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8 Essential Skills Needed to Be an Architect

Written by:
Viktoria Polanski
Photography:
Thirdman (cover image)

The architecture contains more information than it might seem to a passerby. In the connections of even or smoothly curved lines, everyman sees aesthetics, and professionals see echoes of an era in art. To create masterpieces of architecture, being good at math and physics might not suffice. Sure thing, some skills are obligatory. Many of them you have to grow before writing a college admission essay. But when it comes to answering what skills you need to be an architect, one cannot respond in one sentence. Thus, here are eight architecture skills a student needs to enrich the world with the beauty of architecture.

1. Advanced Mathematics

Mathematical knowledge is the first necessity. Without algebra, geometry, and physics on top of that, being an architect is unrealistic. Lack of experience in solving complex mathematical problems will result in more than bad grades. In the case of architecture, bad numeric skills can create a threat instead of art. Thus, numeric abilities are the first skills required to be an architect.

2. Knowledge of Architectural History

Architecture might not be one of the most interdisciplinary fields. Yet, every student learns extra information if they want to become professional. Furthermore, no person, even a genius, can create masterpieces when they do not know the basics. So, an architect will know how buildings looked in the Old Stone Age and what they looked like in the era of Historicism.

Over and above that, do not underestimate history. It is not about aesthetics solely! First and foremost, that discipline is about the functionality and peculiarities of construction. Thus, history is another component of architect required skills.

3. Designing (for Soul)

The principles of design are another necessity of the skills required to be an architect. As a professional in this field, you are also an artist. Projecting pieces that are principally new is the only way to leave a unique stroke on the canvas of world architecture.

4. Designing (for Clients; that Implies Constant Communication)

An architect will not always offer projects that they fancy in the first place. Often, even genius architects must meet the requirements of business people. And business people's views can be at odds with the artist's vision. For instance, a student might adore the sharp-toothed and grim grandeur of the Gothic style. Their customer, in turn, might prefer the squareness and brilliance of skyscrapers with rows of panoramic windows. And there are only two ways! The architect either earns for a design of a project they do not like, or they have two dimes in the piggy bank. So, communication with clients and designing for them are key skills for an architect.

5. Visualizing

Drawing and structuring are other skills needed to be an architect. Well, if you are a genius at building in the Sims 4 or other sandbox video games, that is a start. Yet, your professors and later clients will not accept bright houses in a computer game. Architects know how to work in AutoCAD and AutoDesk 3ds Max at least. Moreover, some companies demand working in specific programs solely. So, it is advisable to grow visualizing architecture skills in advance.

young architect using Autodesk revit10 days as a young architect at a top UK design firm - Lucas Arellano at Sheppard Robson

6. Knowing the Law

The freedom of an architect ends where the fence of a resident rises. No matter how grand your mastermind project is, its implementation gets restricted by law. Policies, building codes, and standards will be in the way for eternity. So, every student and future professional must grow legal knowledge. It might not do anything with your architecture abilities, but still.

7. Knowing How to Team Up

Distinctive architectural designs are rarely the work of one person. In the dominant majority of cases, this is the team's merit. Yet, when your vision acutely differs from other ideas, reaching consensus is a challenge. First and foremost, all future professionals must learn how to accept novel or contrasting concepts. Do not take them as an insult, of course! If other people offer contrasting ideas, think of it as seeing the project from another perspective. And who said that teams cannot combine diversified ideas?

8. Problem-Solving and Analytics

Panicking and the artist's elegiac torments will not help solve an issue. Furthermore, architects face rows of issues, from idea generation problems to encountering lawyers. To maintain all drawbacks, an architect must:

     - React to issues momentarily;

     - Know how to team up with other professionals for collective solving;

     - Communicate and accept alternatives;

     - Have profound analytical skills.

     - Develop and learn new skills by taking the DevOps Certification program that will give them a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business.

Moreover, these are the types of skills that employers will not only value, but actively track and foster in the teams of architects they oversee. And since modern businesses can create a custom employee directory to list all relevant skills across diverse teams, any capabilities you bring to the table will be conspicuous and thus more frequently leveraged.

In the End

Architect skills are a whole load of different pieces of knowledge. Yet, the skills needed to be an architect are never a secret under ten seals. Solely with diligence and love for your choice of profession, you can become an architect. And other skills will grow in parallel automatically.


By Liliana Alvarez

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