Q. What are the qualities required to be an architect?
The training of an architect requires a high standard of academic ability, creativity, enthusiasm, and perseverance, as the typical architectural course at a university is at least 6 years long. A reasonable aptitude for mathematics and science is necessary, as you will have to learn about the theory of structures, environmental science, the technology of buildings, and the properties and uses of materials. Ability in drawing, model making and sculpture is also very helpful.
However, mathematics, scientific and artistic abilities are only the basis of becoming a successful architect. These qualities are the tools of the architect’s creative imagination. As a potential architect, you will need to develop a capacity for creative problem solving, an understanding of people’s needs and aspirations, a feeling for design, and the ability to visualise in three dimensions.
You will also be required to learn a rational and practical approach to solving problems. As an architect is expected to lead a team of consultants, leadership and organisational abilities will be very important, as well as interpersonal communication and presentational skills.
Lastly, a keen appreciation of the fine and performing arts is desirable, as it will nurture your sensitivity, sharpen your critical acuity, and develop your design aptitude.
Q. What are the employment prospects of an architectural graduate?
Although the experience of architectural training with its intellectual challenge and personal and social development will make it intrinsically rewarding, you may still want to know if it is worth the investment of your time and energy.
The answer is yes. Given the buoyant building industry and the promise of economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, an architectural graduate should have no difficulty getting a job. No doubt, the building industry is especially sensitive to the state of the economy and can be affected by its cycles. But architecture as a career should be seen as a long-term commitment; the long- term prospects fully justify the investment of yourself in the process of training.
Q. What can I be besides being an architect?
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) students may continue with 10 months Practical Training followed by Master of Architecture which qualify the graduate to Professional Registration examinations after at least 2 years practice. He may also choose to pursue Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) Hons followed by a MA(UD) or other research degrees.
Other Career Opportunities
The study of architectural design and it’s supporting disciplines establishes a broad educational base which, in addition to the primary objective of the course of qualifying the graduate for a professional career in architecture, can prepare one for a wide range of alternative creative careers. It is well known that Italy produces a wide range of well designed products from furniture to cars as well as personal accessories. Many of the designers of these objects have as an educational background a degree in architecture.
Closer to home, the Department of Architecture has produce a number of graduates who, although they qualify to pursue a career in architecture have ventured into other creative and successful routes, for example:
On Stage – acting, sets and lighting design
Television and film productions and supports
Fabric design
Interior design
Industrial design
Lighting and light fitting design
Computer services for the architectural profession
Graphic Design/ Advertising
Multi-Media Design
Photography
Publishing, layout design
Urban Design
Landscape Design
Journalism
Architectural critique/writing
In addition the industry needs and can take people with a background in the architectural profession in:
Architectural Products industry
-e.g. tiles, finish materials, windows, doors etc.
Project management
Contract law
Resorts and tourism industry
Many of these can be pursued as opportunity arises without further education, however, some of these require additional study in courses already available in NUS programmes. The Department of Architecture is initiating additional programmes which will open wider avenues for careers built on the basic degree in architecture. Those now running or which will begin soon:
Bachelor of Arts (Industrial Design) Hons
Master of Arts (Urban Design)
Master of Arts (Design Computing)
Master of Arts (Landscape Design)
Q. What do I gain from being an architect?
Architecture is undoubtedly a very rewarding profession. It offers a wealth of opportunities in a variety of fields which few other professions can match, and provides an emotional satisfaction in built form which few other arts can claim. It offers the challenge of combining creative initiative and pragmatic functionality in intelligent design. Necessarily, it exacts a high price from its practitioner who must himself completely to its study and practice in order to enjoy its rewards. But ultimately, it allows him to contribute meaningfully and productively to the environment; what an architect creates affects not only its client but the lives of generations to come and the history of the place, city and country.
The training of an architect requires a high standard of academic ability, creativity, enthusiasm, and perseverance, as the typical architectural course at a university is at least 6 years long. A reasonable aptitude for mathematics and science is necessary, as you will have to learn about the theory of structures, environmental science, the technology of buildings, and the properties and uses of materials. Ability in drawing, model making and sculpture is also very helpful.
However, mathematics, scientific and artistic abilities are only the basis of becoming a successful architect. These qualities are the tools of the architect’s creative imagination. As a potential architect, you will need to develop a capacity for creative problem solving, an understanding of people’s needs and aspirations, a feeling for design, and the ability to visualise in three dimensions.
You will also be required to learn a rational and practical approach to solving problems. As an architect is expected to lead a team of consultants, leadership and organisational abilities will be very important, as well as interpersonal communication and presentational skills.
Lastly, a keen appreciation of the fine and performing arts is desirable, as it will nurture your sensitivity, sharpen your critical acuity, and develop your design aptitude.
Q. What are the employment prospects of an architectural graduate?
Although the experience of architectural training with its intellectual challenge and personal and social development will make it intrinsically rewarding, you may still want to know if it is worth the investment of your time and energy.
The answer is yes. Given the buoyant building industry and the promise of economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, an architectural graduate should have no difficulty getting a job. No doubt, the building industry is especially sensitive to the state of the economy and can be affected by its cycles. But architecture as a career should be seen as a long-term commitment; the long- term prospects fully justify the investment of yourself in the process of training.
Q. What can I be besides being an architect?
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) students may continue with 10 months Practical Training followed by Master of Architecture which qualify the graduate to Professional Registration examinations after at least 2 years practice. He may also choose to pursue Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) Hons followed by a MA(UD) or other research degrees.
Other Career Opportunities
The study of architectural design and it’s supporting disciplines establishes a broad educational base which, in addition to the primary objective of the course of qualifying the graduate for a professional career in architecture, can prepare one for a wide range of alternative creative careers. It is well known that Italy produces a wide range of well designed products from furniture to cars as well as personal accessories. Many of the designers of these objects have as an educational background a degree in architecture.
Closer to home, the Department of Architecture has produce a number of graduates who, although they qualify to pursue a career in architecture have ventured into other creative and successful routes, for example:
On Stage – acting, sets and lighting design
Television and film productions and supports
Fabric design
Interior design
Industrial design
Lighting and light fitting design
Computer services for the architectural profession
Graphic Design/ Advertising
Multi-Media Design
Photography
Publishing, layout design
Urban Design
Landscape Design
Journalism
Architectural critique/writing
In addition the industry needs and can take people with a background in the architectural profession in:
Architectural Products industry
-e.g. tiles, finish materials, windows, doors etc.
Project management
Contract law
Resorts and tourism industry
Many of these can be pursued as opportunity arises without further education, however, some of these require additional study in courses already available in NUS programmes. The Department of Architecture is initiating additional programmes which will open wider avenues for careers built on the basic degree in architecture. Those now running or which will begin soon:
Bachelor of Arts (Industrial Design) Hons
Master of Arts (Urban Design)
Master of Arts (Design Computing)
Master of Arts (Landscape Design)
Q. What do I gain from being an architect?
Architecture is undoubtedly a very rewarding profession. It offers a wealth of opportunities in a variety of fields which few other professions can match, and provides an emotional satisfaction in built form which few other arts can claim. It offers the challenge of combining creative initiative and pragmatic functionality in intelligent design. Necessarily, it exacts a high price from its practitioner who must himself completely to its study and practice in order to enjoy its rewards. But ultimately, it allows him to contribute meaningfully and productively to the environment; what an architect creates affects not only its client but the lives of generations to come and the history of the place, city and country.
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