It may surprise you to know that the number of architects being hired is expected to increase by almost 16% between now and 2018. Architecture is an exponentially growing career field, and the architectural arena is growing much faster than the average for the majority of other occupations. As the world expands, and more and more cities are developed and enlarged, so is the need for architects to draft designs and oversee the construction of new buildings. Architecture is one of the most in demand and rapidly expanding professions in the world today, with an exponential increase in demand not only in North America but overseas as well. With architecture training, you’ll be well on your way to designing your very own high-rise.
So why is it that career opportunities for architects are on the rise? Well, there is a multitude of factors that have influenced this spike in demand.
The Baby Boomer generation is starting to retire as we speak, and people are living much longer than they used to. This means that not only are we going to require more healthcare facilities, but also nursing homes, retirement homes and assisted care facilities. As more and more of the older generation are moved into facilities, the need for building more facilities grows with it concurrently, and someone has to be designing them!
Likewise, universities are not only expanding, but new ones are popping up all the time. Not only that, but a good many of the buildings in schools that exist now are getting to the point where they’ve become outdated or hazardous, and either need extreme restructuring or replacing altogether. With a university education quickly becoming a necessity in the working world, the demand for new university buildings is sure to keep climbing.
In recent years, there has also been a large increase in the demand for architects who have the knowledge and skills to work in the arena of “green architecture,” or environmentally sustainable architecture. Chances are, any CAD college will offer training and courses on the subject. The increasing costs of energy, coupled with an overarching concern for conserving the environment have meant a steady increase in the demand for more environmentally conscious structures. Because of a growing need for more eco-friendly and sustainable buildings, there is also a growing need for architects who are capable of designing them.
Last but not least, there are a great number of architects that are either retiring, being promoted or forming their own firms. Because of this, it opens a door for people new to the industry. It’s never been easier to get your foot in the door as an architect because even though there is high competition for some of the bigger jobs, there’s also a plethora of opportunities at the entry-level position for people fresh out of design college.
So, as the global community continues to grow, learn and develop, so does the need for facilities to accommodate the growth.
