. For an efficient Architect there will be no dearth of jobs.

Architecture Exams

The major significant feature of the AIEEE that is conducted for the architecture stream is that it consists of questions to evaluate the knowledge of the students, besides their attitude towards the values and architecture perspectives.

Nowadays, architecture has become one of the most significant streams in the professional degrees. The trend has started to boost, say some 5 to 10 years ago, though it exists in practice right from the ancient times, but recently the craze for architecture has increased tremendously, as equal to streams like engineering and medicine.

AIEEE now Jee Mains

The AIEEE is an all India level entrance examination for both engineering/architecture streams. Hence, it comprises of separate question patterns and structure for both the streams. The AIEEE pattern for B. Arch/B. Planning comprises of three important parts, part 1 consists of questions from mathematics and part 2 consists of aptitude type questions and part3 consists of engineering drawing questions. It includes questions in testing the students’ attitudes regarding people, place and environment. This has to be praised, because architecture is all about the value of the creative and constructional output, thereby placing the customers and their values in the first place, because architecture doesn’t deal with bricks and cements, rather it is more to do with the layout of a place/city/country. It is a 3 hours examination and it is usually conducted at the end of 12th standard examination. It is conducted by CBSE in India. AIEEE established online form the year 2011 onwards, which means the students, can attend the exam online, rather attending a paper-pencil examination. The method of implementation is yet to get confirmed by the CBSE.

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), is conducted by National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture (NIASA) which is a body of Council of Architecture, New Delhi in India. The National Aptitude Test in Architecture is a national level examination for admission to undergraduate courses in Architecture. The test measures the aptitude of applicants for a specific field of study, i.e. Architecture, in areas like drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking, qualities that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are related to Architecture. NATA or the AIEEE B.Arch exam are prescribed by the Council of Architecture as a compulsory criteria for taking admission to any Architectural College or course in India.

Scheme of Examination

  1. National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is being conducted by the Council of Architecture at national level for admission to 5 year B.Arch Degree Course at all recognized institutions across India.
  2. NATA scores are used by admissions authorities of different Government, Govt. Aided & Unaided schools / colleges of Architecture.
  3. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability.
  4. The test is in two parts. A paper based drawing test for two hours and computer based online aesthetic sensitivity test.

NATA is an aptitude test conducted by the Council of Architecture for those aspirants who wish to avail admissions into the 5 year B.Arch courses. Candidates must qualify in NATA 2014 to be eligible to apply for admissions to the Bachelor in Architecture degree courses across the country. Given below are the complete details of NATA 2014 inclusive of Eligibility Criteria, Application Form, and Scoring Process etc. National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)

Exam Type: National Level

Exam Category: UG Level

Conducting Institute: Council of Architecture

About NATA: NATA is an Aptitude Test conducted by the Council of Architecture B.Arch aspirants across the country. Admissions to 1st year of 5 year B.Arch. degree course at all institutes / schools / colleges of Architecture in India (including Govt., Govt-aided, Private Unaided, University Depts., Deemed Universities, etc will be on the basis of NATA 2014.

NATA Eligibility Criteria:

  • Those applicants who have passed SSC (Class 10th) or equivalent examination can appear for NATA but are not eligible to apply for the B.Arch courses.
  • Candidates who have passed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible for NATA 2014.
  • They must have studied Mathematics as a main subject in 10+2.

NATA Exam Pattern:

There are two sections, on the basis of which a candidate’s aptitude is measured for NATA 2014 The Exam Pattern for NATA 2014 includes a paper based section for drawing and computer based section for aesthetic sensitivity. The Drawing Test is for 2 hours and Aesthetic Sensitivity Test comprises of 40 questions with 60 to 90 seconds given for each question. The Application Form of NATA 2014 is available from March online. The NATA Registration Form should be downloaded  after payment of Registration fees (online), filled and submitted to the test center where the candidates wish to appear for the NATA exam along with the specified documents. A receipt cum Appointment Voucher will be issued on submission of the NATA Registration Form.

NATA Application Fees: Rs 1000.

NATA Application Fees can be paid : Online through Net banking, Credit Cards/ ICICI I-sure.

NATA Number of Attempts Allowed: Candidates can appear for NATA 2014 as many times they want to give the exam. The procedure to give repeat exam is the same. (Max.Mark:200, Min mark: 80). The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability, that have been acquired over a long period of time, and that are related to specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. Candidates having 50% marks in 10+2 or equivalent examination with mathematics as one of the subject only are eligible for admission to B.Arch. Course.

Who should take NATA and Why?

