Industry Insiders: 5 Must Know Types of Architecture Jobs!
Looking to start a career in architecture? Here are 5 of the most popular types of architecture jobs I wish I knew about BEFORE I even started design school!
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Congratulations! You’ve decided to pursue a career in architecture! I bet you’re thinking “now what?”, and you would be right to think so. There are several avenues you can explore when you enter the profession, and although you don’t need to decide on which one you prefer right now, you should at least know what’s out there!
With that said, you’re going to know all about some of the most popular types of architecture jobs like residential, commercial, landscape, interior design, and urban planning.
The goal of this guide is to help put you on a more informed path towards becoming a licensed architect, whether you’re a student or a new grad, this post will leave you with a good base on what’s out there.
This post is all about some of the most well-known types of architecture jobs that I WISH I knew before heading into my career.
Best Types of Architecture Jobs
1. Residential Architecture Jobs
Whether it be small scale family homes or large skyscraper condos, residential architecture has a strong focus designing buildings that are meant to be inhabited by an end user. I started my career in residential and there are some days where I miss it more than others but think it’s important to note that a smaller scale project is treated very differently from a large condo.
Smaller Projects allow for a more client-centric approach. You really get to know the people who are living in the space. However, this can also lead to bumps in the road since homeowners are typically much more emotionally attached to their home.
Condos on the other hand are vastly more complicated; they typically require extensive planning at the municipal level and a lot of coordination with different disciplines such as structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Unlike a smaller project, condos are typically very cookie cutter, and the developer just wants you to get the job done. Which isn’t always a bad thing!
Residential Architecture cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Residential Architecture
- Living spaces such as houses and apartments
- Key features
- Functionality and aesthetics
- Understanding and incorporating client preferences: family homes will require more one-on-one time than condos
- Space optimization and floor plate design efficiency: this is super important for larger development projects
2. Commercial and Institutional Architecture Jobs
Commercial and Institutional architecture is often the bread and butter of most firms. Although many start out in residential, typically a practice will try to move into commercial and institutional. These types of projects usually have higher construction budgets, and consequently larger professional fees.
For some, working on commercial projects can be a bit mundane, typically due to the fact that when you think of a commercial project you think of a strip mall or something similar. However, commercial projects can be a good challenge if you’re looking to push the envelope. They allow you to think outside the box and think of innovative design techniques that can make a boring strip mall something interesting. Alternatively, some private commercial clients (think a mom-and-pop shop or even mega companies such as Shopify) look to architects to create a unique look and feel to the spaces they own.
Institutional projects are what a lot of firms aim to reach. Think of projects such as universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, etc. With budgets typically being quite high, it gives the design team a little bit more wiggle room to try new things. Typically, institutional projects benefit from interior design services in addition to the standard architectural services. This is becoming more and more common because many companies are aiming for better employee work environments.
Commercial and Institutional Architecture cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Commercial and Institutional Architecture
- Structures for businesses and organizations. For example: stores, offices, schools, universities, etc.
- Key features
- Functionality, corporate identity, and branding. Think of this as the look and feel of a business
- Designing spaces that emphasizes an optimal working environment. Imagine needing to design a classroom, what elements of design could you incorporate in order to make it a better environment to learn in?
- Spaces that cater to specific business needs. Examples of this could be a bakery vs. a flower shop. They both offer retail services but require different layouts and equipment
3. Landscape Architecture
I took a landscape architecture course in university and have to say that it was pretty interesting. It’s also not at all what you think. There’s a huge difference between landscaping period and landscape architecture. Think of landscape architecture as a mix of landscaping and art. You’re literally painting with nature.
Where’s the difference between landscape and landscape architecture you ask? Well landscape architects tend to think outside the typical box of just throwing some plants here and there. They work on large outdoor spaces such as gardens, public spaces, and parks and ensure that they function harmoniously. These spaces are typically being interacted with by city dwellers and tourists and need to serve a larger purpose than just looking nice.
Landscape Architecture cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Landscape Architecture
- Outdoor spaces, gardens, parks, courtyards, and more!
