Architect
Who is he, what does he do, what role does he play? How does one become one, who is suitable as an architect, how much does he earn, what does his life look like? I will try to find answers to all these questions and introduce you to at least a little of the world of architecture.
Who is an architect?
An architect is a professional who designs buildings and supervises their construction. The word "architect" comes from the Greek „architékton", which means " master" or "supreme builder". Architects are not only building designers but also urban planners responsible for urban space development. Their rural counterparts in the countryside are landscape architects, who deal with the design of rural areas. Landscape architects can also be called upon to design a garden, and interior designers are responsible for designing the interiors of residential and commercial buildings. As you can see, various specialists in the market for architects are responsible for different designs.
What does an architect do?
An architect is a person with versatile skills and knowledge in both technical and artistic fields. He must be able to draw up detailed construction and execution plans for a building that comply with architectural principles and applicable standards. At the same time, architects must combine different concepts, interior and exterior spaces and architectural styles, creatively and interestingly, striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Above all, they must meet the expectations of clients or future users in both aesthetic and functional terms.
The architect draws up plans for residential, commercial or utility buildings and adheres to the client's specifications. In doing so, they develop the shape of the building, taking into account regulations and technical conditions, and ensure a balance between aesthetics and functionality. In their work, architects collaborate closely with specialists such as structural engineers, building contractors or planners for plumbing and electrical installations to create a comprehensive project and obtain the necessary building permits.
What should an architect have?
To qualify for a degree in architecture, complete it successfully and find a place on the job market, certain prerequisites are necessary.
A combination of many skills is required to master the years of study successfully. The most important and fundamental skill is the ability to draw. Drawing is a form of expression, a language that an architect uses to communicate with clients, contractors and those carrying out their projects. It can also be a technical drawing using one of the many software programmes for architecture. Without drawing, it will be challenging for you to even start and pursue your dream of studying architecture. The ability to quickly communicate ideas, concepts or at least simple execution details is essential in everyday working life.
A combination of many skills is required to master the years of study successfully. The most important and fundamental skill is the ability to draw. Drawing is a form of expression, a language that an architect uses to communicate with clients, contractors and those carrying out their projects. It can also be a technical drawing using one of the many software programmes for architecture. Without drawing, it will be challenging for you to even start and pursue your dream of studying architecture. The ability to quickly communicate ideas, concepts or at least simple execution details is essential in everyday working life.
Spatial imagination is also valuable. An architect's perception of the world must not be one-dimensional. A respected architect is also well versed in math, and although they can use tools for complex calculations, it will be challenging if your mind is in the clouds and you struggle with adding two plus two. Logical and causal-analytical thinking are indispensable qualities in the architect.
The study of architecture also requires knowledge of art history, which not only serves as inspiration, but also deepens knowledge and provides an understanding of the people of past eras and their associated architectural styles.
Other qualities that promote success in this profession are creativity and the ability to solve problems in unconventional ways, because every good architect is also a profound humanist who often possesses many of the qualities of a psychologist and sociologist.
Other qualities that promote success in this profession are creativity and the ability to solve problems in unconventional ways, because every good architect is also a profound humanist who often possesses many of the qualities of a psychologist and sociologist.
What do you need to study architecture?
Let us be clear: you can not become an architect without the right degree. In Switzerland, you must complete a university degree, although it is often the case that you can work in an architecture office from a very young age, starting as a draftsman and completing vocational school. This is a good option for those unsure if architecture is the right choice for them and who need to work quickly to earn a living.
However, you do not necessarily have to complete such a general course like architecture. There are also more specialized courses, such as interior design and landscape architecture.
It is essential to note that graduates of interior design or landscape architecture cannot become typical "architects". These privileges are only earned by architecture graduates. After studying interior architecture, you can only design the interiors of buildings, including their appearance, furniture, decorations and accessories. After studying landscape architecture, you can design the surroundings of a building, e.g. gardens, outdoor areas, and squares. However, you cannot design the actual building structure.
However, you do not necessarily have to complete such a general course like architecture. There are also more specialized courses, such as interior design and landscape architecture.
It is essential to note that graduates of interior design or landscape architecture cannot become typical "architects". These privileges are only earned by architecture graduates. After studying interior architecture, you can only design the interiors of buildings, including their appearance, furniture, decorations and accessories. After studying landscape architecture, you can design the surroundings of a building, e.g. gardens, outdoor areas, and squares. However, you cannot design the actual building structure.
