Every architect has a passion that drives them to work hard in this profession. They also have a strong desire to succeed, giving them the courage to face challenges.
However, becoming a successful architect requires more than just desire and imagination. Having a broad range of professional skills is equally essential.
Creativity
Architects must be creative to design buildings that push the boundaries of aesthetics. Being able to come up with bold building ideas and make them a reality makes an architect stand out from the rest. Creativity isn’t always an innate skill that everyone has, and it may take some time to develop, but perseverance and a resounding attitude will make it much more manageable.
Communication is another crucial skill for architects. While you may be a solo architect in the office, you’ll likely need to work with others on-site at construction sites and meet with clients. Strong communication skills allow you to convey your ideas and effectively negotiate with clients.
You’ll also need to be able to write clearly in your reports and specifications, so good writing skills are another vital component of the job. Architects are also expected to give presentations or pitches to potential clients, so having excellent public speaking skills is essential.
Mathematical Skills
Architecture is all about designing, and this is something that requires a good understanding of mathematics. If you are not good at maths, you should probably not choose this career path.
Architects work in teams and must coordinate with engineers, construction workers, financial advisors, clients, and others to complete projects. They must also have basic leadership skills to lead the team and get things done effectively.
Moreover, it is also crucial for architects to understand local building laws and regulations to ensure they design structures that meet the required standards. It again involves a good understanding of mathematical concepts and formulas. It is a good idea to have at least A Level or high school diploma-standard level of maths to grasp the concepts and calculations involved in architectural design fully. It includes bills of quantities, calculating the number of steps and treads in stairs, and other technical calculations.
Computer Skills
To be a successful architect, you should be comfortable using computer software to draft plans and designs. While some architects still use pencil and paper, most use CAD software to create detailed drawings of their ideas.
Moreover, since a building’s construction is an involved process that involves many different industries, you should be able to communicate effectively. It is because you will need to liaise with structural engineers, merchants, local government officials, surveyors, and even lawyers.
Finally, you should also have excellent business skills. As more architects move away from large firms to start their practices, you’ll need to know how to run a business and market yourself. It includes things like conducting market research and writing business plans. Also, you will need to be able to pitch your ideas to clients and give presentations. These skills will make you a more valuable asset to any architecture firm.
Communication Skills
It may seem like buildings go up in seconds in the movies, but it’s much more complicated. The actual process of a building’s construction requires the architect, engineers, and contractors to be in near-constant contact with each other from the initial design through the final walk-through.
Communicating all of the necessary details of a project is one of the most essential skills for architects to possess. Not only can this help keep everyone on the same page, but it also helps avoid any mishaps that might hinder the progress of a job.
While some architects work as solo practitioners, many hire assistants and other support staff to run their businesses and advise them on construction projects. Strong communication skills are also vital when negotiating with clients, contractors, and other team members and finding common ground on conflicting interests. It is another aspect of soft skills that is often overlooked but should be considered.
