[caption id="attachment_724" align="alignright" width="300"] Credit: USACE HQ via Flickr[/caption]

So you've done some research and you have found that you are still interested in architecture, but don't really want to be an Architect. That's ok, I won't hold it against you. Whatever your reason for not wanting to be an architect is, I probably agree with you. In order to become a successful Architect, you need to love it so much that it is worth all of the sacrifices, and for me that is the case. But not everyone will feel the same way.

I'm here to tell you there are other options out there if you still want to work in a field related to architecture, but just don't want to be an Architect. Today we will be focusing on construction trades that relate to architecture.
CONSTRUCTION
Beyond the design of the building, there are infinitely more roles related to the construction of the building. Generally once the design is complete, it is handed over to somebody to build, and this is where contractors come into play.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
General Contractors are the most common type of construction related career. General Contractors are responsible for taking the drawings from the Architect and Engineers and building it or organizing the trades who will be specializing in each aspect of building. They are responsible for the overall schedule and budget of the project and report directly to the owner. Many times the General Contractor will perform a lot of the construction tasks themselves.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
Construction Managers are similar to general contractors except they do not always perform the construction tasks themselves. They can take the form of a Construction Manager at Risk, meaning they are responsible for organizing the sub-contractors, or Construction Manager as Agent, meaning they act as adviser to the owner only.
SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS
Subcontractors typically work under the GC or CM and specialize in a specific trade such as plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, painting, etc. They typically do not have contact with the owner or Architect, but will work through the general contractor or construction manager to produce the desired product.

This list is just a few of the construction related jobs out there, but there are many more. Look into all the different trades out there and see if one interests you. Some states require special licensing to be a contractor as well, so make sure you look into that states specific requirements for that trade.

Is being an Architect still for you? Would you rather be a contractor? Leave a comment on what the pros and cons of each profession are so we can collectively help others find their calling.

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