Secondly – preparation for your studies
Not everyone can become an architect. Only the best achieve this title. Admission to the course is no guarantee of success – just look at the statistics how many people are admitted and how many are not.
Thirdly - motivation and hard work
Becoming an architect doesn't happen by itself. Above all, preparing for your studies and the studies themselves takes time and effort. You need to think carefully about the decision to become an architect, because it doesn't happen in one or two months. It takes several years of hard work. Drawing regularly, creating projects for courses, passing exams, not only practical but also theoretical, are all part of the journey.
After completing your studies, you still have a lot of work ahead of you. You must do everything you can to establish a good reputation so that someone will entrust you with the planning of their building. Pay attention to how you present yourself and what work you publish. No one will do it for you, and the market is full of architects. To succeed in this field, you need to try to stand out.
Not everyone can become an architect. Only the best achieve this title. Admission to the course is no guarantee of success – just look at the statistics how many people are admitted and how many are not.
Thirdly - motivation and hard work
Becoming an architect doesn't happen by itself. Above all, preparing for your studies and the studies themselves takes time and effort. You need to think carefully about the decision to become an architect, because it doesn't happen in one or two months. It takes several years of hard work. Drawing regularly, creating projects for courses, passing exams, not only practical but also theoretical, are all part of the journey.
After completing your studies, you still have a lot of work ahead of you. You must do everything you can to establish a good reputation so that someone will entrust you with the planning of their building. Pay attention to how you present yourself and what work you publish. No one will do it for you, and the market is full of architects. To succeed in this field, you need to try to stand out.
Why 3D visualization? / Architect 3D
There is a lot of talk about architects having to draw. Is that really the case? in the 21st century? There are currently many programmes on the market that are used by architects. Students learn how to create 3D models using specially developed programmes during their architectural studies. Yes, architects need to master the basics of drawing and be able to quickly visualise their visions, but ultimately, the ability to use computer programs, including visualisation software, is one of the most important skills an architect needs to master.
Architectural visualisations make technical projects understandable and comprehensible. 3D visualisations serve as a link between the world of the architect and that of the client. For the customer, a collection of lines and descriptions on a sheet of paper differs entirely from a colorful representation of his investment, building, or interior.
Architectural visualisations make technical projects understandable and comprehensible. 3D visualisations serve as a link between the world of the architect and that of the client. For the customer, a collection of lines and descriptions on a sheet of paper differs entirely from a colorful representation of his investment, building, or interior.
How much does an architect earn per month in Switzerland?
Of course, this profession has a wide range of salaries due to the variety of expectations and opportunities Architects could expect salary increases of around 10-15% last year as in other construction professions.
Currently, architects with 1-3 years of experience earn around CHF 65,000-75,000 per year. With increasing experience and more responsibility, income rises and can reach up to CHF 120,000 per year for project managers.
Currently, architects with 1-3 years of experience earn around CHF 65,000-75,000 per year. With increasing experience and more responsibility, income rises and can reach up to CHF 120,000 per year for project managers.
Salaries vary slightly between the regions of Switzerland. Salaries are generally higher in large cities such as Zurich, Basel, Geneva or Bern, where the cost of living is higher than in small towns or rural areas.
According to the Glassdoor website, the average gross monthly salary of a junior architect is CHF 5,577. The lowest salaries recorded by Glassdoor are around CHF 4,400 per month for an intern, while the highest salaries for an experienced architect are in a similar range. In addition, depending on the job, an architect can expect a Christmas bonus and a 13-month salary.
According to the Glassdoor website, the average gross monthly salary of a junior architect is CHF 5,577. The lowest salaries recorded by Glassdoor are around CHF 4,400 per month for an intern, while the highest salaries for an experienced architect are in a similar range. In addition, depending on the job, an architect can expect a Christmas bonus and a 13-month salary.
How much does an architect earn in Europe?
In Poland, the average monthly salary of an architect is around 28,200 euros per year. In Italy, an architect can expect similar salaries to those in Poland. In Germany, the average salary is around 60,700 euros per year. In countries with an excellent architectural tradition, such as Denmark and Sweden, salaries are between CHF 49,000 and CHF 55,000 per year.
How much does an architect earn in Germany?
In Germany, the average salary of an architect is between 56,000 and 72,000 euros per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location and the type of architectural firm the architect works for. Architects working in larger cities such as Berlin or Munich tend to earn more, as the cost of living is higher in these regions. In addition, architects in larger companies or with specialised skills often receive higher salaries than those in smaller firms or with more general skills.
