About the course :
The B.Arch degree programme is of 5 years duration and includes a period of practical experience. The apprenticeship (usually for one semester) has to be done under a practicing architect. The B. Arch degree prepares the theoretical foundations and gives some practical insight on which a studentlater develops proficiency and functional accuracy.
Subject content of B.Arch course includes architectural design (drawing and painting), acoustics, surveying and leveling, estimating and costing, methods of construction, materials management, history of architecture, draftsmanship, environmental planning, applied mechanics, structural designing, computer applications etc. Some colleges teach architecture-related software packages such as AutoCAD and 3D Studio Max.
First year is about the fundamentals of design and construction. Second year is a more detailed study of the same with subjects like climatology etc. Third year is a University year where you have vivas for Architectural
Design, Working Drawings, Building Construction and Services. Similar case in fourth year with higher level of study. Fifth year is 6 months of thesis (indepth research on a particular subject of your choice and providing design solution for the same) and 6 months internship at a firm of your choice if you get in.
Apart from the degree course in B.Arch, Diploma in architecture are also available in some institutes as either full time or part time (takes seven years to complete the part-time diploma courses!!)
After completing B.Arch, the candidates if they wish can go for post graduation i.e. Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) which is of 2 to 3 semester duration. At the postgraduate level one can specialize in areas like construction management, town planning, interior design, naval architecture, landscape designing, building engineering and management etc.
Doctoral programs (Ph.D) can be pursued after M.Arch or with a B.Arch plus five years experience in professional practice or teaching or research.
Personal Skills :
A successful architect requires special qualifications like designing talent, business aptitude, social awareness and legal knowledge. They must have excellent communication and drawing skills, keen observation, vivid imagination, creativity, ideas and the ability to visualise. Other qualities include leadership, managerial qualities, resourcefulness and ability to work as a team. They must also possess sufficient grasp of all aspects of building technology to be able to design for various needs under different conditions. Computer literacy also is required for writing specifications, two- and three-dimensional drafting, and financial management.Basic training makes an architecture graduate to design and execute any type of building or complex.
Remuneration :
A fresh architectural graduate working as a trainee with established architects, starts with a salary of Rs. 4000 - 7000 per month. With in a short span of time, the earnings can rise up to Rs.10,000- 20,000 per month depending upon the experience and the work involved. In the government sectors, the pay scale is not as lucrative as the private sector, since it is set according to the rules by the government. The Council of Architecture has laid down a standard scale of remuneration for services.In this field, individuals practicing through their own firm could earn a lot, and this could be from thousands to lakhs. Consultants charge anywhere between 4 and 10 per cent of the total cost of construction in case of apartments and multi storied buildings. They charge 15-20 per cent of the total cost of construction in the case of independent houses and bungalows.