Prof. Dr. Nandineni Rama Devi, Director, Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
From cozy homes to bustling city streets, the environment around us can make or break our well-being. To cater to the needs of the modern home owners, an innovative wave of architectural trends has emerged. Architecture is no longer only about aesthetics; it is also about functionality and sustainability. In a world of growing environmental consciousness, green architecture and eco-friendly living are here to stay. The other intriguing aspect in the world of architecture is the integration of AI, ML and virtual reality in designing. The world of architecture and construction is being revolutionized by technology. For example, emerging technologies have helped in streamlining the design process, optimizing space utilization, and augmenting safety standards and cost optimization.
The rapid emergence of new concepts in such a short period of time has left architecture students feeling both anxious and excited about their career choice, but the vast array of options can be overwhelming. Keeping this in context, here are the top 05 career options that are in high demand for graduating architecture students:
- Profiles in vogue post the graduation degree: Architecture jobs in India are plentiful. After finishing 5-year architecture programme, some of the most in demand career profiles that students can consider are Architect, Junior Architect, Architectural Historian/Journalist, Project Manager, Building Contractor, Interior Designer, Graphic Designer, Landscape Architect, Architecture Draftsman, Industrial Designer, Research Architect and 3D visualizer.
- An opportunity to work with government organizations: The Indian government is giving architects tremendous opportunity to address the expanding economy and population. After graduating, many architecture students apply for government jobs. Architecture graduates can work in housing, transportation, and other government sectors such as the railway ministry, defense ministry, CIDCO, Archaeological Department, National Building Organization, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Public Works Department, etc.
- Working with top independent architects/architectural firms: In the private sector, one can apply as an urban planner, urban designer, project manager, junior architect, etc. Some of marque firms/independent architects that students can apply to are Hafeez Contractor, Lotus Design Studio, Matharoo Associates, Sanjay Puri Architects, Vastu Shilpa Foundation, Creative Design Group, Oscar & Ponni Architects, C.P. Kukreja Associates, Somaya & Kalappa Consultants, PiVisions, A New Dimension, Abraham John Architects, Morphogenesis, Kembhavi Architecture Foundation, Shilpa Architects, Atkins, GNA, Gensler, L&T etc. to name a few.
- Becoming an entrepreneur: Entrepreneurial skills grow when one succeeds in all aspects of architecture. Skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, persuasion, and communication skills develop architects to be successful entrepreneurs. A perfect example is of Indian industrialist Ratan Tata who holds a degree in architecture.
- Pursuing higher education: After completing B Arch degree most students pursue higher education for high-paying jobs. Some of the prominent courses that students can opt for are:
- Arch. in Architectural Conservation/ Landscape Architecture/ Architectural Design / Sustainable Architecture/ Urban Design
- Des in Product Design/Industrial Design/Interior Design/Sustainable Design
- Masters in Transport Planning /Town And Country Planning/ Building Engineering and Management/Regional Planning/Environmental Planning Et
Design industry is just like any other industry and career; some people may find it the right fit, but others may not. Therefore, it’s important for one to put careful thought into the job responsibilities before building a career in this industry. The careers mentioned above are in the current in vogue choices for architects, but there are many other viable fields where one can thrive.