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Architecture and Design Firms
Gensler, HOK, Perkins&Will
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Architects turn a client’s needs into buildings that can actually be permitted and built, using drawings, 3D models, and site visits to keep the design on track. The job is defined by a constant tradeoff: making a place look and feel right while staying inside code, budget, energy, and construction limits.
Also known as ArchitectProject ArchitectDesign ArchitectRegistered ArchitectLicensed Architect
Median Salary
$96,690
Mean $103,390
U.S. Workforce
~111K
7.8K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+3.9%
123.6K to 128.4K
Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval sits in the Creative category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~111K workers, with a median annual pay of $96,690 and roughly 7.8K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 123.6 K in 2024 to 128.4K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with Bachelor's degree in architecture, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Architecture Intern and can progress toward Principal / Design Director. High-value skills usually include Autodesk Revit & BIM Modeling, AutoCAD & Construction Documentation, and LEED, Green Building Standards & Sustainable Design, paired with soft skills such as Critical Thinking, Operations Analysis, and Reading Comprehension.
Core Responsibilities
- Meet with clients to sort out how a building should function, how much space it needs, and what the finished project should feel like.
- Turn ideas into drawings and 3D models with design software so clients, engineers, and builders can understand the plan.
- Prepare the final construction documents and details contractors need to build the project correctly.
- Visit construction sites to see whether the work matches the approved plans and building rules.
Keep exploring: more Creative careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Meet with clients to sort out how a building should function, how much space it needs, and what the finished project should feel like.
02 Turn ideas into drawings and 3D models with design software so clients, engineers, and builders can understand the plan.
03 Prepare the final construction documents and details contractors need to build the project correctly.
04 Visit construction sites to see whether the work matches the approved plans and building rules.
05 Handle project contracts, approvals, and other paperwork that keeps the job moving.
06 Add energy-saving and green building features, and put together proposals or presentations to win new work.
Industries That Hire
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Real Estate Development
Related Companies, Hines, Brookfield Properties
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Construction and Design-Build
Turner Construction, DPR Construction, Skanska
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Healthcare and Hospital Systems
Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente
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Government and Civic Projects
General Services Administration, City of New York, Smithsonian Institution
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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Pay is solid, with a mean annual wage of $103,390 and a median of $96,690, which is strong for a job that usually starts after a bachelor's degree.
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The work combines creativity with practical problem-solving, so you get to shape how a building looks and how it functions.
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No prior work experience is typically required, and internship-style training gives newcomers a clear on-ramp.
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The day-to-day work is varied: design meetings, drawings, site visits, and contract paperwork all sit in the same job.
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There are still about 7.8K annual openings projected, so people do move in and out of the field even though overall growth is modest.
Challenges
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Growth is only 3.9% over the 2024-2034 period, so this is a steady field rather than a fast-expanding one.
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The education path is demanding, and many workers go beyond the typical bachelor's degree to a first professional degree or master's degree plus internship/residency training.
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Creative ideas are limited by building codes, budgets, permits, and what contractors can actually build, so not every concept survives contact with reality.
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The job depends on construction and real-estate cycles, so project volume can drop when the economy slows.
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Advancement can plateau unless you move into project leadership, business development, or firm ownership; there are far fewer principal roles than entry-level positions.
Career Progression
Architecture Intern
0-2 years
$45K-$60K
Supports senior staff with drawings, models, and field notes while learning how projects move from concept to construction.
Junior Architect
2-5 years
$60K-$80K
Handles smaller design tasks, prepares documentation, and begins talking directly with clients and consultants.
Architect THIS ROLE
5-10 years
$85K-$115K
Leads design development for whole projects, balances code and budget issues, and checks work in the field.
Senior Architect / Project Architect
10-15 years
$115K-$145K
Coordinates larger teams, manages complex project details, and carries more responsibility for client communication and construction outcomes.
Principal / Design Director
15+ years
$145K-$190K
Sets design direction, wins new work, and oversees major client relationships and firm strategy.
Education Paths
Bachelor's degree in architecture
The most common entry point, held by 42.86% of workers in the education distribution; BLS also says a bachelor's degree is the typical starting point and internships or residencies usually come with the training.
First professional degree in architecture
A common path, held by 23.81% of workers in the distribution; this route is often chosen by people aiming straight for professional licensure.
Master's degree in architecture or a related design field
Another common route, held by 23.81% of workers in the distribution; many people use graduate study to deepen design, building technology, or planning expertise.
Post-baccalaureate certificate plus licensure track
An alternative path, held by 4.76% of workers in the distribution; this can help people shift into architecture after another degree, but it is much less common than a full degree program.
Key Skills
Technical
Autodesk Revit & BIM Modeling 84%
AutoCAD & Construction Documentation 82%
LEED, Green Building Standards & Sustainable Design 80%
SketchUp, Rhino & 3D Rendering 78%
Construction Specifications & Code Coordination 76%
Contract Administration & Site Observation 74%
Soft Skills
Critical ThinkingOperations AnalysisReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningWriting Job Outlook and Trends
+3.9%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
7.8K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 123.6K to 128.4 K over the next decade, representing 3.9% growth. Around 7.8 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Limited. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.