- Key features
- Integrating natural elements into all project types. More and more, landscape architects are being hired to reach certain sustainability goals on projects (ex: LEED points)
- Strong emphasis in environmental conservation
- Calculated balance between aesthetics and functionality for outdoor spaces
4. Interior Design
Ok so maybe you’ve looked at dozens if not more interior design books and you’ve told yourself: “Wow I would LOVE to do this, I’m going to become an architect”. HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! The two professions, although related, are very different in terms of responsibilities! Because yes, being an architect is not just about drawing pretty pictures and telling your intern to change the size of your window 100 times. There is a business aspect to architecture and part to it that ARE NOT as fun. There are contracts, you need to be able to manage people and projects, deal with authorities having jurisdiction (which is a fancy way of saying government and code organizations in charge), and the list goes on, and on, and on.
This is not to say that you cannot do interior design as an architect. This is FALSE. I love designing kitchens and cozy spaces for example but be mindful of what it is about design you actually like. You can do an architecture degree and go into interior design if you want to, BUT in order to become a licensed interior designer (in Ontario anyways), you must get a degree from an accredited school (just like architects for their licenses). Look into what schools offer accredited programs for interior design before you apply!
Interior Design is about blending aesthetics with practicality, choosing colours, furniture, hardware, lighting fixtures, and then some. Your goal is to create environments and spaces that people love spending time in. It’s like creating the atmosphere of a room and matching the personalities that need to live or work in those spaces. It’s about making every room tell a unique story.
Interior Design cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Interior Design
- Aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces
- Key features
- Strong attention to colour schemes, furniture arrangements, lighting, hardware, the list goes on
- Creating harmony and comfort within a space
- Tailored approach to meet the needs of the end users
5. Urban Planning
Don’t like buildings? No problem! Urban planning might be for you. Think of an urban planner as the architect of entire cities. You need to be methodical about everything you do. As a licensed urban planner, you get to shape how communities grow and function. It’s about creating vibrant and people-centric spaces. You will get to consider everything from transit to housing, and plan out cities that are efficient, beautiful, and pleasant to live in. A true symphonic composition where every element aims at creating a balanced urban experience.
If this is something that interests you, you will need an undergraduate degree first, and a graduate degree in master planning second (at least in Ontario). This is similar to what we need to do as architects. An interesting combination would be to do an undergrad in architecture and then go do a graduate degree in master urban planning. Please note that to become an architect you need to complete an accredited Master’s degree in architecture. Many design degrees require extensive internships and licensing exams after you graduate so even if you do a masters in architect and interior design, to get licensed in both is a lengthy process. If you’re willing to do both then power to you!
Urban Planning cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Urban Planning
- Macro-scale design: planning and organization of cities and regions
- Key features
- Development of public spaces and infrastructure
- Planning around transit, housing, the environment, and other public infrastructure
- Creating optimal living and working conditions at a large scale through understanding social needs
Emerging Types of Architecture Jobs
1. Technology in Architecture
This one is a little bit different from the others and doesn’t only apply to architects. It’s also applicable to architectural technologists. This is an avenue you can explore right out of our undergrad if you don’t want to pursue the professional degree and licensing. If you’re tech-savvy and like using 3D modelling tools such as Sketchup, Rhino, and TwinMotion, there is still a super important role for you within the field.
More and more, firms are looking to take their design capabilities to the next level using better software, virtual reality, BIM, and yes, AI. These tools are used internally and with clients to enrich the design experience and optimize collaboration amongst parties. They open the doors to creating innovative structures and spaces. Think of technology as a tool that enhances your creativity.
Technology in Architecture cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Technology in Architecture
- Overlap of technology and architectural design. Pretty self-explanatory. I’m sure my BIM director would roll his eyes at me for my simplification of this, but you’re just starting out, so we’re keeping it simple 😉
- Key features
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) for integrated collaborative design.
- Use of virtual reality and 3D modeling throughout the design process.
- Implementing technological solutions for sustainable and efficient buildings. Some firms are starting to do this internally, but it is very common for engineering firms to perform a life cycle analysis of the building using dedicated software
*NOTE: IF YOU ARE TOLD TO USE AUTOCAD IN SCHOOL, LEARN REVIT ANYWAYS! I seriously cannot stress this enough, especially in Canadian schools. Revit is the industry standard across the board. School is a place for you to try different softwares and techniques, but if you are serious about architecture and becoming an architect, please do yourself a favour and learn Revit!
2. Sustainability and Green Building
I cannot stress enough how important this piece of the profession has become. Everyone and their uncle are focusing on green building, and you don’t need to look far to figured out why. If you’re lucky, some clients will want to push the envelope and go for carbon neutral or similar standards. Note that more times than not, these hyper sustainability focused projects require a heavier price tag up front. It’s a long game.
