own designs draw

Over the last few decades, with the development of Information Technology, architecture as a profession has witnessed a tremendous change. Software such as AutoCAD, Revit and even 3D Max has replaced traditional equipment and the way of dealing with projects. For example, now it is possible for you to rework your designs and edit them by previewing your previous ones!

With the real estate sector beginning to look up again, architecture is also poised for growth. There are about 150 Schools of Architecture in the country, which are approved by the Council of Architecture. Each offers a B. Arch degree, which enables graduates to register with the Council of Architecture and practice as architects. Says Ashish Saxena, Architect, Stambha Design House, New Delhi, “To be an architect one needs to have a knack for design and construction.’’ The University School of Architecture and Planning offers a five-year full time course leading to a Bachelor of Architecture degree. To pursue this course, the minimum eligibility requirement is 10+2 with mathematics and physics. As per the Council of Architecture’s norms, you must also pass NATA or the National Aptitude Test in Architecture that is conducted by the Council of Architecture. This measures your aptitude in drawing and your observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking ability, etc. “You can go abroad for further studies. Almost all universities offer a postgraduation in architectural conversation, urban design, industrial design, landscape architecture and project management etc.,” says Saxena.

After completing the architecture course you can start as a junior architect, and go on to become senior architect and then team leader. You have chances with various architectural firms such as Arcob etc. who give juniors a good start. “It’s one’s own zeal, which drives him. Many start their own practice and earn independently servicing their own clients instead of sticking to a job format,” says Sanil Kumar, Architect, Stambha Design House.

“The job prospects in India are excellent. The prospects abroad however, will be contingent on the state of the economy in that country. However, it may be noted that Indian graduates invariably do well abroad,” says Professor AGK Menon, School of Planning and Architecture, GGSIPU. “The term permanence is now not associated with architecture, so people often renew and redesign their structures. Often old structures are razed to the ground. In fact, just like cars, architecture has also become a personal statement,” says Kumar. According to Professor Menon, A fresher or young architect can start his/her career with about Rs. 25,000 per month (in a metropolitan city), after that the sky is the limit for someone who is hard working!