Architecture: One Of The Most Respectable Career

Shyaam Raawool
(Founder & Director – Indian Institute of Knowledge & Development)

“Beauty Perishes in Life but Is Immortal in Art.”, wisely said by Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance. The Seven Wonders of the World, the epitomes of the finest art, are still standing firmly in the ever-changing climate of the earth with their imperishable beauty. They are indeed uniquely designed buildings. Buildings have become a fundamental part of our life. Our Homes, Offices, Schools, Universities, etc. are all buildings. But have you ever wondered who those people who design these beautiful structures are? Who are they, who have designed our dream homes? Who are these special talents who beautify the world with their marvelous creations? Do you wish to be one of them? Do you wish to be an Architect?

Career Scope in Architecture

Certain factors like rapid urbanization, population growth and the government’s involvement are fuelling the infrastructure sector. Last year the Union Government announced to invest a whopping 100+ lakh crores. Currently, the Indian housing industry is at its peak and it can be foreseen that the following decades would see an immense boom in construction in Indian cities. It is estimated that around 70% more construction would happen within the next few years in Indian cities. By 2024-25, the infrastructure sector is slated to be one of the greatest growth catalysts of all time. This is the best time to enter the bachelors program to study architecture. Architecture professionals are considered to be one of the foremost respected professionals anywhere around the globe.

Role & Responsibilities of Architect

The architect is a designer who designs buildings. He recommends and advises changes to the existing structures of buildings. He deigns the plan for buildings using tools and software specially made for the field of architecture. Hence a student who wishes to pursue architecture as their career should be very creative as well as technology-friendly. An architect can work with an individual client, commercial companies or government. He also has to make sure that his designs are economical, safe as per law and also pleasant looking.

Some of the best examples of brilliant architecture are Burj Khalifa, Antilia (Ambani’s residence), Taj Mahal, and Leaning Tower of Pisa. Some recent examples are Beijing National Stadium build in 2008 for the summer Olympic Games and Marina Bay Sands, built-in 2010.

Architects are highly trained in the art and the science of building design. They bear responsibility for the safety of their building’s occupants. Architects prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time; Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction; Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures. They design and plan the construction of green building projects which helps to minimize the adverse environmental impact on nature. They even create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer-assisted design software.

Employment Scope Career Options for Architect

An architect has an enormous range of options available in his/her backend for career growth. An Architect can work as Junior Architect, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, an Architectural Engineer, a Building Contractor, a Building Researcher, a Design Manager, a Set Designer, etc. Private organizations equally can help a pass-out to grow in the field and deliver an ability to show their skills. Candidates can work in construction MNCs in their home country or abroad with this degree.

Some of recruiting Companies for Architect are ….

Construction companies like L & T, DLF, Tata, Godrej, Raheja etc,

Architectural companies like Gensler, Architect Hafeez Contactor, CP Kukreja Associates,

Infrastructure consulting companies like Wipro, Aecom, Live Space etc

Career scope for Architect in Govt & PSU sector

In central Government Architects are recruited through UPSC as Grade A and Grade B officers of Architect, MES (Military Engineering Services, CPWD (Central Public Work Department). Railway also recruit architects in various department. PSU’s like DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), IIFCL, KIIDC, MPSTDC, APUIAML also recruit Architect.

Areas like Roads and Buildings, Urban Affairs, Public Works, welcome graduates to works and excel in their careers..

Salary Range

One can expect a starting salary ranging from INR 4 lakh to INR 5 lakh per year. However, after five years of experience, one can expect to receive salaries in the range of INR 8 to INR 10 lakh per annum & may go up to 40 lacs as per your experience & projects you handle

Architect can also opt for becoming self-employed.

How to Become Architect?

Qualification to get admission in Architectural Colleges

The Eligibility criteria to become an Architect are: Students can complete 12th-Science (PCM) with Min 50% marks or (10+3) Diploma with Mathematics as compulsory subject. Then complete B.Arch. Further proceeding with completing M.Arch; OR MURP (Master of Urban and Regional Planning)

Fees for Architecture / B Arch
The fee levels of these courses are moderate. To pursue these courses students need to spend approx. 3 to 4 Lakhs.

Entrance Exam for Architecture

NATA – National Aptitude Test in Architecture
Various Entrance Exams are conducted at both the National and State levels for pursuing a degree in Architecture. The NATA (National Aptitude Test In Architecture) Entrance Exam is the most recommended and the most popular of all.

