Description
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Interests
- Realistic
- Artistic
- Investigative
- Conventional
Work Values
- Independence
- Recognition
- Achievement
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Initiative
Tasks
- Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
- Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
- Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
- Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
- Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Thinking Creatively
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data base management system software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Abilities
- Visualization
- Category Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Fluency of Ideas
- Inductive Reasoning
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certifying Organization
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Associate Design Build ProfessionalCertifying Organization
Design-Build Institute of America
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Construction SpecifierCertifying Organization
Construction Specifications Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
LEED Green AssociateCertifying Organization
Green Business Certification Inc.
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $74,370 |
| Median (50%) | $93,101 |
| High (90%) | $124,976 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $75,371 |
| Mid Level | $87,155 |
| Senior Level | $94,141 |
| Expert Level | $117,725 |
Employability
There are currently 127,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 137,200 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 8%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 8%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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