Architect
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Architects design and advise clients about building projects. They provide a wide range of services, including developing sketches and construction drawings and estimating costs. They write specifications, review on-site construction work and provide design solutions to complex problems. (alis) They are employed by architectural firms, private corporations and governments, or they may be self-employed (National Occupational Classification).
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- A Day in the Life of an Architect - The Princeton Review
- Sustainable Architect - career profile from ECO Canada
- Sokanu: Architect - occupational info and videos
- Becoming an Architect - from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC|IRAC)
- Career Mentor profile - U of M alumnus, Architect
Education
To become an architect, you will need education, experience and a passing grade on an examination. The University of Manitoba offers a pre-professional degree program (Environmental Design) as well as a fully accredited Master's degree in Architecture.
An alternative way to become an Architect is through the “apprenticeship” offered through the RAIC Syllabus Program.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Occupational Projection for Canada 2017-2026 - from the Government of Canada
- I want to be an architect. What will my salary be? - The Globe & Mail
- The Architecture Salary Poll: Canada - data submitted anonymously by members of the architecture community
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC | IRAC) - national professional association
- Manitoba Association of Architects - Manitoba professional association
- American Institute of Architects - the voice of the profession in the U.S.
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Registry of Firms - Manitoba Association of Architects
- Firm Directory - from the American Institute of Architects (international firms included)
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) - an international research organization and museum
- Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada - includes an on-line journal
- Indigenous Task Force - Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC|IRAC)
- Canada Green Building Council
- Practice and Intern Surveys 2013 - from the Manitoba Association of Architects
- Study Architecture - one stop resource for students from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
- American Institute of Architecture Students - U.S. centered information for students
- "I Want to Work In"- follow recent Architecture graduates as they work in cities around the world, from the American Institute of Architecture Students
- Society of Architectural Historians
- Canadian Architect Magazine - official magazine of the RAIC
- Life of an Architect - blog by an award-winning American architect
- International Union of Architects - the only global organization representing the world's architects