In the United States alone, there are more than 115,000 architects. What does this mean? It’s a popular field. And for good reason.
But what exactly are the benefits of becoming an architect? And are they worth all the education and training required to become an expert in the field?
We definitely think so. And after reading this article, we think you will too. Here are 8 great benefits of becoming an architect.
Enjoy a Creative Profession
The sad truth is that many people dread working. It’s a monotonous thing they have to do to pay their bills.
Often, this is because they don’t like their job. It’s not exciting. It’s repetitive.
Well, this isn’t something you need to worry about with architecture. It’s one of the most creative fields out there!
Each building project you work on is unique, and you have the opportunity to design a beautiful space for your clients. You also get to think about how different design features and space planning can help your clients lead a more full life.
Plus, many architects embrace this creativity and apply it to other areas of their life. Living creatively means you can dress how you want, create a beautiful home for your family, and see the beauty in the world around you.
You Get to Travel the World
Architects often get to travel the world. People across the globe are in need of eye-catching, functional buildings. And because of this, architects are in high demand in all parts of the world.
If you like to travel, then this is a great perk of entering the architecture industry.
It’s common for architecture study programs to include a travel component. Seeing buildings in other parts of the world can greatly enhance your educational experience.
Think about the design styles in Thailand compared to Paris compared to Peru. Each has unique features that can be incredibly influential in your own designs.
See the Fruits of Your Labor
In some professions, it’s tough to see the fruits of your labor. But this is not true in the world of architecture.
This is one of the biggest perks of being an architect: you will literally see your work in the form of big buildings. And your work will remain even after you’re gone.
This means you can live a life that’s much larger than your own mortality. Your work, which represents you, will live on even after your death.
No matter where life takes you, you’ll always know that you’ve left your mark in the form of your work. Talk about fulfilling.
You Can Be Your Own Boss
Another perk of being an architect? It’s totally possible to be your own boss.
And if you want, you can work completely on your own, owning your own business. As a firm of one, you can be a completely viable service provider.
You can enter contests and complete projects all by yourself. And for many people, this is a great perk.
People Respect Architects
Architecture is a well-respected field. Even if people don’t exactly understand what architects do, they know architects are trustworthy and hardworking.
Many films and TV shows feature main characters who choose architecture for their career path because it’s a solid path to take.
And if you’re worried about your parents’ opinion of your job choice, architecture is a safe pick.
Career Longevity
Some career fields simply aren’t great choices for the long run. But for most people, career longevity is an incredibly important part of the decision-making process.
Being able to study something in college, enter the industry, and then work your way up until retirement is a dream that many working people have. And architecture is well-suited for this path.
It’s also common for many architects to not even hit their peak until their 40s or 50s. It can often take some time to really find yourself in the field. Here’s the average enterprise architect salary, for example.
Lots of Options
Some career paths offer just one viable option. That is not the case with architecture. There is truly a world of possibility.
This means that you don’t have to decide on the type of architecture you want to focus on while still in college. Often, you aren’t ready to make that big of a decision in your early 20s.
Instead, you can take some time to find your true architectural passion.
After graduation, you’ll have a great skill set that will allow you to get a foot in the door. You could work at a big firm or a small one and work on all kinds of projects, including civic, retail, or residential.
Then, after gaining some experience, you can find what you really love and focus on that.
Positively Impact Lives
Last but not least, becoming an architect allows you to impact lives. From the get-go on a project, you’ll work with a client who has their own hopes, dreams, and goals.
And by creating a beautiful and functional place for them, you can truly impact their mental and emotional health.
As you take time to develop a personal relationship with your clients, you can help customize the space to truly fit their needs. And that’s rewarding for both you and them.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Becoming an Architect
There you have it: our top 8 benefits of becoming an architect. Now that you’ve read through them, it’s time to make a plan for you.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog today for other tips.