Architect

An architect is an exciting and challenging profession as no two days are alike. It involves a lot of creative work. After gaining sufficient experience, an architect can establish her own practice. Initial work would involve working alongside established architects in helping to draft plans, working with contractors (such as plumbers, electricians), doing research work etc.

Like in any profession, initial years can be tough till the time you have gained experience and proved yourself. After interning with senior architects for a few years, gradually responsibility increases and you are given the job of designing parts of buildings.

This could include taking care of light fixtures, designing bathrooms, bedrooms etc. Client contact comes at a later stage where you can take up small projects and be part of the inspection team to ensure plans turn into production as desired.

Within a span of 8-10 years you are ready to establish yourself and can successfully get new business ventures, communicate with clients, and become more involved in designing and implementing projects. On the other hand, if you are interested in joining an organisation or company, then you will be recruited into the projects/design department. It will involve developing the infrastructure of the company, designing office spaces, cafeterias, sketching drafts, converting them into technical designs either manually or using computer software etc.

You can choose to pursue any of the following career options:

Urban Planner: They are usually involved in developing and planning towns, cities etc. and also come up with plans for location of roads, schools, other amenities etc.

Landscape Architect: As the name indicates, a Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces such as public spaces, infrastructures, recreational areas etc.

Restoration Architect: This is a fascinating career especially for those interested in the influences architecture has had on our history. The preservation/conservation and restoration of our ancient heritage in the form of old cathedrals, temples, mosques, palaces, stepwells, and other iconic monuments etc. is an exciting career option.

Sustainable / Green Design Architect: This career is for those who are environment conscious and are keen to play a role in building sustainable and eco friendly projects. This is in-demand due to the urgent need of protecting and safeguarding the Earth.

Industrial Architects: The buildings designed by the Industrial Architects typically involve construction of warehouses, factories, power plants, storage facilities, transportation hubs, etc. These are built keeping in mind the different processes that occur in a factory, location of the machinery, equipment and other functional requirements that are needed for efficient and smooth functioning of the industry.

If none of the above architectural options hold any interest, you can even consider branching off into Art and Design. There are a number of options available here too such as Textile Designer, Industrial Designer, Furniture Designer etc. If neither Architecture nor Design is your forte, then you can always use your degree to become a Professor / Teacher, Writer, Entrepreneur, Conservationist etc.

• Choose the Right Subjects (Classes 11–12): Study Mathematics and Physics along with any stream (Science is preferred).

• Prepare for Entrance Exams: Appear for exams like NATA or JEE Paper 2 to get admission into architecture colleges.

• Complete Your Degree: Enrol in a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programme approved by the Council of Architecture.

• Do Practical Training: Gain hands-on experience through internships during and after your degree.

• Get Licensed: Register with the Council of Architecture (COA) to practise as a professional architect in India.

• Start Your Career: Work with architecture firms, builders, or start your own practice.

• Main Focus: Architect designs how a building looks and feels. Civil Engineer plans how the building will stand strong and safe.

• Skills Needed: Architect needs creativity, drawing, and design thinking. Civil Engineer needs maths, problem-solving, and technical skills.

• Work Type: Architect works on layouts, designs, and client ideas. Civil Engineer works on construction, materials, and site execution.

• Education Path: Architect studies B.Arch (5 years). Civil Engineer studies B.E./B.Tech in Civil (4 years).

• Who Should Choose It? Choose Architecture if you enjoy art and design. Choose Civil Engineering if you enjoy calculations and building structures.

Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch.), a 5-year degree course is one of the most preferred courses in Architecture. There are a number of specialisations such as Regional Planning, Building and Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Naval Architecture etc.

You also have the choice of pursuing a Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) degree, a 4-year course that enables one to become an Urban Planner, Regional Planner, Design Architect, Project Planner etc.

Various other degree options are a Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Technology, B.Tech. in Urban and Regional Planning, and Bachelor of Science in Residential Space Design and Management.

There are a number of diploma and postgraduate diploma courses available in Architecture A wide variety of options are available for post graduation such as Master in Architecture (M.Arch.) with various specializations, Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Planning (M.Plan.), Master of Philosophy(M.Phil.), and Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

What is the average fee structure for the B.Arch. course? The average fees for government based institutes can vary between Rs.1,50,000- 2,50,000/- per annum whereas a private college can charge as much as Rs 2,00,000- 3,50,000/- per annum. These are approximate figures, do check with the preferred college website before arriving at any conclusion.

Students from any stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and an aggregate of 50% marks in the central/state board examinations are eligible to take up the architecture course.

What are the subjects covered in an Architecture course?

