Online jobs are everywhere these days. And even highly technical careers can now be rendered remotely. One of which is the field of architecture.
What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art and science of designing and engineering plans for buildings and large structures. It encompasses both the artistic technique to make a fine structure while supporting it with science and technology to withstand the real world.
It’s like creating a figment of your imagination into the real world. And right now, there is a multitude of opportunities for you in this field. But how do you distinguish yourself from the rest?
And you can get paid well, depending on your skills. Here are 11 essential skills to become a sought-after architect.
Creativity and Visualization
The first creation starts in the mind. Every great structure was once a figment of one’s imagination. And it’s attributed to the architect’s creativity and visualization.
To be sought-after, you must be able to see the final output in your mind. You must visualize the result and record it to a medium (whether digital or physical) that your clients can see as well.
Design Skills
Now, you must bring your ideas on paper (or virtual canvas). It’s time to design the structure for your clients. And you need design skills to achieve this. Your drafts and design plans should incorporate design concepts, industrial standards, and innovation.
Computer Literacy
With online architecture jobs, it’s a given that you should be computer literate. You should know how to use computer programs for architectural rendering, AutoCAD, Model making, and more.
Related read: How Architects Can Land A Remote AutoCAD Designer Job
Given this, you can pass online output to your clients that’s usable for their projects.
Engineering Know-how
The future belongs to the bold and daring. You may have crazy ideas and designs that warrant multiple awards. It’s a fair endeavour. But then, you should be grounded in the present.
Does your design make sense with the latest engineering techniques and principles? Can the current materials support your bold plan? You should have at least basic engineering knowledge to create a structural design that can be implemented physically.
Legal Knowledge
Now that you have created the best possible design in mind, does it pass the local government requirements? Every vicinity has regulations like building codes and fire hazards that you need to adhere to.
As a sought-after architect, it’s already a given. You should know or, at least, research these rules before you start creating your masterpiece.
Commercial Awareness
Every business wants a return on investment. And it’s the same for your clients. So as a sought-after architect, you should have commercial awareness.
Commercial awareness means that you should understand their business. Your clients want something that would make sense with their budget while getting their needs met. You should know how to calculate materials, budget, and estimating costs depending on their specifications.
It might not be as detailed, but you should be able to give a rough estimate based on their wants.
Attention to Detail
Throughout the process of your project, you must have attention to detail. Subtle elements might make or break a project. Make sure that you have checked the plan’s plausibility in terms of design, engineering, and commercial viability.
If any, you have to spot these mistakes and correct them as soon as possible.
Communication
You will not be working alone during this project. You will collaborate with contractors, engineers, your bosses, and many more. With this, you should know how to properly communicate with them to express your ideas clearly.
It helps your teammates understand the information clearly, and minimize any miscommunications.
Teamwork
Communication comes with collaboration. You have your strengths and weaknesses. By having a team, you are working with each other to capitalize on your strengths and cope with your weaknesses.
You should know how to harmoniously collaborate with your teammates and support each other for a successful endeavour.
Leadership
Why should you have leadership skills when you’re not the head of the team? Well, leadership is not about the title. There will be times when you have to take the wheel and strip the ship to the right course. After all, you’re one of the people who created the blueprint for the project.
Learn how to lead people. Know what your teammates are capable of. Afterwards, guide and hone them to become the best version of themselves. In this way, you will have a high-functioning and efficient team for your project.
Adaptability
Not everything will go in your favour. There will be roadblocks like budget constraints, design flaws, or maybe sudden changes in government regulation. You must be adaptable to these circumstances.
Think outside the box. What can you do to cope up? What can your team plan to turn things in your favour?
Conclusion
Which of the skills do you presently have? What will you work on to become a sought-after architect?
If you’re looking for online opportunities in this field, you can check out this link to find more. Good luck in your remote working career!