The NATA exam is conducted for various Architecture Courses. Through this candidates can earn opportunities to get into (five years) of Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) Program all over India. Candidates who have completed their 10 + 2 examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or 10+ 3 Diploma with Mathematics as the subject of study can appear for NATA;

NATA 2023 exam pattern will soon be released online by the authorities of the Council of Architecture (CoA). Candidates are advised to check the NATA exam pattern 2023 which will have the details regarding how the examination will be conducted. NATA 2023 will be conducted completely as a computer-based test of 3 hours duration. There will be only one section in the exam, and there will be no drawing section. By referring to the NATA 2023 exam pattern beforehand, the candidates will be able to prepare well for the entrance examination. NATA 2023 will be held in three phases. Read to know more about NATA Exam Pattern 2023.

Exam is conducted in 3 phase – you may attempt 1, 2 or all three. You have to mention number phase while doing Registration. For admission of B. Arch marks will consider as, if attempted two, then best of two will consider if all three phase tried then the average of best of 2 scores will consider. Registration fees will remain as for 1 phase Rs. 2000, for 2 phase Rs. 4000 & for all 3 phase Rs. 5400.

For phase 1 registration start in April –May & exam is in June, for phase 2 registration start in June & exam is in July whereas for phase 3 Registration starts in July & exam is in August

Exam Pattern of NATA 2023 Exam

Particulars	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test
Duration	3 Hours
Medium	English
Section	Aptitude
Total Number of Questions	125 Questions
Type of Questions	· Multiple-Choice type (MCQ) · Multiple Select type (MSQ) · Preferential Choice type (PCQ) · Numerical Answer type (NAQ)
Total Marks	200
Marking Scheme	75 Questions – 1 mark will be given for every correct answer. 25 Questions – 2 marks will be given for every correct answer. 25 Questions – 3 marks will be given for every correct answer.

There is no negative marking in NATA 2023.

NATA 2023 Exam Pattern - Assessment Factors

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following factors. The questions will also be set by the authorities keeping in mind these factors.

Inductive Reasoning– Candidates will be tested on their ability to analyse data and patterns.
Diagrammatic Reasoning– Candidates will be tested on their ability to analyse drawings and use logical reasoning.
Numerical Reasoning– Candidates will be tested on their ability to solve simple numerical problems
Verbal Reasoning– Candidates will be assessed on their verbal logic.
Situational Judgment– Candidates will be tested on their problem-solving abilities.
Abstract Reasoning– Candidates will be tested on their general knowledge and their ability to apply it in situations.
Logical Reasoning– Candidates will be assessed on their ability to recognize patterns, relationships, sequences and more.

NATA 2023 Exam Syllabus

Topics

Physics and Geometry

Mathematics

Aesthetic Sensitivity

Colour Theory

Language and Interpretation

Visual Perception and Cognition

Lateral Thinking and Logical Reasoning

General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Building Anatomy and Architectural Vocabulary

Basic Techniques of Building Construction and Knowledge of Material

Graphics and Imagery

NATA Syllabus for Mathematics

Chapter	Topics
Algebra	Definitions of A. P. and G.P.; General term; Summation of first n-terms of series; Arithmetic/Geometric series, A.M., G.M. and their relation; Infinite G.P. series and its sum
Logarithms	Definition; General properties; Change of base.
Matrices	Concepts of m x n, real matrices, operations of addition, scalar multiplication and multiplication of matrices. Transpose of a matrix. Determinant of a square matrix. Properties of determinants (statement only). Minor, cofactor and adjoint of a matrix. Non-singular matrix. The inverse of a matrix. Finding the area of a triangle. Solutions of system of linear equations. (Not more than 3 variables).
Trigonometry	Trigonometric functions, addition and subtraction formulae, formulae involving multiple and submultiple angles, general solution of trigonometric equations. Properties of triangles, inverse trigonometric functions, and their properties.
Coordinate geometry	Distance formula, section formula, area of a triangle, condition of collinearity of three points in a plane. Polar coordinates, the transformation from Cartesian to polar coordinates and vice versa. Parallel transformation of axes, the concept of locus, elementary locus problems. The slope of a line. Equation of lines in different forms, angle between two lines. Condition of perpendicularity and parallelism of two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Distance between two parallel lines. Lines through the point of intersection of two lines. Equation of a circle with a given centre and radius. A condition that a general equation of second degree in x, y may represent a circle. Equation of a circle in terms of endpoints of a diameter. Equation of tangent, normal and chord. Parametric equation of a circle. The intersection of a line with a circle. Equation of common chord of two intersecting circles.
3-Dimensional Co-ordinate geometry	Direction cosines and direction ratios, the distance between two points and section formula, equation of a straight line, equation of a plane, a distance of a point from a plane.
Theory of Calculus	Functions, the composition of two functions and inverse of a function, limit, continuity, derivative, chain rule, derivatives of implicit functions and functions defined parametrically. Integration as a reverse process of differentiation, indefinite integral of standard functions. Integration by parts. Integration by substitution and partial fraction. Definite integral as a limit of a sum with equal subdivisions. The fundamental theorem of integral calculus and its applications. Properties of definite integrals. Formation of ordinary differential equations, solution of homogeneous differential equations, separation of variables method, linear first-order differential equations.
Application of Calculus	Tangents and normal, conditions of tangency. Determination of monotonicity, maxima, and minima. Differential coefficient as a measure of rate. Motion in a straight line with constant acceleration. Geometric interpretation of definite integral as area, calculation of area bounded by elementary curves and Straight lines. Area of the region included between two elementary curves.
Permutation and combination	Permutation of n different things taken r at a time. Permutation of n things not all different. Permutation with repetitions (circular permutation excluded). Combinations of n different things taken r at a time. Combination of n things not all different. Basic properties. Problems involving both permutations and combinations.
Statistics and Probability	The measure of dispersion, mean, variance and standard deviation, frequency distribution. Addition and multiplication rules of probability, conditional probability and Bayes’ Theorem, independence of events, repeated independent trails and Binomial distribution.

