The seven different types of architects and what they do.
An architect is a person who designs buildings and in many cases also supervises their construction. To be an architect you need to possess skills and knowledge in a wide range of areas including design, construction, critical thinking, mathematics and communication.
If you’re considering a career in architecture you may have asked yourself what are the 7 different types of architecture? In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of architecture so you get a better understanding of the field.
1. Residential architecture
Residential architects design homes, working with homeowners to design a custom home or adjust the design or layout of an existing home.
A residential architect will often work with developers and home-building companies, such as when a developer is building a large housing development, the residential architect will plan and design the houses within the development specifications.
It’s the residential architect’s job to estimate costs and materials, too.
2. Commercial architecture
A commercial architect designs buildings for commercial purposes, such as skyscrapers, large office buildings, condos, and hotels, as well as bridges, schools and museums.
Commercial architects often specialize in a particular type of project such as hotels or bridges, which allows them to become a specialist in their field. These types of architects typically work with businesses rather than people, working on large-scale projects that tend to be very lucrative.
If you’re interested in becoming a commercial architect, you will need to have a strong understanding of building codes and engineering skills. If you’re planning to become a commercial architect, you need to be confident in answering the questions for your architecture university interview to get into a top architecture university.
3. Landscape architecture
Landscape architects work on creating beautiful outdoor spaces as opposed to commercial properties or entire homes. Such spaces might include parks, college campuses, and garden areas.
Landscape architects must consider the design of pathways as well as considering the impact on other public spaces connecting to the area they are working on (such as traffic). The challenge of this type of architecture often comes from the vast land to be designed and built on and the benefit to the people who will use it in the end.
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4. Interior design architecture
As you’ve probably guessed from the title, interior design architects work on the inside of buildings. These types of architects specialize in getting the most out of both big and small spaces and will need to have a good understanding of design knowledge such as colour theory.
Interior designers will also have extensive knowledge of the function and feel of the materials incorporated in designs such as fabric and furniture.
5. Urban design architecture
Rather than focusing on one build or project, the urban design architect takes on the challenge of building for a much larger space, such as an entire block of houses or a whole town. The urban design architect will need to have a keen eye for the urban space they’re working with and know how to incorporate features such as trees and shrubbery.
6. Green design architecture
A green design architect has an eye for sustainable building and design. This type of architect considers how a building or landscape design can negatively impact the environment and works to reduce this. Green design architects build homes as well as commercial properties.
With an increasing awareness of the impact, 21st-century living has on our environment. These types of architects are in high demand.
7. Industrial architecture
Industrial architects focus on building facilities fit for industrial purposes, such as factories, retail units, MOT testing centres, and government buildings.
These architects work closely with companies to build functional properties fit for their purpose. Industrial architects know how to get the most out of the space they are working with on a functional level. But, there are also different styles, such as brutalist architecture.
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