The primary skill expected of an architect is of course the actual ability to design structurally sound infrastructure. As important as this skill is, it is far from the only one that will be required to have a successful and noteworthy career in this field. These other skills are more abstract and are only partly-teachable within higher institutions.
Whether creativity can be learned or not is subject to debate. However, it is absolutely necessary if an architect ever to aspires to design something that will distinguish itself and possibly add a meaningful note to the history of architecture. Original modern designs such as the empire state building, Apple’s iconic cube building, and the Maxxi Museum in Rome were all created by innovative minds. Such buildings will likely stand for hundreds of years, not just because of their incredibly durable designs, but because they have become monuments to the human achievements as did many similar buildings created thousands of years ago.
- Attention to detail
Most architects and architecture students will have heard the story of the sinking library. The story goes that an architect designed an incredible library and it was built. But soon after, it was discovered that this library was slowly sinking into the ground. The architect had forgotten to take into account the weight of the books that would be placed in the library. While this story might be fact or legend, the lesson there is clear. As an architect, it is important to take into consideration every little detail of your project or risk complete failure.
In the world of today, it is less and less likely that any architect will find himself a building, bridge, monument, or other piece of infrastructure all alone. More often these jobs go to firms which comprise of multiple architects who share the work between themselves. In these cases, even the senior architect on a project will only have so much autonomy on how the project turns out. For this reason, it is important that every architect be able to work well as a group. A team’s capability is generally more than with a singular architect. The best teams are those in which each member is able to express themselves and striving to cover the shortcomings of others.
There was certainly once a time when a single person could be their own architect and actual builder. When one could set out to build shelter or something similar, acquire the building materials and tools, and actually complete the project without needing the help of any outside party. This is almost impossible today.
“The world of the modern-day architect often has more communication than it does actual design. It all starts from the clients who tell you what they want and what they need (two different things), you then explain what is possible, give estimates, and make presentations. If you work in a team, you will have to communicate ideas, tweaks, and final decisions. Depending on how involved in the project you are, you might find yourself having to deal with foremen and construction workers all through the building process.” – Property Development and Bridging Loan Experts from BridgingLoans.co.uk
Any veteran architect could list several more groups you might need to speak to; these include government works as you seek permits, graphic designers who create 3D models, neighbors to prevent conflicts, and many others. Miscommunication with any of the above parties could halt the project, bring it to a screeching halt, or have it completed with a flaw that will see the whole project as a failure.
- Staying Current and Adapting
New original ideas are constantly being introduced to the world of architecture all the time. This might be in the form of sturdier designs, more effective building materials, or just sought-after trends. These advances are what differentiate a mediocre project from one that stands out.
These above skills and others will be important in determining how successful an architect’s career is at the end of the day. Mastering them will often not be easy, but doing so will often prove rewarding in the end.