Planning a Career

According to NCARB, there are approximately 105,000 licensed architects in the United States. According to NAAB, there are approximately 28,000 students are enrolled in accredited architecture programs in the United States; 16,500 are in BArch, 11,000 in MArch and 350 in DArch.

Determining the demand for new architects is complicated by many factors. The cyclical nature of construction activity and the unpredictability of national and world-wide economics make an accurate assessment of the future needs for architects very difficult. However, the National Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook predicts an 16% increase over the next decade.

As in other professions, the better graduates from professional programs have little difficulty finding employment, particularly if they have acquired some summer experience in an office or in building construction and if they are willing to relocate. Often, various sectors of the country will be "booming" while other areas are in a state of near recession.

Review the following documents for assistance:
Navigating the Job Search Process and Beyond
Elements of a Successful Design Portfolio

The education you will receive may also prepare you for many occupations:

Architect - Principal
Architectural Journalist
Architectural Historian
Corporate Architect
Draftsperson
Architectural Engineer
Art Director
Banker
Building Contractor
Building Inspector
Building Researcher
Carpenter
Cartographer
City Manager
Civil Engineer
Computer Systems Analyst
Construction Manager
Construction Worker
Creative Director
Facilities Manager
Fashion Designer
Furniture Designer
General Laborer
Graphic Designer
Illuminating Engineer
Illustrator
Industrial Designer
Industrial Engineer
Landscape Architect
Lawyer
Management Analyst
Marine Architect
Materials/Products Sales
Mechanical Engineer
Photographer
Physical Plant Inspector
Professor
Public Architect
Real Estate Appraisers
Real Estate Broker/Analyst
School Plant Consultant
Set Designer
Specification Writer
Surveyor
Technical Illustrator
University Architect
Urban Planner
Writer, Technical Publications