Summary
What is the role of the architect?
The architect can be mobilized for various projects: individual house, apartment building, shopping centers, factories…
Feasibility study
During the design phase, the architect studies the feasibility of the project. For this, it takes into account many criteria: economic imperatives, construction regulations, choice of materials (glass, wood, concrete, etc.) and characteristics of the terrain (noise, safety, etc.).
Project preparation
He then makes sketches, prepares and monitors the building permit. During the implementation phase, the architect draws the plans, writes the descriptions, calls for tenders and negotiates with the various trades.
Site supervision
He supervises the site and reports on the progress of the work to the sponsor.
How much does an architect earn?
On average, count €2,000 gross monthly at the start of your career, then between €3,000 and €6,000 with experience.
The profession of architect is a dream come true, but for a few successful stars (Nouvel, Portzamparc…), thousands of individual architects have to fight daily to maintain their activity.
What are the working conditions of an architect?
Council of the Order of Architects
Out of approximately 40,000 graduates, nearly 30,000 architects are registered with the Order of Architects. Registration with the Order of Architects is mandatory to practice: it implies compliance with its code of ethics in the exercise of the profession.
The structure of the profession
A third of architects practice in Ile-de-France and more than half work as a liberal profession.
Finally, advice to women: the profession of architect is 80% male (source IFOP June 2009).
What training to become an architect?
Master of Architecture
Architects hold a state diploma, obtained at the end of 2 cycles: bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.
These 2 cycles, accessible after the baccalaureate, are provided:
To access the profession of architect, you must obtain the master’s degree (bac + 5). This allows you to work in an agency.
A year of development in an agency
An additional year after the master is necessary to validate the ability to exercise project management. This is the “HMONP” year, leading to “authorization to exercise project management in his own name”: this means that the architect can sign his own projects and assumes legal responsibility.
During this year, theoretical teaching is provided. It is supplemented by a minimum of 6 months of full-time professional experience in an architectural agency (fixed-term, permanent or professionalization contract).
The doctorate in architecture
A 3rd cycle, the doctorate (bac + 8), makes it possible to acquire a more specific specialization (Materials, Works, Durability, Environment, Structures…).
Opportunities in the public service
Holders of an architect’s degree can register for public service competitions: State architect, historical monuments, the City of Paris, local authorities.
What qualities are needed to become an architect?
Responsabilities
The architect has important responsibilities: it is he who guarantees the construction, particularly in terms of safety. It must therefore be resistant to stress.
Rigor and creativity combined
The exercise of the profession of architect requires great rigor, creativity and method.
Commercial qualities
For an independent architect, commercial qualities are necessary because he must regularly find new contracts to develop his activity. An architect must therefore be mobile, available and flexible in his schedules.
Content updated on 07/10/2012
Our tips:
Does this long course scare you? Know that you can still work in architecture with a professional baccalaureate: 3 years of training, accessible after the 3rd. You then learn the profession of architectural assistant. You carry out sketches, preliminary projects and technical studies, and you assist the architect in monitoring the work.