NATA Syllabus for General Aptitude

Chapters	Topics
Sets and Relations	The idea of sets, subsets, power set, complement, union, intersection and difference of sets, Venn diagram, De Morgan’s Laws, Relation and its properties. Equivalence relation — definition and elementary examples.
Mathematical reasoning	Statements, logical operations like and, or, if and only if, implies, implied by. Understanding of tautology, converse, contradiction, and contrapositive
Objects	Texture related to architecture and the built environment. Interpretation of pictorial compositions, Visualizing three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawing. Visualizing different sides of 3D objects. Analytical reasoning, mental ability (visual, numerical and verbal), General awareness of national/ international architects and famous architectural creations.

NATA Syllabus for Drawing

Understanding of scale and proportion of objects, geometric composition, shape, building forms and elements, aesthetics, colour texture, harmony, and contrast. Conceptualization and Visualization through structuring objects in memory. Drawing of patterns – both geometrical and abstract.

Form transformations in 2D and 3D like union, subtraction, rotation, surfaces, and volumes. Generating plan, elevation and 3D views of objects. Creating 2-D and 3-D compositions using given shapes and forms. Perspective drawing, sketching of urban cape and landscape, Common day-to-day life objects like furniture, equipment, etc from memory.

How to prepare for NATA 2023 Test

Practice Mock Tests
Mock tests are an important part of the preparation process. By solving mock tests, the candidates will be able to know how the entrance examination will be conducted. Mock tests will also help the candidates to assess their current preparation stance and learn from their commonly made mistakes. This will ensure that the candidates do not repeat the same mistakes and give them a higher chance of scoring good marks.

Create Notes Regularly
Candidates are advised to create notes regularly while preparing for NATA 2023. Creating notes will help the candidates to write down the concepts and formulas which they have a hard time memorizing. Having small notes will help the candidates to revise these topics whenever and wherever they wish to.

Revision is Important
Candidates should ensure that they add revisions to the daily study schedule. It is important for the candidates to revise whatever they have studied since this will allow them to be well-prepared for the examination. Candidates should also revise the difficult and important topics more. A few hours of regular revision will bring much change in the preparation progress of the students.

Create a Healthy Schedule
Along with a well-planned exam preparation schedule, the candidates should also make sure that they take care of their health. Sleep should never be compromised, as it will ensure that the students have a fresh mind to absorb information. Candidates should also ensure that they have a healthy diet since they need to be in a good condition to perform well in the examination.

Best Books for NATA 2023

Candidates can check some of the popular books for NATA 2023 from the tables given below.

Topics	Books
Algebra	Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
Reasoning	A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
General	NATA & B.Arch Question Bank by Ar. Shadan Usmani
Mathematical Problems	Problems in Mathematics by V Govorov, P.Dybov, N.Miroshin and S.Smirnova
Quantitative Aptitude	Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch)

B.Arch is a course entirely dedicated to building, construction process, and its design involvement. The course consists of 5 years with ten semesters, each with a course plan that, put together, helps develop the thinking and logical skills and creative process of the aspirant, thus, finally evolving them into good architects, designers, or other professionals.

This course covers the theoretical and practical aspects of planning, designing, executing, and building physical structures using the necessary techniques and principles. Here are some key facts about the subject:

B.Arch syllabus can be divided into two stages: Stage1 and Stage 2 in the course of 5 years consisting of 10 semesters. Stage I will include Year 1,2 and 3, It includes semester 1 to 6 where foundation and exploration subjects and topics are included which helps students to develop knowledge to clear architectural filaments.

Stage II includes Year 4 and 5.

In this, one semester is completely dedicated to practical training and rest is for in-depth synthesis and ideation studies.