Prospective applicants desirous of taking admission to First year of undergraduate course in Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture) in India take NATA. NATA scores are used by admissions authorities of different Government, Govt. Aided & unaided schools / colleges of Architecture, to provide common measure for comparing the qualifications of applicants for admission in addition to their scholastic performance in 10+2 or equivalent examination.

Where to appear for NATA?

NATA is offered over major part of admission season at designated Test Centers located at colleges / schools of architecture in India. This test comprises of two parts, comprising a paper based drawing test and a computer based online test. Both the tests are evaluated separately and the results are stored in the NATA server, which is then displayed to the students. Both the tests are considered to be clearly designed and also executed in the same way.

Drawing Test

The paper based drawing test is conducted for 2 hours and it consists of two questions, each with two sub questions. The drawing test would be provided with scores, based on the observation skills of the candidates and their drawing ability, their perspectives about color, proportion, etc… This drawing test evaluates the following: Depth of knowledge in the three dimensional and two dimensional drawings. Students’ ability and capability to draw proportionately and to produce the same as an effective output.  Creative attitude of the students.  Logical reasoning of the students regarding the scale and proportions and many more.

Aesthetic Sensitivity Test

In this test, the candidates are supposed to answer 40 multiple choice questions, which are based on the vision to evaluate the mental ability, architectural comprehensive skills, creative capability, architectural awareness, etc… This test is conducted in an interesting manner, meaning, if a student provides a correct answer to one question, then the immediate question would be tough (next difficult level), otherwise it would be vice versa. Thus, the difficulty level of the questions would be chosen by the computer itself, depending on the performance of the students and the marks would also be based on the average level of difficult questions that are asked in the examination and there are no negative markings in this test.

Council of Architecture

Core 6A, 1st Floor, India Habitat Center
Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003
India

Or state engineering entrance exams to admissions to such colleges which provides architectural courses

List of Postgraduate Courses

Masters in Architecture

Masters in Planning

Masters in Design

Masters in Technology

Master of Urban and Regional Planning

Master Program in Building Engineering and Management

Masters Program in Landscape Architecture.

Career Prospects

Candidates who have completed their course in architecture have many career prospects. They can find jobs in both the private and public sectors. Students of architecture can find employment in government organizations like the state and central work departments, city development authorities and the municipalities in addition to housing and urban development corporations and state housing boards. Professionals of this field can also get jobs in teaching institutions. They can also work as consultants or find jobs in private architectural firms, development firms etc. Candidates can also start their own practices with some years of experience in this area. Candidates can start their career as trainees under established architects. Their starting salary will be approximately 10000 – 12000 per month. With more experience and skill in the field, they can earn as much as Rs.15000 – Rs. 20000 for each month. The salary of architects who work in the private sector is more compared to those employed in government sectors. Those who work as consultants can charge as much as 4 to 10 % of the entire price of construction. This is applicable in the situation of multi storied buildings and luxury apartments.

Introduction

What is Landscape Architecture?

Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field, incorporating aspects of: botany, horticulture, the fine arts, architecture, industrial design, geology and the earth sciences, environmental psychology, geography, and ecology.

Who is a Landscape Architect?

They are exterior space designers. They design and layout gardens, parks and outdoor spaces, they do site planning for campuses and corporate office parks, design residential estates and civil infrastructure and the management of large areas or reclamation of degraded landscapes such as mines or landfills. Landscape architects work on all types of structures and external space – large or small, urban, suburban and rural, and with “hard” (built) and “soft” (planted) materials, while integrating ecological sustainability. They work with contractors builders and architectural firms on collaborative projects. The exteriors of a building have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of a building and can add tremendous aesthetic value and utility to a building or space. They do systematic investigation of existing social, ecological, and geological conditions and processes in the landscape, and the design of interventions that will produce the desired outcome. The controlling of urban problems like excess traffic and pollution also comes within the ambit of landscape designing. Hence it may even involve regulating traffic movement and redesigning traffic ways.

Courses & Eligibility

Architecture can be studied in an Engineering college and Architecture college. There are many institutes of repute that offer this course in India.

  • B. Arch is a 5 year course and most schools and colleges select students through a written test. Anybody who has studied Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry at the 10+2 level can apply for admission to study architecture at the graduate level in colleges offering the course.
  • M. Arch (Landscape Architecture) Post-graduate Course: On completion of the graduate course, one can study architecture at the post graduate course which varies from 18 months to 2 years.