Focusing on sustainability and green building is about using eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and designing buildings that leave a positive impact on the planet. You not only have to think about the end user, but you almost have to look at the building as a user itself. It’s about designing with the betterment of our planet and its inhabitants in mind.
Sustainability and Green Building cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Sustainability and Green Building
- Environmental consciousness and energy-efficiency buildings. Some buzz words you will hear throughout school and your career are net-zero and carbon-neutral. Be careful how you use your sustainability words, you will also quickly realize people in academia throw words around like they’re going out of style.
- Key features
- Renewable energy sources and materials
- Consideration of energy-efficient systems. School will give you an OK foundation of this at best. You will need to lean heavily on your engineers to come up with innovative alternatives
- Green building certifications and standards (ex: LEED, BREEAM, Living Building Challenge, etc)
3. Smart Cities and Future Urban Planning
Think of the planning of smart cities as an urban planning on steroids. It’s urban planning at a futuristic level. Hyper efficient and fully connected. It’s about using technology to enhance urban living with things such as smart transportation and data-driven infrastructure planning.
The idea of smart cities aims to respond to the needs of citizens in real-time, creating technologically advanced spaces that are also efficient. I have to admit that smart cities are not my area of expertise, nor do I particularly want to be an expert in this branch of architecture, but it is interesting, nonetheless.
Smart Cities and Future Urban Planning cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Smart Cities and Future Urban Planning
- Designing and planning cities with technology integration to maximize efficiency and sustainable practices
- Key features
- Design and planning using smart infrastructure and data analytics
- Implement technology for efficient transit and energy management
- Urban spaces that are interconnected and aim to improve quality of life
Alternative Paths to Type of Architecture Jobs
1. Freelance and Entrepreneurship
Maybe you want to be your own boss? Great. I absolutely love that for you. Only problem is you’re probably 15 years out (if you’re just graduating high school). It’s extremely rare that architects design to open their own practice immediately after getting licensed. The journey to becoming a licensed architect takes on average 10 years after you graduate high school so I know how enticing the idea to just go off and start your own thing can be after you put so much time and effort into it.
If, by chance, you’ve just graduated from your master’s degree and are entering your internship, congrats! You made it out alive. Welcome to the real world. If you’re goal is to run your own practice one day know that it’s a lot of work, but it’s also extremely rewarding. You eventually will have the freedom to choose your own projects and set your own schedule (not that any architect I know chooses a light one).
However, running a practice is not all about design. It’s turning your passion for architecture into a business. A well-oiled machine that ultimately makes you a profit. You will need to manage projects from start to finish while simultaneously managing employees, pay role, your kids going to school, your personal life, and a hundred other things. Sounds overwhelming? That’s because it can be and is not for everyone. That’s another thing they never tell you in school, just because you’re an architect doesn’t mean you have to own your own firm. I know people in my cohort who want to run a practice and others who want nothing to do with it.
The best advice I can give you: Don’t go at it alone. If you’re a more business savvy architect, find someone who is more of a design architect. If you’re more design savvy, find a business equivalent architect. You don’t HAVE to have both, but it will make your life so much easier. Head in the clouds, feet on the ground approach.
Freelance and Entrepreneurship cheat sheet:
- Primary focus of Freelance and Entrepreneurship in Architecture
- Independent practice. If you’re looking to go this route, you want to work for you and not for someone else.
- Key features
- Project flexibility and fluid work schedule. This sounds nice, but it’s A LOT of work! Starting your own practice is no easy task and many architects try going solo only to go back to working for a larger firm. THIS IS OK, TOO!
- Business development and people management. These are critical skills if you want to go off on your own after you’re licensed. There are countless examples of firms with great designs but high turnover rates due to poor management
- Creative autonomy and personal branding. Again, this all sounds great, but is a lot of work. This is not me discouraging you, it’s me being real with you. I WISH someone had told me this when I first started.
This post was all about types of architecture jobs for those looking to enter a design profession!
In the ever-evolving world of architecture and design, there is a spectrum of exciting types of architecture jobs out there. Whether you’re into planning entire cities, diving into technology, or creating dream spaces for families, each path offers you a distinct way to express your creativity and skills! So, whether you’re just out of high school, or just starting your internship, give yourself a pat on the back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride.
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