Architecture and Construction prepares learners for careers in designing, planning, building and maintaining the built environment. People employed in this cluster work on structures, restorations, additions, alterations and repairs.
Architects participate in every phase of a building project. They help to create the blueprint designs and inspect all construction work until the project is completed. They work with many other people during this process, including the client, engineers, contractors and construction workers. Detailing the heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing system is also part of the architect's job. Architects design many kinds of structures. They also track all building codes, zoning laws and fire regulations.
While architects are directly responsible for the design, construction workers build and remodel houses, apartments, industrial buildings, warehouses, office buildings, churches, schools and recreational facilities as well as bridges, highways, street, tunnels, airports and chemical plants.
Licensing requirements for architects include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training and a passing score on all sections of the Architect Registration Examination. Most architects earn a five-year bachelor's degree at a college or university, while construction managers require a four-year college degree. A typical architecture program includes classes in building design, math and physical science. After graduation, an internship is required to become licensed as an architect. An intern must work under the supervision of a licensed architect over a three-year period.
This career cluster has 13.8 million jobs and continues to grow. The architecture and construction career cluster has three pathways:
Students interested in this cluster need to focus their high-school academics around courses in math, technology, physics, art, and marketing and business. Computer literacy is absolutely essential in this cluster. There are a limited number of spaces available in college architecture programs. Thus, high school students should have good grades and high test scores to compete for these spots.
Students who want to pursue any of these career pathways should investigate the following Cincinnati Public School:
Located in a brand new building, this contemporary school features labs large enough to construct a building inside, and the equipment and technology needed to launch students' interests in technical careers. Woodward Career Technical meshes the concept of an academic track leading to college and a vocational track leading to a trade. Students wear uniforms to keep the focus on class work.
The Building Technologies program provides students with the educational foundation and hands-on experience needed to be successful and productive lifelong learners. This program prepares students for college and advanced training.
Students who like to build things are introduced to the theory and the business of construction. They learn the algebra, geometry and physics involved in construction, and they learn how to set up a small construction business. The hands-on, computer-based training helps students earn apprenticeship credit and land summer jobs in construction.