The Work Of An Architect Is All-Consuming
Sonali Rastogi, director, Morphogenesis, talks about the demands of the profession.
What's a career in architecture all about?
There are two main aspects. One is the actual job description of an architect which is all about conceiving the built form and actualising it right to the final detail, and the other aspect is that it is a profession of choice for those who are extremely passionate about it.
Above everything, once you have selected architecture as a profession, you must realise that you are responsible for the entire human race's built environment and everything that will become a part of history. Within architecture, there are various levels of interest that cater to built form for the lowest strata of society to the high-end of the spectrum. Architecture varies and there is enough to keep one going.
What's the pay off (in terms of salary at different levels)?
It is an extremely ill-defined market which hugely depends on demand, skill and reputation. The starting pay is around Rs 3 lakh a year and goes up as per your skills and experience. It also varies from company to company.
What skills must students desirous of taking up architecture as a career have?
Passion for design, perseverance, long-term goals and a keen interest in technology, sociology, science and computation.
What are the high and lows points of the profession?
On the brighter side, it allows you to stay young as every project has a new learning and lets you to live your dreams through design. It's not a regular nine-to-five job and instead takes over life in its entirety and becomes an integral part of your life.
On the other side, it offers less remuneration as compared to finance-related fields maybe, although it involves the same hard work and rigour. Also, the profession does not really allow for flexibility, part-time work or work from home options due to the nature of the work.
What's your advice to youngsters keen on becoming architects?
Persistence, hard work, initiative, enthusiasm and interest towards design and the built environment.
You may also like to read: Architecture: Designing Dream Habitats and Career As An Architect
Author: Vandana Ramnani (HT Horizons)
Date: 5th February, 2011
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