Everything You Wanted To Know About Architecture

The following eleven articles provide a detailed overview of "everything" those interested in architecture might want to know more about or should be familiar with. Click on the "View Article" link to the right of the article name to view the pdf in a popup browser window. For those who desire even more detailed information, please check out the references and organizations listed in the appendices.

ARTICLE ONE - THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION - View Article

The historical development of the architectural profession, current legal definition of "architect", and an overview of the typical duties and responsibilities performed by architects. A guide outlining reasons to choose or not to choose architecture as your future career and a brief summary of organizations to consult for further details.

ARTICLE TWO - THE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT - DESIGN PHASES - View Article

An overview of the Pre-Design, Schematic Design, and Design Development phases of the architectural project including typical roles played by all participants involved in the creation of the project, typically a finished building. Emphasis on the architect's duties and responsibilities.

ARTICLE THREE - THE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT - CONSTRUCTION PHASES - View Article

An overview of the Construction Documents, Bidding and Negotiation, Construction Administration, and Post-construction Services phases of the architectural project including typical roles played by all participants involved in the creation of the project, typically a finished building. Emphasis on the architect's duties and responsibilities.

ARTICLE FOUR - PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION - View Article

Description of the different types of professional architectural programs, the typical curriculum, and the demands of the design studio. Tables include a detailed list of accredited architecture programs and data (including ethnic and gender breakdowns) for student enrollment, student graduates, and faculty. Unofficial rankings of accredited architecture programs.

ARTICLE FIVE - LICENSING REQUIREMENTS - View Article

Description of state licensing requirements including the Intern Development Program (IDP), the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), and continuing education requirements. Tables include a detailed list of registration statistics and requirements for each jurisdiction, and ARE statistics. Unofficial national registration by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

ARTICLE SIX - THE ARCHITECTURAL FIRM - View Article

An overview of typical architectural firms including services, personnel, organizational size and structure, marketing/obtaining work, and compensation packages. Tables include a detailed list of firm sizes, characteristics of typical organizational structures, and average compensation for architects and their support staff.

ARTICLE SEVEN - THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT - View Article

Description of the legal requirements affecting architects including laws and regulations, professional liability, agency requirements, building/zoning codes, and accessibility requirements. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and description of possible LEED credits.

ARTICLE EIGHT - THE ARCHITECT'S ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES - View Article

An overview of the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) and their "Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct". Description of the architect's obligation to the public, client, profession, colleagues, and the environment. The relationship between the architect, client, and contractor.

ARTICLE NINE - CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN RELATED FIELDS - View Article

An overview of career opportunities in the construction, education, engineering, interior design, land development, regulatory, and visualization fields. Tables include typical salaries.

ARTICLE TEN - PRE-MODERN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY - View Article

Includes the following pre-industrial revolution architectural styles or periods: prehistoric, Egyptian, middle eastern, Greek, Roman, early Christian and Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic, Islamic, ancient America, and ancient Asia. A brief synopsis of the architectural movement or style including a list of their most famous and influential architectural buildings or monuments.

ARTICLE ELEVEN - MODERN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY - View Article

Includes the following post-industrial revolution architectural styles or periods: Eclecticism, Modernism, the Master Builders, the International Style, Post-Modern, the 21st Century, and Southern California Architecture. A brief synopsis of the architectural movement or style including a list of their most famous and influential architectural buildings or monuments.

APPENDIX A - REFERENCES - View Article

A list of resources consulted for the preparation of these articles that interested readers who desire more in-depth analysis should consult.

APPENDIX B - ORGANIZATIONS - View Article

A list of organizations consulted for the preparation of these articles that interested readers who desire more in-depth analysis should consult.