What is a common Architecture Job Description? What's the difference between a CAD Tech and an Intern? Are you going to be an Architect or a Project Manager? There are so many different architecture titles out there it can get confusing, so I will try to break it down here. These roles depend on the type of architecture firm and the project types/sizes they work on, but are generally listed below.[caption id="attachment_730" align="alignright" width="300"] So who builds the models?[/caption]INTERN When you first start working at an architecture firm, you will typically fit into the Intern job description. Intern can mean so many different things in different industries, but is typically meant to be a student who works, sometimes for free, in order to get work experience. This is not what it means in Architecture. Nearly all States do not allow anybody to call themselves an Architect unless they are officially licensed, so this means most people, until they are licensed, are considered Architectural Interns. This can be somebody who is just starting out, to somebody who has been in the industry for years, but isn't licensed yet. Most importantly, in Architecture, it does not mean you are working for free.DRAFTER/CAD TECHNICIAN/BIM TECHNICIAN This role can sometimes be filled by interns, but is generally specifically focused on the production of the drawings needed to construct the building. Drafters generally are not responsible for design, construction observation or client interaction and are focused solely on the creation of drawings. They are experts in the use of computer programs and are responsible for the maintenance of the system and standards. Many times drafters can move up to become Job Captains who manage production departments or even Project Managers.PROJECT ARCHITECT Project Architects are usually used in larger firms who work on multiple projects. Their primary responsibility is to act as the Architect for that particular project. The may oversee the design, consultant coordination, client interaction and construction observation for the project. A project architect can be a senior employee, or can also be a junior employee who is capable of running a project independently.PROJECT MANAGER Similar to Project Architects, Project Managers work on a select number of projects in a larger firm. This role is usually used in firms where there may just be one head Architect who deals with the big-picture, while the Project Managers deal with the day-to-day tasks. They may or may not be involved in the design, or client interactions, but they will generally deal with production, internal budget and schedules and consultant coordination.ARCHITECT/PARTNER/PRINCIPAL Depending on the firm, the lead decision maker might be just called the Architect, or Partner/Principal. In small sole-practice firms, the Architect can be the owner, project manager, drafter and marketing director at the same time, but will generally just be referred to as the Architect. In larger firms with multiple Architects, the title of Partner or Principal signifies that they hold a leadership position in the firm and are generally responsible for big-picture tasks and don’t always get involved in day-to-day activities.TAKE AWAY These just cover the most common architecture titles you will see and all have different responsibilities depending on the firm. Search through job boards like Archinect, or AIA and see if you can decipher how firms doing the project type and size you are interested in refer to their team and that might help you in narrowing down your job search and expectations. If you want to find out what these positions make, check out the 2013 Architecture Salary post.To find out more about the upcoming "Beginner's Guide to Architecture" book, sign up below.[wysija_form id="4"]

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