Richard Rogers
The Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight/supervision of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture
means to offer or render services in connection with the design and
construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within
the site surrounding the buildings, that have as their principal purpose
human occupancy or use. Etymologically, architect derives from the Latin architectus, itself derived from the Greek arkhitekton (arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e. chief builder.
Professionally, an architect's decisions affect public safety, and
thus an architect must undergo specialized training consisting of
advanced education and a practicum (or internship) for practical experience to earn a license to practice architecture. The practical, technical, and academic requirements for becoming an architect vary by jurisdiction (see below).
The terms architect and architecture are also used in the disciplines of landscape architecture, naval architecture and often information technology (for example a software architect).
In most of the world's jurisdictions, the professional and commercial
uses of the terms "architect" and "landscape architect" are legally
protected.
History of Architecture
Throughout ancient and medieval history, most architectural design and construction was carried out by artisans, such as stone masons and carpenters, rising to the role of master builder. Until modern times there was no clear distinction between the architect and engineer.
In Europe, the titles "architect" and "engineer" were primarily
geographical variations referring to the same person, often used
interchangeably.
The Practice of Architecture
In most developed countries, only qualified persons— those with the
appropriate licensure, certification, or registration with a relevant
body, often governmental— are legally permitted to practice
architecture. Such licensure usually requires an accredited university
degree, successful completion of exams, and a training period. The use
of terms and titles, including derivatives such as Architectural Designer, and the representation of oneself as an architect is restricted to licensed individuals by law.
To practice architecture implies the ability to practice independently of supervision. The term Building design
professional (or Design professional), by contrast, is a much broader
term including professionals who practice independently under an
alternate profession, such as engineering professionals, or those who assist in the practice architecture under the supervision of a licensed architect, such as architectural technologists and intern architects.
In many places, independent, non-licensed individuals are permitted to
offer design services outside of the professional restrictions- such as
the design of houses and other smaller structures.
Architecture is a profession in which technical knowledge, management,
and an understanding of business are as important as design. An
architect accepts a commission from a client. The commission might
involve preparing feasibility reports, building audits, the design of a
building or of several buildings, structures, and the spaces among them.
The architect participates in developing the requirements the client
wants in the building. Throughout the project (planning to occupancy),
the architect co-ordinates a design team. Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers
and other specialists, are hired by the client or the architect, who
must ensure that the work is co-ordinated to construct the design.
Design role
The architect hired by a client is responsible for creating a design
concept that meets the requirements of that client and provides a
facility suitable to the required use. In that, the architect must meet
with and question the client [extensively] to ascertain all the
requirements and nuances of the planned project. This information, known
as a program or brief, is essential to producing a project that meets
all the needs and desires of the owner—it is a guide for the architect
in creating the design concept.
Architects deal with local and federal jurisdictions about regulations and building codes. The architect might need to comply with local planning and zoning laws, such as required setbacks, height limitations, parking requirements, transparency requirements (windows) and land use. Some established jurisdictions require adherence to design and historic preservation guidelines.
Construction role
Architects typically put projects to tender on behalf of their clients, advise on the award of the project to a general contractor, and review the progress of the work during construction. They typically review contractor shop drawings and other submittals,
prepare and issue site instructions, and provide construction contract
administration and Certificates for Payment to the contractor (see also Design-bid-build). In many jurisdictions, mandatory certification or assurance of the work is required.
Depending on the client's needs and the jurisdiction's requirements,
the spectrum of the architect's services may be extensive (detailed
document preparation and construction review) or less inclusive (such as
allowing a contractor to exercise considerable design-build functions). With very large, complex projects, an independent construction manager is sometimes hired to assist in design and to manage construction. In the United Kingdom and other countries, a quantity surveyor is often part of the team to provide cost consulting.
Alternate practice and specializations
Recent decades have seen the rise of specializations within the
profession. Many architects and architectural firms focus on certain
project types (for example, health care, retail, public housing, event
management), technological expertise or project delivery methods. Some
architects specialize as building code, building envelope, sustainable design, technical writing, historic preservation(US) or conservation (UK), accessibility and other forms of specialist consultants.
Many architects elect to move into real estate (property) development, corporate facilities planning, project management, construction management, interior design or other related fields.
Professional requirements for architects
Although there are variations from place to place, most of the
world's architects are required to register with the appropriate
jurisdiction. To do so, architects are typically required to meet three
common requirements: education, experience, and examination.
Educational requirements generally consist of a university degree
in architecture. The experience requirement for degreed candidates is
usually satisfied by a practicum or internship (usually two to three
years, depending on jurisdiction). Finally, a Registration Examination
or a series of exams is required prior to licensure.
Professionals engaged in the design and supervision of construction
projects prior to the late 19th century were not necessarily trained in a
separate architecture program in an academic setting. Instead, they
often trained under established architects. Prior to modern times, there
was no distinction between architects, engineers and often artists, and the title used varied depending on geographical location. They often carried the title of master builder, or surveyor, after serving a number of years as an apprentice (such as Sir Christopher Wren).
The formal study of architecture in academic institutions played a
pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole, serving as
a focal point for advances in architectural technology and theory.
