Ever thought about what skills needed to be an architect? What made this profession so professional? What are the technical and non-technical skills someone may possess to become the best architect? We often see buildings with exceptional design, features, details and overall beauty, we cannot stop but praise the people who made such structures. Developing essential architect skills is important for a meaningful contribution to the architectural world. It is a great responsibility to make sure people inside the building experience comfort and the people outside feel no obligations from its design.
Becoming an architect is art in itself, the best people in this field know no limits to designing great structures for the community. Today, in this blog, we will know what architect traits make them progress and act out of the box. Let’s get started.
Architect Skills Requirements For Success
To make a structure functionally excellent and aesthetically pleasing, there are many essential skills an architect should have. We have mentioned every mandatory quality you must have to become an architect.
1. Great Artistic Skills – Buildings are all about creating something artistic, and without being creative, it becomes hard to make an ideal design. Therefore, an architect must be a great artist as well. He should know how to draw, and also with great detailing, accuracy and neatness. Regardless of whether you are using automation software for drafting or the initial designing processing, you will surely have to draw something on a paper. Thus, without being able to acquire those crucial drawing techniques, an architect may not progress more in his work.
2. Creative Imagination and Designing Skills – Drawing and possessing artistic architect skills are incomplete without the addition of creativity. Modern architecture is all about mesmerizing layouts, and interior and exterior designs. You will have to be potentially creative to design a true artistic model. For that, an architect can brainstorm unusual concepts and can bring great ideas to life. He must be daring enough to be different. If you have a thought or suggestion in mind, let it come to the table. Who knows it can contribute to the next wonder of the world?
3. Numerical Skills – The most important technical architect skill is a great hand in mathematics including numeric, geometric, algebra, basic units etc. It is important for building functional structures with accuracy. Without understanding these concepts, an architect, no matter how creative, cannot put his ideas into a practical environment. Designers have to calculate the site’s dimensions, ratios, and specifications to make an impactful, and effective working structure.
4. Legal Information – The next architect’s skill that cannot be ignored is his knowledge of the legal building codes, conducts, regulations and policies. It ensures that you are meeting all requirements to set up a new build in a particular territory. Some structural planning permissions are crucial for safety purposes, and sustainability; not meeting those requirements may lead to some challenges. Therefore, understanding all the industry principles, rules and building systems brushes up your profession.
5. Team Work Spirit – To work in harmony with all the stakeholders including the internal team, construction team, clients, investors, surveyors, lawyers and government officials; you should be able to collaborate effectively. There could be conflicts but you must know the ways to face and find the solutions. By interacting with your team nicely and deeply, a project can become more cost-effective from the insights they give you. Be open-minded and positive in your approach, remember that nobody is perfect and humans make mistakes. Rather than pointing aggressively at your teammates, an architect must know the ideal ways to address the issues. This way, a teamwork spirit in an architect can contribute to great structures.
6. Decent Communication Skills – Apart from artistic, creative thinking, mathematical, legal information and teamwork, communication skills are one of the important skills needed to be an architect. He has to work with different industries and with several personalities. Also, architects work with engineers, managers, surveyors, etc. Putting your point clearly and understanding theirs makes things easier. It is substantial to deliver a project successfully.
7. Technical/ Computation Skills – Nowadays architect skills are more about one’s ability to operate advanced designing tools. Learning these important tools elevates the entire design and construction process. It brings out precise, great detailing, more clarity and speed in the task. There are many software an architect should be familiar with such as CAD, BIM tools, Lumion, Revit, 3D Printing and Rendering tools, etc.
8. Ability to Provide Solutions – Each profession may lead to problems at some point especially in the architectural industry when a design is in process. There could be legal issues, client misunderstandings, deadline concerns and all. An architect can respond effectively and provide working solutions to avoid setbacks. He should be thoughtful to dictate all the possible solutions and finalize the ideal one.
9. Leadership & Project Management Skills – Having the skills to manage a project with your fellow workers will streamline the process. An architect must be compliant with engineers, builders, surveyors and vice versa. He also had to listen to the client’s demands and complete the project within the decided timeline. Only a leader can handle tough situations and can explain his objectives to clients and the team. People around you should pay attention to when you talk and command them.
The Bottom Line
So this is all about basic knowledge required or skills needed to be an architect. Acquiring required architect skills needs practice and patience. Some of the traits such as working with the team, communicating well, handling tasks and curating solutions grow while working consciously in the field. However, skills like creativity drawing and the knowledge about software, legal regulations etc. are expected from you right before you become a pro.