In this stage, students are allowed to select elective subjects based on their interests, followed by research training and studio subjects.

Semester Wise Bachelor of Architecture Syllabus

First Year Syllabus
Below is a table of the First-Year B.Arch Syllabus

SEMESTER I	SEMESTER II
Architectural Design I	Architectural Design II
Visual Arts and Basic Design I	Visual Arts and Basic Design II
Computer Applications I	Computer Applications II
Building Construction I	Building Construction II
Theory of Structures I	Theory of Structures II
Environmental Studies	Climate-responsive Design
Model making and Workshop	Surveying and Leveling
Human Settle. & Vernacular Arch.	History of Architecture I
Professional Communications I	Sociology and Culture
–	Professional Communications II

Second Year Syllabus

Below is Second Year B.Arch Syllabus

Semester III	Semester IV
Architectural Design III	Architectural Design IV
Visual Arts and Basic Design III	Visual Arts and Basic Design IV
Computer Applications III	Computer Applications IV
Building and Construction III	Building and Construction IV
Theory of Structures III	Theory of Structures IV
Water, Waste, and Sanitation	Electrification, Lighting & Acoustics
Site Planning and Landscape Studies	Solar Active and Passive Systems
History of Architecture II	History of Architecture III
Art and Architectural Appreciation I	Art and Architectural Appreciation II
Research Elective I	Research Elective II

Third Year Syllabus

Here is a table of the third-year B.Arch Syllabus

Semester V	Semester VI
Architectural Design V	Architectural Design VI
Building Construction V	Building Construction VI
Theory of Structures V	Theory of Structure & Design II
HVAC. Mech. Mobility & Fire Safety	Green Systems Integration
Energy System & Renewables	Sustainable Urban Habitats
History of Architecture IV	Specifications & Contracts
Design Methodology II	Contemporary Architecture
Art and Architectural Appreciation III	Architectural Theories
Arch. Research- Elective III	Art & Architectural Appreciation IV
Arch. Research- Elective IV	–

Fourth Year Syllabus

Below is a table for the fourth-year B.Arch syllabus:


Semester VII	Semester VIII
Architectural Design VII	Practical Training
Working Drawings	–
Project Management	–
Architectural Appreciation IV	–
Arch. Research Seminar	–
Arch. Research- Elective V	–
Arch. Research- Elective VI

Fifth Year Syllabus

Below is the fifth year B.Arch Syllabus:


Semester IX	Semester X
Architectural Design IX	Architectural Design Thesis
Professional Practice	Thesis Design Research
Urban Design Studies	Professional Practice
Arch. Research Dissertation/ Art Thesis	–
Arch. Research- Elective VII	–
Arch. Research- Elective VIII

B. Arch Elective Subjects

The B.Arch syllabus is primarily based entirely on a choice-based totally system in which students select from a set range of optionally available topics primarily based entirely on their interests. Electives topics are primarily drawn from six fantastic streams as detailed below:

Humanities
- Art Appreciation
- Behavioural Studies
- Gender and Architecture
- Architecture Photography Journalism
Technology
- Facade Engineering
- Tall Buildings
- Modular Coordination
- Earthquake-resistant buildings
- Construction Mechanism
Environment
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Solar Design
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Energy Simulations
- Climate Change and Cities
Design
- Urban Planning
- Hospital Design
- Campus Planning
- Interior Design
- Industrial Design
- Exhibition Design
- Theatre and Set Design
Emerging Concerns
- Parametric Design
- Biomimicry in Design
- Smart Buildings
- Urban Resilience
- Disaster Risk Management
Professional Practice Management
- Information Systems
- GIS Applications
- Architectural Entrepreneurship
- Design Outreach as Social Responsibility

Get licensed.

If you want to be a practicing professional as an Architect, you must obtain a license.
You should sit for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. (NCARB)
To be eligible for these exams, you must complete a bachelor’s degree and internship program

Top Colleges for B. Arch

Top Collages, which offer Bachelor degree in Architecture, are IIT Khargpur, IIT Roorkee, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, SPA Delhi, SPA Vijayawada, VNIT Nagpur, Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai, Rizvi College of Architecture –Mumbai, Dr DY Patil College of Architecture- Mumbai.

Fees for B. Arch / B. Architecture

Depending upon college to college fees varies from 3 Lacs to 6 Lacs

Conclusion

Architects are problem-solvers and designers of many aspects of human life. In India, with the vision of 100 smart cities and many new projects, future possibilities and prospects for architects are very bright. With the rapid evolution of available technologies and the integration of them into the profession, the role of an architect is changing faster than it ever has before. There are immense opportunities for architects in the future.

At present, India has only around 1.2 lakh architects. Hence, there would be a huge demand for new architects and building designers in the near future.