Introduction:- Growth and prosperity of an economy, to an extent is reflected in its physical appearance. The industry responsible for this is the construction industry, which for quite sometime is experiencing boom. Times have changed and so has our focus. From, the basic necessity of housing and shelter of yesteryears, emphasis is now given on comfort, luxury and style. All this has importantly led to creation of avenues for those interested in making a career in this sector. In the last few decades our economy has witnessed hectic and massive construction activities, new structures have been raised, townships have evolved, evident of growth in the sector.

Overview:- An architect is a licensed professional who organizes space. Architects design houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, landscapes, and even entire cities. Architects are trained in many areas—from historic preservation to structural engineering. Like doctors and lawyers, architects have completed university programs and lengthy internships

Nature of Work :- Architecture, in particular is the study which deals with planning and designing of building and structures. The subject, not new at all, has been practiced since ages in different parts of the world. Everybody has heard about Roman, Victorian, Moslem and Indian architecture, examples of which even stand today. Architects blend their vision and dreams with materials to erect milestones which leave a powerful imprint on human mankind. Today, architecture has taken a totally different shape. The rapidly changing demands and requirements asks for professionally trained architects who can not only cope with changing times but also design and deliver quality, environment friendly constructions.

What is architecture all about? Architecture is the art, science and business of building. An architect is trained not only in design and construction of the built environment, but also in endeavors ranging from conceptual problem solving to project management. Today architects are engaged in the challenging task of creating new buildings or retrofitting existing structures and in participating broadly in the concerns and affairs of society. This professional concern may range from furniture design to city form and from community involvement and social change to development economics or technical research.

Today's architect may practice as an individual, or in a small, medium or large firm; the architect may be either self-employed or salaried; the architect may work for an institution, a development company, or a large organization. The client may be a family, school board, corporation, housing authority or government or even a contractor. Special interest may lead to computer programming or to contract management. Many architects develop their skills in traditional roles, but some are motivated to areas such as social housing or community development. Architectural practices or individual architects may choose to specialize in one of a number of areas such as housing, hospital or educational facilities.

The construction task involves both the designer and constructors. Any built structure is an outcome of close coordination and participation of a number of people, technical and non-technical, including architects, contractors, surveyors, engineers, designers along with bricklayers, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers etc. Everyone is specialized in his own area hence beyond comparison. Designing any structure not only moves around giving physical facelift to it but involves other important factors which are equally important like its functional utility, safety and economy. Architects engage themselves in designing of a variety of structures including houses, apartments and colonies, offices and industrial complexes, hospitals, hotels, airport terminals, stadium, shopping and commercial complexes, schools etc. They provide professional services to individuals and organizations not only regarding new constructions but also in alterations and renovations.

Clients approach architects with some idea of what they want, but with little awareness regarding its feasibility. A good architect is the one who strikes a right balance between aesthetics and practicality. The work starts on the basis of ideas and requirements of the client like its appearance, financial budget and time frame. The architect then begins his job with sketching and making plans with details of sizes, specification and estimates of the cost of the structure. Sometimes models and graghic are also used for presentations. Once the plans are finalized and accepted by the client, the architect has to obtain the approval and permission of the local authority for construction. Subsequently, the architect negotiates contracts with building contractors, engineers and surveyors after which the construction starts. The architect is the overall in charge of the contract, his responsibility begins right form designing and planning the structure until the very same is erected. Architects can work alone as well as in a team. They also work with firms and organizations, some of which specialize in a particular type of construction. Architects even indulge in interior designing; an upcoming field which involves scientific and artistic skills. Demand for interior designers continue to be high with these no longer limiting to corporate offices and hotels alone. One can see it coming into houses in a big way. Interior designers require abstract reasoning and three dimensional space perception to translate ideas into realities. Understanding client's need is at the very core of the profession.

Personality:- Students having academically good background in physics and mathematics are better suited for the study of architecture. An aspirant for the field of architecture should be a creative artist with an interest and bent towards designing. Ability to sketch, free hand plan though not utmost important but is beneficial while explaining to the clients the very intricate details of the structure. He needs to have an imaginative and perspective outlook. Awareness of social and environmental factors, observant attitude adds to the advantage while designing structures. Apart from being technically sound, good mathematical ability is important as the work involves complex designing problems, building economies and cost estimations. Often architects deal with legal procedures and documents making it necessary for them to understand legal language related to the profession. Good communication skills, hard work, physical stamina to work on the desk as well on the site, a high degree of concentration level, flexibility, patience, team spirit, responsibility and accountability are some other important traits of the profession.

Specialization:- Though few in number, some architects prefer to go in for specialization at the post graduate level. They may choose to specialize in India or Abroad. The subjects of specialization may include urban designing, regional planning, building engineering and management, architectural conservation, industrial design, landscape architecture, naval architecture, architecture concerning traffic and transport planning etc. Sometimes even without pursuing specialization courses in any particular field, architects on gaining experience engage themselves in a particular type of work for e.g.:- in construction of housing societies and apartments, schools, hospitals, commercial complexes etc.

Career Prospects :-Substantial increase in investments in the construction sector has been recorded year after year. As far as architects are concerned, there is a huge gap in the demand and supply. Annual requirement projections of architects stands over 10,000 which is expected to rise further and the training facilities available are still short. All these factors contribute in making this field a very competitive one with healthy career prospects. Employment opportunities for architects are available in government as well as private sectors. Some of the government organizations include Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defense, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, National Building Organization, Town and Country Planning Organization, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., City Development Authorities etc. Besides these organizations, various other institutes and agencies like State Departments, Housing Boards, Local Bodies responsible for construction works also recruit architects.Openings in the private sector exist with the Builders, Architecture Firms, Consultants etc. Architects with some experience can even set up their own business as Consultants and Contractors.

They draw: From simple diagrams to show relationships between spaces or activities to complete detailed working drawings showing every last detail and from which contractors and sub-contractors will estimate the cost of the work and subsequently construct it. Architects will also draw in order to explain the design to clients and to supervisory authorities and will frequently prepare three-dimensional models. Sometimes they are rough study models for massing and building organization; sometimes very realistic models for client or public presentation.

They write: In addition to business correspondence and administrative paperwork, architects prepare written documentation of their projects, present programmatic analysis, write material for reports and presentations, produce articles for professional magazines and publications, and, of course, write up specifications which, in company with the working drawings, define the building.

They speak: Architects make presentations to clients, discuss design programs and problems and alternative solutions, appear before public bodies as experts and are frequently referring, explaining, teaching and persuading. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is essential.

They calculate: They must be able to prepare construction and office budgets; they must be able to understand structural analysis, heat loads, electrical distribution and traffic flow.

They manage: Architects must manage their design projects from ideas to the complete development/ design/ construction process. During the construction phase, architects carry out contract administration, which includes general, review of the work in progress; they interpret drawings and specifications, resolve job difficulties and monitor the progress of the work.