Many people dream of becoming architects, which is a great thing. However, the journey to becoming one is tough and requires a person who is willing to commit to the hard work. A residential architect, for instance, should go through various steps before gaining the relevant experience to start designing homes for clients.
The work of a residential architect is to design beautiful homes that are in line with the building standards in the country, assist in estimating the costs, and offer relevant legal advice. Hence, the expert should have diverse knowledge in real estate matters. If you feel that you have what it takes to become a professional residential architect with a reputation in your country, here is a step-by-step guide to becoming one.
Get a Degree from an Accredited University
Not all colleges and universities have the resources to educate future architects. So, choose a school that is accredited and is known to produce the best architects in your country. A degree program introduces you to what residential architecture is and equips you with knowledge.
Reputable colleges and universities allow students to start drawing up plans using the latest technology so that they will have an easy time when they proceed for their internship and later start working on their own. These schools promote creativity, which is a crucial trait of a residential architect.
Participate in an Internship
During or immediately after earning a degree, a student who wants to become a residential architect should undertake an internship. Since you are required to look for one, it is best to look for a company that is known and one that offers diverse services related to residential architecture.
After studying in a UK college or university, choose a great company such as Humphreysandsons for your internship to get the best exposure in areas such as planning and design, building permissions and approvals, cost estimation, and a lot more.
Register with the Professional Body
Well, the step of registering with a professional body in your country may vary. Some require you to undergo practical training for a year or two, while others allow young professionals to register as soon as they graduate.
Check what is needed in your country and follow suit. For instance, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) is responsible for registering architects in the UK. This is the last step before you can get employed by a professional company to practice as a junior residential architect.
Become Employed or Start a Residential Architecture Firm
As a young residential architect, you still need to practice for a couple of years to gain the needed experience. When you get a job with a reputable company, you will be lucky to work with senior architects, from whom you will learn a lot.
You can also start your own business and employ senior architects to work with you. In this case, you should register the firm as a business and a practicing company in line with regulations in your country.
Final Words
As you can see, the process of becoming a pro residential architect is an uphill task that requires patience and determination, but it is achievable since many people have already succeeded. So, if this is your dream, start the journey now.