Architect Career Outlook
The career outlook for architects is mixed. Prospective employment depends on location, economy, demographics, career specialization and level of expertise and experience.
While employment growth is expected to be 16 percent in the coming years, a greater number of graduating architecture students is creating competition for available positions. Entry-level vacancies and openings at prominent architect firms are expected to experience the highest level of competitiveness. Architect jobs will become available through attrition and architects changing careers.
Location is influential on job prospects. Some locales in the United States are undergoing a population influx. These areas require infrastructure, such as schools, health care facilities, and local government offices, to accommodate an unprecedented citizen base. Demographics play a role in that the age of incoming residents determine what resources are required. For instance, a locality with a high ratio of seniors may attract developers to build assisting living residences. Likewise, a younger family-oriented demographic might translate into the need for community centers.
“Green design” is a field of architecture which will increase in demand. Energy efficient buildings are being encouraged by state governments, such as North Carolina, which has attractive tax credits for buildings with solar panel systems. It is anticipated this trend will continue.
Economic conditions have a strong impact on architects. The recent downturn has affected commercial project starts; however, restoration and renovation of existing buildings is a growing movement. The cost of building materials will directly affect which direction the construction industry pursues. Architects involved in institutional building projects are less likely to be negatively impacted. The housing market will have practically no affect on architecture, as residential buildings form a minimal part of architects’ work.
Employment growth for landscape architects is forecast at 20 percent to 2018. The increase in job prospects for this architecture specialty is based, partly, on environmental concerns. Green spaces, water conservation and pollution-limiting projects are increasingly in demand. As well, commercial projects, both new and restoration, will stimulate landscape architecture. Graduating students with an internship and excellent computer design skills will have the best opportunity to obtain entry-level job positions with architecture firms. Students with urban planning credentials or experience will be viewed as additionally attractive by employers. The versatility of landscape architecture may prevent this specialty from being impacted by economic cycles.
Marine architect employment growth is projected at 3 to 6 percent, equating approximately 2,300 new job openings, to 2018. While this growth figure is modest, other factors may positively influence the field of naval architecture. The modest number of graduating students, together with attrition, in this discipline may translate into a positive employment outlook. Naval architecture will continue to be in demand for naval and recreational vessels.
Software architects may enjoy excellent career prospects, with a growth potential of up to 53 percent to 2018. This architectural field is one of the fastest growing occupations. The importance of information security, use of wireless networks and employer reliance on information technology will all contribute to job opportunities for the software architect.
The professional and technical services industry accounts for 88 percent of employed architects, while construction accounts for 4 percent and government for 3 percent.
Employment prospects for architects of all disciplines are derived from architecture firms, federal, state and local governments and self-employment. An estimated 20 percent, with mild fluctuations depending on discipline, of architects are self-employed. It should be noted most success self-employed architects were employed by architecture firms for a number of years prior to commencing self-employment.
Overall, an architect career looks positive with above average growth for the architecture student with excellent education credentials, internship experience, an impressive portfolio and flexibility as to location.
