One thing that I did not know before I started this project is how many designs go into building a house. First, the architect has to design the house (floor plan). This alone is a lot to do. In the floor plan you have to display the measurements, materials, and maybe even notes to the contractor. The architect must also display all of the different views of the floor plan. These different views include the elevation, all sides of the building/house, and all floors of the building. The second thing the architect must do is design the electrical plan. This shows the electrician where to run his wires throughout the building/house. Finally, the architect will usually create a 3D model, to scale. This model is used to show the client what the finished project will look like. I hope this gives you a good idea of the hard work that goes into designing a building/house.
Another thing that I did not know is how many people use CAD to help them with their job. Now days CAD is not just used by the architects, CAD is used by so many others professions ranging from engineers, architects, designers, drafters, and many more. CAD is a very important part in these lines of work. Architects depend on CAD to aid them in designing the building/home that they are working on. Engineers depend on CAD to be able to display their product in the best way possible. Designers use CAD to help them layout the home that they are designing. The 3D view of CAD is an important part of the designer’s tools. The 3D view is what is used to show the client what they have designed. A drafter also used CAD. A drafter used CAD for pretty much the same reason as an architect. Hopefully, this will help you better understand the professions that use CAD.
Finally, one other thing that I didn't know before I started this project is how many people are architects. According to the United States Department of Labor, in 2010 there were around 113,700 architects in the US. Around 24% are self-employed. Architecture is a full time job. Most of the architects work more than 50 hours a week. Architects also work early and late trying to reach their deadlines. An architect usually spends his/her day in an office designing a building/home, consulting with clients, and working with engineers or other architects. An architect also has to visit construction sites to see how the project is coming along. The average yearly pay for an architect was $72,550 in May of 2010. The lowest 10% made less than $42,860, and the top 10% made more than $119,500. I hope this gives you a better idea about how many people have chosen to become architects and that you learned more about their job. Click For Resources Page