Professional title distinctions
According to the American Institute of Architects, titles and job descriptions within American architectural offices might be as follows:
- Senior Principal / Partner: Typically an owner or majority shareholder of the firm; may be the founder; titles may include president, chief executive officer, or managing principal/partner.
- Mid-level Principal / Partner: Principal or partner; titles may include executive or senior vice president.
- Junior Principal / Partner: Recently made a partner or principal of the firm; title may include vice president.
- Department head / Senior Manager: Senior management architect or non-registered graduate; responsible for major department(s) or functions; reports to a principal or partner.
- Project Manager: Licensed architect, or non-registered graduate with more than 10 years of experience; has overall project management responsibility for a variety of projects or project teams, including client contact, scheduling, and budgeting.
- Senior Architect / Designer: Licensed architect, or non-registered graduate with more than 10 years of experience; has a design or technical focus and is responsible for significant project activities.
- Architect / Designer III: Licensed architect or non-registered graduate with 8–10 years of experience; responsible for significant aspects of projects.
- Architect / Designer II: Licensed architect or non-registered graduate with 6–8 years of experience, responsible for daily design or technical development of projects.
- Architect / Designer I: Recently licensed architect or non-registered graduate with 3–5 years of experience; responsible for particular parts of a project within parameters set by others.
- Intern Architect: Unlicensed architecture school graduate participating in defined internship program; develops design or technical solutions under supervision of an architect. (It is important to note that in the US some states prohibit the use of the word 'Architect' to be used in any way to describe an unlicensed person who is in the architectural profession.)
Architect's fees
Architects' fee structures are typically based on a percentage of
construction value, hourly rates or a fixed lump sum fee. Combinations
of these structures are also common. Fixed fees are usually based on a
project's allocated construction cost and can range between 4 and 12% of
new construction cost, for commercial and institutional projects,
depending on a project's size and complexity. Residential projects range
from 12 to 20%. Renovation projects typically command higher
percentages, as high as 15-20%.
Overall billings for architectural firms
range widely, depending on location and economic climate. Billings have
traditionally been dependent on the local economic conditions but, with
rapid globalization, this is becoming less of a factor for larger
international firms. Salaries also vary, depending on experience,
position within the firm (staff architect, partner or shareholder, etc.)
and the size and location of the firm.
Professional organizations
Refer to the international list of professional architecture organizations for groups created to promote career and business development in architecture. A wide variety of prizes are awarded to architects to acknowledge superior buildings, structures and professional careers.
Prizes, awards, and titles
The most lucrative award an architect can receive is the Pritzker Prize, sometimes termed the "Nobel Prize for architecture." Other prestigious architectural awards are the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture, the Alvar Aalto Medal (Finland), the Carlsberg Architecture Prize (Denmark), and the Governor General's Awards (Canada). Other awards for excellence in architecture are given by national professional associations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB).
Architects in the UK
who have made contributions to the profession through design excellence
or architectural education, or have in some other way advanced the
profession, might until 1971 be elected Fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects and can write FRIBA
after their name if they feel so inclined. Those elected to chartered
membership of the RIBA after 1971 may use the initials RIBA but cannot
use the old ARIBA and FRIBA. An Honorary Fellow may use the initials
Hon. FRIBA. and an International Fellow may use the initials Int. FRIBA.
Architects in the US
who have made contributions to the profession through design excellence
or architectural education, or have in some other way advanced the
profession, are elected Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and can write FAIA after their name. Architects in Canada
who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through
contribution to research, scholarship, public service or professional
standing to the good of architecture in Canada, or elsewhere, may be
recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and can write FRAIC after their name.
Early architects
- Aa
- Abbot Suger
- Anthemius of Tralles
- Apollodorus of Damascus
- Iktinos
- Imhotep
- Isidore of Miletus
- Kallikrates
- Lu Ban
- Marcus Agrippa
- Mnesicles
- Rabirius
- Senemut
- Vitruvius
- Yu Hao
13th century architects
14th century architects
15th century architects
- Leon Battista Alberti
- Donato Bramante
- Filippo Brunelleschi
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Annibale Maggi detto Da Bassano
- Michelozzo Michelozzi
- Jacob van Thienen
16th century architects
- Antonio Abbondi
- Galeazzo Alessi
- Bartolomeo Ammanati
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Guglielmo dei Grigi
- Juan de Herrera
- Philibert de l'Orme
- Hans Hendrik van Paesschen
- Andrea Palladio
- Antonio da Sangallo the Elder
- Antonio da Sangallo the Younger
- Michele Sammicheli
- Raffaello Santi (Raphael)
- Vincenzo Scamozzi
- Koca Mimar Sinan Agha
- Giorgio Vasari
- Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola
17th century architects
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Francesco Borromini
- Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
- Pietro da Cortona
- Guarino Guarini
- Jules Hardouin-Mansart
- Inigo Jones
- Louis Le Vau
- Baldassarre Longhena
- Carlo Maderno
- François Mansart
- Nicodemus Tessin the Younger
- Carlo Rainaldi
- John Webb
- Elizabeth Mytton Wilbraham
- Christopher Wren
18th century architects
19th century architects
20th century architects
21st century architects