Compared to other professions in Germany, architects generally earn more than the average employee. However, they earn less than other well-paid professions such as doctors, lawyers or engineers. Nevertheless, architecture remains a respected and lucrative profession in Germany with many opportunities for growth and development.
It is evident that Germany is one of the best-paid countries for architects in Europe, with only Switzerland offering higher average salaries. However, it should be noted that the cost of living in these countries can also be higher, which should be taken into account when considering salaries.
Compared to other professions in Germany, architects generally earn more than the average employee. However, they earn less than other well-paid professions such as doctors, lawyers or engineers. Nevertheless, architecture remains a respected and lucrative profession in Germany with many opportunities for growth and development.
It is evident that Germany is one of the best-paid countries for architects in Europe, with only Switzerland offering higher average salaries. However, it should be noted that the cost of living in these countries can also be higher, which should be taken into account when considering salaries.
How much does an architect earn in England?
According to research by the Federation of Master Builders, the average bricklayer earns more than the average architect in England. The salary of a qualified architect with proven qualifications is around £38,000 per year.
The factors that influence an architect's salary in each country can vary. For example, the cost of living, the demand for architects and the level of experience and training required can all have an impact on salaries. In this respect, Switzerland has one of the highest average salaries.
The factors that influence an architect's salary in each country can vary. For example, the cost of living, the demand for architects and the level of experience and training required can all have an impact on salaries. In this respect, Switzerland has one of the highest average salaries.
Where can I find work as an architect?
Search online job listings: Websites such as Swiss Architects, Indeed or LinkedIn offer thousands of job offers for architects. You can search the vacancies by location, qualification requirements and experience level.
Apply to architecture firms: Search for a list of architecture firms in your region and apply to selected companies. You can find such companies through an online search or business directories.
Present your portfolio: If you have a portfolio, share it on social networks such as Behance, Pinterest or Instagram. This allows potential employers to see your projects and assess your skills.
Use your network: You can use your professional and personal contacts to find out about job opportunities. Let your friends know that you are looking for a job as an architect and ask them to help you find a job.
Apply to architecture firms: Search for a list of architecture firms in your region and apply to selected companies. You can find such companies through an online search or business directories.
Present your portfolio: If you have a portfolio, share it on social networks such as Behance, Pinterest or Instagram. This allows potential employers to see your projects and assess your skills.
Use your network: You can use your professional and personal contacts to find out about job opportunities. Let your friends know that you are looking for a job as an architect and ask them to help you find a job.
Who are the most famous architects? Who is the most famous architect in the world?
Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris)
A French-Swiss architect who lived from 1887 to 1965. He designed his first building at the age of 18. He is the author of the Modulor concept of proportion in architecture and a pioneer of modernism. He created numerous bold plans for urban planning and neighbourhoods.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)
A pioneer of organic architecture who incorporated nature into the design. He is the author of the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art in New York, and his most famous work is probably the "Fallingwater" house. He has designed more than 1100 buildings. We recommend watching a documentary about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which is lengthy but offers a good insight into the history and development of architecture.
Walter Gropius (1883-1969)
One of the four founders of the Bauhaus and a pioneer of modern architecture. He advocated the extensive use of glass. We recommend reading the book "Scope of Total Architecture" and watching the film "Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th century."
A French-Swiss architect who lived from 1887 to 1965. He designed his first building at the age of 18. He is the author of the Modulor concept of proportion in architecture and a pioneer of modernism. He created numerous bold plans for urban planning and neighbourhoods.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959)
A pioneer of organic architecture who incorporated nature into the design. He is the author of the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art in New York, and his most famous work is probably the "Fallingwater" house. He has designed more than 1100 buildings. We recommend watching a documentary about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which is lengthy but offers a good insight into the history and development of architecture.
Walter Gropius (1883-1969)
One of the four founders of the Bauhaus and a pioneer of modern architecture. He advocated the extensive use of glass. We recommend reading the book "Scope of Total Architecture" and watching the film "Bauhaus: The Face of the 20th century."
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969):
The spiritual father of minimalist and brutalist architecture. His famous motto "Less is more" is still popular today, and not just in architecture. He advocated steel and glass constructions and designed the Barcelona Pavilion, among other things. His name is associated with the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award in architecture.