Some of the subjects covered during the 5-year B.Arch. course are as follows:

Architecture Design

Theory of Structures

Building Management

History and evolution of architecture

Architectural Drawing

Workshop Practice

Architectural Appreciation

Design Applications and Methodology

Materials & Methods of Construction

Structural Mechanics

Descriptive Geometry

Climate and Landscape

Architecture Quantity Surveying,

Specification Design of Structures

Urban Design

Architectural Acoustics

Interior Design

Building Economics & Project Management

Architectural Thesis

Here are useful courses that build skills and qualifications around architecture, especially good for students wanting early exposure or extra skills:

📘 Diploma Programmes (1–3 years)

• Diploma in Architecture (Full-Time): A 3-year course after Class 10 focused on basic design, drawings, construction and building technology. It prepares you to assist architects and can help with lateral entry into degree courses later. ([Vescoa][1])
• Diploma in Architectural Assistantship / Design: Focuses on architectural graphics, drafting and site planning, often offered by polytechnic institutes. ([Click4college][2])
• Diploma in Architecture & Interior Design: Combines architectural basics with interior design skills. ([Click4college][2])
• Diploma in Architectural Engineering: Blends engineering principles with architecture fundamentals. ([IIE][3])

📜 Shorter Certification & Skill Courses

• Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Architecture (Online): Teaches green design and environmental planning, good for future-ready skills. ([Alison][4])
• Architectural Design Certificate Courses: Offer training in design principles, CAD/BIM tools like AutoCAD and Revit to build practical software skills. ([Youview Training][5])
• Executive Diploma in Architectural Design: A focused part-time programme on core design and building components. ([SreeCadd][6])

💡 Why These Help: These diplomas and certifications give you hands-on experience in drawing, design thinking, software tools and understanding buildings — useful whether you plan to pursue B.Arch later or start working in design support roles early.

Graduation in Architecture is called Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). It is a 5-year full-time degree approved by the Council of Architecture (COA), India.

• What You Learn: Building design, drawing, construction methods, materials, structures, sustainability, and urban planning.

• How You Study: Through classroom learning, design studios, model making, site visits, and computer-based design.

• Entrance Exams: Admission is through exams like NATA or JEE Paper 2.

• Internship: One year of practical training with an architect is included in the course.

• After Graduation: You can work as an architect, pursue higher studies, or start your own practice after COA registration.

This course is ideal for students who enjoy design, creativity, and buildings.

After completing your B. Arch. degree you have the option of pursuing an M.Arch. (Master of Architecture) degree as a post graduation option.

You also have plenty of other options such as Master of Urban Design, Master of Landscape Design, Master of Environmental Planning, Master of Transport Planning, Master of Regional / Housing Planning, Master of Building Engineering and Management, Master of Industrial Design etc.

A PhD in Architecture is the highest level of study in this field. It focuses on research, innovation, and deep study rather than design practice.

• Who Can Apply: Students who have completed B.Arch + M.Arch or a related master’s degree.

• What You Do: Research on topics like sustainable design, urban planning, heritage conservation, housing, or smart cities.

• Duration: Usually 3 to 5 years, depending on the research work.

• Skills You Need: Strong research ability, writing skills, critical thinking, and subject knowledge.

• Career Options: Become a college professor, researcher, policy expert, or consultant.

A PhD is best for students who enjoy studying, teaching, and creating new knowledge, not just designing buildings.

According to the National Institute of Ranking Framework (NIRF), Ministry of HRD of the Government of India, the following colleges are ranked among the top. This listing is based on a number of parameters such as teaching staff, learning resources, graduation outcomes, outreach & inclusivity, peer perception etc.

Indian Institute of Kharagpur (IIT), West Bengal

Indian Institute of Roorkee (IIT), Uttarakhand

National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, Kozhikode

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi

Indian Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology, Shibpur, West Bengal

School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu

School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) - www.nata.in

It is conducted by the Council of Architecture and the mode of examination is both online and offline. Through NATA you can get admission into India’s private and state level colleges.

JEE Main - Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) - https://jeeadv.ac.in/

This is a national level exam for students who qualify the JEE Advanced and wish to take admission into the B.Arch. program offered by IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee.

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) - https://hindustanuniv.ac.in/

Located in Tamil Nadu, it is one of the sought after colleges that offers a wide variety of academic programs with excellent infrastructure facilities. The courses offered are Architecture (B. Arch.), Interior Design, Fashion & Apparel Design and Communication Design.

Perception plays a key role where you need the ability to visualize and conceptualise a project.

Spatial intelligence is of prime importance too. It is the visuo-spatial ability to visualise through the “mind’s eye”.

Understanding colour schemes, ability to draw 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional figures and abstract shapes, as well as geometrical shapes and patterns are all important skills that an architect requires.

