Kathmandu:

Architects design buildings, including office and apartment buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals, and houses. They also design multi-building developments such as college campuses or industrial parks. However, architects do more than just decide how buildings will look. They need to have engineering, managerial and communication skills because their structures must be functional, safe, and economical, and they must suit the needs of the people who use them. An architect may help select building sites, do feasibility and environmental-impact studies, prepare cost-analysis and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for land development. An architect may assist the client in getting construction bids, selecting a contractor, and negotiating the contract. After construction begins, the architect may visit the building site to ensure that the design is being followed, the proper materials are used, and quality work standards are being met. When construction is finished, the architect may evaluate how well the building design meets the needs of the occupants and make adjustments. Almost a third of architects are self-employed or working as a partner in an architecture firm.

Qualifications

All states require an architect to hold a professional degree in architecture, serve a period of practical training or internship, and pass B Architect is needed while architecture school graduates can work without a license, the license is necessary for an architect to take legal responsibility for the work. Most architects hold a five-year bachelors of architecture degree. Some architects continue their education by earning a two-year masters of architecture degree. A student with a degree in a non-architectural discipline can earn a master of architecture with three or four years of additional schooling.

Skills

An architect needs design, engineering, managerial, communication, and supervisory skills. Architects need to know building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and ordinances such as those that require access by disabled people. Artistic and drawing ability is very helpful as is a visual orientation and the ability to conceptualize and understand spatial relationships. Good communication skills, the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and creativity are also important qualities. Architects also need to be computer literate with skills in specifications writing, two- and three-dimensional drafting, and financial management.

Job outlook

Many people are attracted to the architectural profession, and competition for jobs in prestigious firms is fierce. Even with employment growth and retirement of those in the architectural profession, more people are entering the field than are needed.

Career growth

Architects enter the workforce as “intern-architects,” fulfilling requirements set by the concerned organisation. These groups stipulate a three-year training period supervised by a licensed architect. The new graduate will assist in preparing architectural documents or drawings, do research on building codes and materials, and write specifications for building materials installation. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms; others move on to set up their own practices

National average salary

“Entry-level salaries for architecture positions will start from Rs 6,000-10,000 and according to experience and responsibility the sky is the limit,” says young architect Sarosh Pradhan.

Institutes in Nepal

Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus

Nepal Engineering College

Kantipur Engineering

College

Khwopa Engineering

College

Kathmandu Engineering College

ACME Engineering College

Types of employers

Architectural Services

Building, Developing, & General Contracting

Engineering Services

Government

Real Estate

Wholesale Trade