Jean Nouvel (born 1945):
One of his best-known buildings is the unusually shaped Torre Agbar in Barcelona. He was awarded the Pritzker Prize for his entire oeuvre. Interestingly, he did not pass the architecture exam; only winning a competition enabled him to study without an entrance exam.
Daniel Libeskind (born 1946):
His architecture can be classified as deconstructivism. He is the author of the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the famous Royal Ontario Museum.
Norman Foster (born 1935):
Influenced by Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, he began to study architecture. Almost half of the world's most impressive skyscrapers were designed by him. Foster & Partners have received over 300 prizes and awards and won 60 national and international competitions. We recommend watching the fascinating documentary about his architecture and his life entitled "How much does your building weight, Mr. Foster?“
Ieoh Ming Pei
He designed in the modernist and postmodernist styles and was one of the last architects to work in the modernist era. He was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 1983 and is the author of the famous glass pyramid in the Louvre as well as other important projects such as the Bank of China in Hong Kong and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
The spiritual father of minimalist and brutalist architecture. His famous motto "Less is more" is still popular today, and not just in architecture. He advocated steel and glass constructions and designed the Barcelona Pavilion, among other things. His name is associated with the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award in architecture.
Jean Nouvel (born 1945):
One of his best-known buildings is the unusually shaped Torre Agbar in Barcelona. He was awarded the Pritzker Prize for his entire oeuvre. Interestingly, he did not pass the architecture exam; only winning a competition enabled him to study without an entrance exam.
Daniel Libeskind (born 1946):
His architecture can be classified as deconstructivism. He is the author of the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the famous Royal Ontario Museum.
Norman Foster (born 1935):
Influenced by Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, he began to study architecture. Almost half of the world's most impressive skyscrapers were designed by him. Foster & Partners have received over 300 prizes and awards and won 60 national and international competitions. We recommend watching the fascinating documentary about his architecture and his life entitled "How much does your building weight, Mr. Foster?“
Ieoh Ming Pei
He designed in the modernist and postmodernist styles and was one of the last architects to work in the modernist era. He was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 1983 and is the author of the famous glass pyramid in the Louvre as well as other important projects such as the Bank of China in Hong Kong and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
When we talk about the most renowned contemporary architects in the world, we must not overlook the role of Swiss architects such as Peter Zumthor, Mario Botta, Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Luigi Snozzi and Roger Diener.
Architect Basel
As the headquarters of the world-renowned architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, Basel stands out in terms of the number of architectural offices in Switzerland - there are many here. This is not surprising when you consider that the city is known for the world's largest contemporary art fair, Art Basel, and has a reputation as a city of art.
Architect Zurich
Zurich is also a leader when it comes to architecture firms, and that's because it's one of the largest cities in Switzerland. The headquarters of offices like Christian Kerez, EM2N and Enzmann Fischer are located directly in the city.
Architect Chur
When we talk about architects in Switzerland, we cannot overlook one of the most famous mountain towns, namely the area around Chur, more precisely, the small village of Haldenstein, where Pritzker Prize winner Peter Zumthor has his office. Practically every young architecture student wants to be taught by this charismatic architect, complete internships in his office and be surrounded by Zumthor's architecture.
Architect Bern
Bern, although an important government city on the Swiss map, does not have that many well-known competing architecture firms on its map. However, some smaller offices attract many investors with their architecture.
As the headquarters of the world-renowned architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, Basel stands out in terms of the number of architectural offices in Switzerland - there are many here. This is not surprising when you consider that the city is known for the world's largest contemporary art fair, Art Basel, and has a reputation as a city of art.
Architect Zurich
Zurich is also a leader when it comes to architecture firms, and that's because it's one of the largest cities in Switzerland. The headquarters of offices like Christian Kerez, EM2N and Enzmann Fischer are located directly in the city.
Architect Chur
When we talk about architects in Switzerland, we cannot overlook one of the most famous mountain towns, namely the area around Chur, more precisely, the small village of Haldenstein, where Pritzker Prize winner Peter Zumthor has his office. Practically every young architecture student wants to be taught by this charismatic architect, complete internships in his office and be surrounded by Zumthor's architecture.
Architect Bern
Bern, although an important government city on the Swiss map, does not have that many well-known competing architecture firms on its map. However, some smaller offices attract many investors with their architecture.
There is something special about Swiss architecture, and some of the world's leading architects were born and trained here - this is certainly no coincidence. That's why I invite you to follow my blog and my Instagram profile. In addition to tips on space optimisation, I will introduce you to the phenomenon of Swiss architecture.