One also needs to have strong knowledge of logical concepts, i.e. the ability to summarize them and solve problems.

Other equally important factors are the understanding of abstract figures and patterns that stimulate your lateral thinking and the ability to work with numbers accurately. Your concepts in Mathematics need to be clear too.

• Curious Nature: Enjoys learning how spaces and buildings work.

• Creative Thinking: Likes imagining new ideas and designs.

• Patience: Willing to revise designs many times.

• Observant: Notices details in buildings and surroundings.

• Discipline: Follows rules, drawings, and timelines.

• Openness to Feedback: Accepts suggestions from clients and teachers.

• Responsibility: Understands that buildings must be safe for people.

These qualities help students grow into confident and successful architects.

• B. V. Doshi (India): India’s most respected architect and a Pritzker Prize winner. Known for simple, people-friendly designs.

• Charles Correa (India): Famous for designing buildings suited to India’s climate and culture.

• Hafeez Contractor (India): Known for modern commercial buildings and large housing projects.

• Zaha Hadid (International): Famous for bold, futuristic building designs across the world.

• Le Corbusier (International): Designed Chandigarh and strongly influenced modern architecture in India.

These architects show how creativity and planning can shape cities and lives.

There are several tools that can be used by Architects to enhance the outcomes that are needed in the field of architecture.

• Real Work Experience: Learn how architects work on real projects and sites.

• Part of B.Arch Course: A mandatory internship (usually 1 year) is included in the architecture degree.

• Skill Development: Improve drawing, software use, and design understanding.

• Site Exposure: Understand construction, materials, and teamwork on site.

• Professional Guidance: Learn directly from senior architects and engineers.

• Career Advantage: Good internships improve job chances after graduation.

Internships help students move from classroom learning to real-world practice.

The following list has been prepared based on a number of parameters such as scale of projects completed, number of projects completed in various cities, environment conscious, style, conceptualisation etc. Please note that the list is not ranked in any particular order.

Abha Narain Lambah Associates, Mumbai

Abhimanyu Dalal Architects, Delhi

Matai Associates, Vadodara

mayaPRAXIS, Bengaluru

Design Art and Culture, Calicut

Tao Architecture, Pune

Vastu Shilpa Consultants, Ahmedabad

Wallmakers Studio, Kochi

Hafeez Contractor, Mumbai

Kamath Design Studio, Delhi

Lijo Reny Architects, Thrissur

On an average, a fresh graduate of architecture can expect to earn anywhere between Rs 25,000/- per month to Rs 50,000/ per month. This again varies greatly and depends on a number of external factors such as the organisation, city, skills, specializations, experience etc. Naturally a postgraduate degree such as M.Arch. commands a higher salary as compared to a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

Yes, architects can become entrepreneurs by starting their own design-based businesses.

• Own Architecture Firm: Start your own practice after gaining experience and COA registration.

• Interior Design Studio: Offer home, office, or commercial interior solutions.

• Urban & Landscape Consultancy: Work on city planning, parks, and public spaces.

• Sustainable Design Services: Specialise in green buildings and eco-friendly solutions.

• Design & Build Company: Handle both design and construction projects.

• Teaching & Online Courses: Share knowledge through institutes, workshops, or digital platforms.

Entrepreneurship suits architects who enjoy independence, leadership, and building something of their own.

Pros A stimulating and challenging job as it involves a lot of originality, it keeps you mentally active. Seeing your vision turn into reality and making a mark can be extremely satisfying, especially when you see your name on a building.

A chance to make a difference You can make a difference by providing affordable, eco friendly housing to many and do your bit to reduce the carbon footprint on Earth.

Respected career An architect is respected for the important part she plays in modern society. She is able to design and make an impact on her surroundings. With sufficient experience, she also becomes responsible for changing the skyline of a city.

Cons Time consuming Procuring a degree in architecture is a five year long process and if you intend to pursue a masters degree then it is an additional two years. You need to have patience and be passionate about this profession in order to keep up with the rigorous work.

Low starting salary In the initial years, you will be required to work for long hours and the pay will be comparatively less. This can be discouraging at first but you need to persevere in order to learn and succeed.

Stiff competition Architecture is a lucrative career as it is in demand at all times. Thus the competition is very high. Lot of aspirants vie for the top spot. In order to make your mark, you have to work very hard and come up with innovative ideas. This can get challenging and stressful at times.

In conclusion, Architecture is a profession that requires a lot of hard work, patience and most importantly passion for the profession. It is a dynamic profession and gives you the opportunity to distinguish yourself from others. You can have your own unique style and be credited with changing the skyline of a city or town.