Entrance test for B.Arch courses:

  • NATA, National Aptitude Test for Architecture, can be taken at many centres in India
  • JEE MAIN 2013 Exam – Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (2013): for NITs, IIITs, DTU, Delhi and other centrally funded institutions (CFTIs)

Where to Study

  • School of Architecture CEPT, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad
  • School of Planning & Architecture, 4, Block-B, IP Estate, New Delhi
  • Punjab University, Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh
  • Goa University, College of Architecture, Campal Panaji, Goa
  • University of Mumbai, Sir J J College of Architecture, 78/3, Dr. D.N. Road, Mumbai
  • Indian Education Society’s College of Architecture, 791, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W), Mumbai
  • Pune University, Marathwada Mitra Mandal College of Architecture, 302, A, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, School of Planning & Architecture, Mahavir Marg, Hyderabad
  • Kerala University, College of Engineering, Thiruvananthpuram
  • Anna University, School of Architecture & Planning, Sardar Patel Rd., Chennai
  • IPS Academy, School of Architecture, Rajendra Nagar, Indore
  • Vastu Kala Academy, School of Architecture & Interior Designing, 9/1, Institutional Area, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi
  • Dr Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune.

Pay & Remuneration

Beginners and pass outs of premier institutes can earn around Rs.3-4 lakhs a year as starting salary. With experience one can make god contacts and establish own business and earn pretty well.

Famous Personalities

Minesh Parikh, a pass out of School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, made a name for himself and has designed the lanscapes of Radisson Manesar, Le Meridion Jaipur, The Marriott at Jaipur and many more. DEV Gujral is a professional landscape architect whose Delhi-based family business, which goes by the name of Landscape Development, is into landscape management services like horticulture, floriculture and landscape. They’ve done landscape design, consultancy, turnkey and maintenance jobs of leading five star hotels, corporate houses, farmhouses etc. Some of the projects Dev is particularly proud of our landscaping for the Oberoi Hotel, Sidhartha Hotel (JP Group), BARC guest house, a resort in Haryana, the US Embassy, Training Center for RAW, Gyan Bharti School, Silver Line Public School and Dabur India Ltd.

A Day in Life

A typical day of Landscape Architect depends on the stage of project that he/she is working currently. Since they are involved in both design and implementation their days might begin with preparing the site plans of the new contracts or visiting the sites under development. On the existing site he/she checks the progress and see that development is going on as per the plan. On the new contracts, they evaluate the existing land structures and features and plan the proposed features. They make these designs by carefully analysing the reports and data on soil, environment, location and other factors and this usually requires coordination with many other related professionals.

Sr.No.

Name of Course/College

Duration

Eligibility

Scheme of Examination

Important

dates

Institute Address/

Website

1.

School of Planning &

Architecture

(i) B.Arch.

(ii) B. Planning

5 years

4 years

10+2 with

Maths &

Engg. Drawing

50% marks in

aggregate

Entrance

Examination

conducted by

AIEEE consisting

of Maths and

Architectural

Aptitude.

Notification:

Nov. /Dec.

Submission

of Form: Jan

Test: April end

School of Planning and

Architecture, 4 Block,

B, I.P Estate,

New Delhi-2

www.spa.ernet.in

2.

NATA (NATIONAL APTITUDE TEST IN ARCHITECTURE)

5 Years

50% marks in 10+2 or equivalent examination with mathematics

The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability,

….

….

3.

 

5 years

10+2 with 50%

marks in Maths,

English,

Physics &

Chemistry

Entrance Test :

2 Papers of 2 hours and 3

hours duration

Paper I – Physics,

Chemistry and Maths

,Objective type – 70 marks

Paper –II – Aptitude Test –

100 marks followed by

Interview – 30 marks

Medium -English

Notification in

April

Submission:

May end

Test: June

Faculty of Engineering

&Technology, Jamia

Millia University,

Jamia Nagar, , New

Delhi-25

www.jmi.ac.in

4.

B.Arch (Guru Gobind Singh

Indraprastha University)

5 Years

12 th Class with

Maths (50%)

OR 10+3 years

Diploma in

Architecture

On the basis of

National Aptitude

Test of

Architecture

(NATA)

Scores –

Conducted by

Council of

Architecture

Notification in

Jan.,

Submission:

March end

Test: Last

week of May

Guru Gobind Singh

Indraprastha

University, Kashmere

Gate,Delhi-6

www.ipu.ac.in

5.

B.Arch. (IIT/JEE)

Roorkee & Kharagpur

5 Years

Pass in 12th

with PCM with

60%

Separate Aptitude

test after obtaining

rank in IIT

Notification:

Nov./Dec.

Submission

of Form: Jan

Test: April

Indian Institute of

Technology, Hauz

Khas, New Delh-16

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