Architecture after JEE Main Paper 2: What you can build beyond buildings

Architects are responsible for structures, that are functional, safe and promote a sense of well-being. Architects can work on a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, industrial buildings, institutional or a mix of these. They design, work with clients and a range of consultants, project managers, to bring ideas to life. An architect can specialise in Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Lighting and Acoustics in Architecture, Green Architecture, Urban Design, Resilient Architecture, Heritage Conservation, Housing, Construction management. A degree in Planning is a definitive step in the direction already but both an undergraduate degree in Planning or Architecture can bring about specialisations in Urban Planning, Rural Planning, Regional Planning, Sustainable Planning, Transportation Planning, Infrastructure Planning and the like.

It is rare but not unusual for architects to lean towards and take up professions, in product or furniture design, set design for theatre and film, architectural photography, architectural journalism and infrastructure and facilities management.

Talking about such professions in brief it can be said that, Landscape Architecture is the design and integration of compete site and all structures on it, with a view to optimising resources such as greenery &vegetation, water, soil and contour differences.

Interior Architecture is the design of cohesive, functional interior spaces that reflect user needs and preferences.

— Lighting and Acoustics in Architecture looks at optimal natural or artificial lighting and acoustic treatments, enhancing occupant comfort, health, and productivity.

— Green Architecture is the design of buildings that respond to nature and minimize the impact on the environment.

— Urban Design looks at the immediate context of structures, for urban placemaking, mobility, inclusivity and safety for all citizens.

— Resilient Architecture focusses on designing structures that can withstand extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other environmental challenges.

— Heritage Conservation involves preserving and/or restoring historical structures and in most cases reimagining their use for contemporary life.

— Housing specialisation meets a critical need in designing residential spaces innovatively for a growing population with different economic capabilities and ever-limited spaces.

— Construction management deals with ensuring a smooth and optimum process of construction on site in adherence to design and vison of architect.

— Digital Architecture is that which covers all aspects of architecture that feature digital technology and its applications to the built environment.

— Urban Planning involves the design and development of towns, cities, and neighbourhoods. Urban planners focus on land use, transportation systems, infrastructure, and ensuring that urban areas are sustainable, functional, and environmentally friendly.

— Rural Planning promotes plans to realise opportunities for rural communities to attract resources and populations from a hinterland.

— Regional Planning involves coordinating policies and action plans across boundaries to address large-scale challenges such as regional economic and social disparities, resource inequities and cross boundary infrastructure development.

— Sustainable Planning is a holistic design approach that considers a community’s physical and social characteristics and its existing external interventions, in the realm of environment, economy and politics.

— Transportation Planning is the development of a mobility system in urban, suburban or rural areas that will influence the efficient movement of people, goods and data within and between communities.

— Infrastructure Planning involves the process of assessing, designing, and implementing the physical and organizational structures needed for the functioning of a society such as transportation systems, service and communication networks and public facilities.

New fields

In recent years, new and specialized fields have emerged in the architecture profession. These are pivoted on technological advancements, societal needs, sustainability concerns and are becoming essential components of the process of design and delivery of the built environment. The scope of some of these fields is so vast that they can become career paths by themselves. These are BIM (Building Information Modelling), Sustainability and related rating systems, 3D Visualization, AI and Automation, Parametric Design, Computational design and Biophilic Design.

Of these, a little must be said about AI and its impact on the practice of the profession of Architecture. From generative design to optimising building performance, AI can streamline workflows and lead to previously difficult-to-execute innovative solutions and ensure that projects are efficient in energy and material usage, while focussing on eco-friendly solutions and user’s needs. By leveraging data, AI can not only fine tune design process, but also optimise costs and ease of construction, building operations and maintenance.

The discipline of architecture is more than a profession, it is a way of life. Salaries in this discipline vary on consideration of experience like in others but particularly with specialisation and geographic location. For fresh graduates, the salary typically ranges from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum. They are liable to procure employment in design firms, construction and real estate & investment companies, many government departments such as PWD, CPWD, state planning, housing boards, ASI, Railways, Defence services, ISRO, municipal corporations and municipalities, audit and consulting companies to name a few. With 5–7 years of experience, architects can expect to earn ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh per annum in areas depending on specialisation.

Experienced architects, especially those heading their own firms or in Academics can earn ₹15 lakh and above per annum. Senior architects with expertise in emerging fields like AI and BIM can of course command much higher salaries. Freelance architects or consultants can earn variable amounts, but although initial years may be difficult, a successful practice can make a significant income by taking on high-profile or niche projects, take one to places and give enormous job satisfaction.

The author is Professor and Dean, School of Architecture and Planning Woxsen University
(With inputs from Prof. Abhijit Shirodkar, Registrar and Prof. Sanjana Gupta, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture and Planning, Woxsen University)