We surveyed 7,600 architects to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical architect. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an architect?
Low
High
Working as an architect typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that architects are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become an architect?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an architect typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as an architect?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as an architect. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for architects.
Do architects work full-time or part-time?
79% of architects work in full-time roles while 21% work part-time.
Is being an architect stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for architects, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as an architect?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be an architect.
How competitive is the workplace for architects?
Low
High
Architects tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being an architect require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Architects will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are architects allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being an architect, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do architects have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally architects will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being an architect physically demanding?
Low
High
Being an architect may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are architects exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
The workload of an architect changes frequently, with their day-to-day rarely being the same.
Does being an architect require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for architects, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good architect require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as architects.