Scope of Architecture and Architecture Engineering - Profession for Females

Architecture can be a good field for girls? 

For making life enjoyable it is important to make it purposeful. It is right of both male and female to see dream and work hard for the fulfillment of their dreams. Days are gone when female education was not considered compulsory. Let me clear it is accepted worldwide that in order to excel and boost a country prosperity female education is much important thing. Because if a female is educated she will be a good citizen, good mother and if she has dreamed something purposeful she will let her children live their dreams and follow fields of their particular interest. And that’s the thing that is necessary for the fast track progress of a country.

Now coming towards architecture and architecture engineering, it should be kept in mind gender discrimination is no more. Both male and female go for architecture and architecture engineering and do jobs. Jobs vary from office to field depending which kind of job do you like. In order to select any field, you should be clear about that field.

People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places. They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects can be commissioned to design anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings.

Architects discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project with clients. In some cases, architects provide various predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses, and design requirements.

Architects develop final construction plans after discussing and agreeing on the initial proposal with clients. The architects' plans show the building's appearance and details of its construction. These plans include drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; communications systems; and plumbing. Sometimes, landscape plans are included as well. In developing designs, architects must follow state and local building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access to buildings for people who are disabled.

• Architects use computer-aided design and drafting (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) for creating designs and construction drawings. However, hand-drawing skills are still required, especially during the conceptual stages of a project and when an architect is at a construction site.
• As construction continues, architects may visit building sites to ensure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work-quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid.
• Architects may also help clients get construction bids, select contractors, and negotiate construction contracts. 
• Architects often collaborate with workers in related occupations, such as civil engineers, urban and regional planners, drafters, interior designers, and landscape architects.

MUST WATCH: (Its compulsory)

Architects are the magicians behind the magic of aesthetically and beautifully designed buildings. While capitalism has given the industry an unseen push, it has also brought awareness to consider towards building a greener planet. You can become an Architect after completing B.Arch education. Architects are the actual creators of amazing buildings and structures that exist in our surroundings. The famous German Architect Walter Gropius said that: “Society needs a good image of itself. That is the true job of an architect.”

“It is a great course, and if you have the required aptitude it is even better for a girl than other engineering courses”

Remember that it is the because of the creative ideas of some enthusiast that we have buildings such as the Burj-al-Arab in Dubai, Taiwan 101 in Taipei, Red Pepper House in Kenya and numerous other architectural marvels. It is up to the architect to convert his architectural design into reality and design it in such a way that the structural aspects can be implemented practically. It's hard to predict future employment needs of this silly world. Your best bet is to try to diversify your skills as much as you can early in your career and specialize as much as you can as you go along.

BETTER ADVICE:

Architects answer: It is a hard course, with lot of night outs and lot of work unlike other professional courses, you won't be having much of social life, don't opt for it unless you have a knack for it.

“About loving architecture, that is the only "force" that keep you alive as architect across hard times. Only time will highlight this love and that is your secret motivation.”

My answer: Unless you have a knack for it or are genuinely interested in it don't opt for it. If you observe the statistics, there are more female graduates than male graduates, but there are more male architects (practicing or job holders) than female architects.

So, if you are willing to take this as a profession then you can join.  It is lot more fun course than others in its own way, with lot of trips (case studies), night outs and design studios. It is also expensive than other courses.

You will have to draft/draw for hours sitting straight and bending over the drafting table, going on site visits and talk to men without getting bothered by how they stare at you (Specially if you're going to a less developed area), you must dress casually and comfortably as there is a lot of bending. “But you will only feel all this for the first year, after that you'll grow accustomed to it.” 

Other than that, girls in architecture are known to be amazing. They're fun creative and they work hard but know how to have a good party too, and you can dress pretty and there's never the need to be formal.

“So, if you've the will, you'll surely find a way to bear all of this and still rock it. All the best!!”

I won’t turn a feminist here and tell you how good girls can be in every field, and rock the world. I rather, am going to take the pragmatic route and explain how girls are up for the ride. The course demands sincerity and hard work. And with my observations, I feel girls are way sincere then us guys. But hey, that's something every professional course demand.

Girls are creative in general. They tend to be more on the artistic side then guys. This helps definitely in the course. Making colorful sheets, detailed models or presentation drawings - they do everything well. Add to this the fact - timely submissions. Girls do really well in the course in terms of marks too. 

You can always have independent home-office after marriage, if you want to continue practicing after marriage. This way they can take care of the kids and family as well as work. This is a big-plus compared to the corporate jobs other fields offer.

During the B.Arch Course duration and after completing this course, you can do an internship program with an architecture firm or with some professional Architects to increase practical experience and better up job prospects.

Courses Content of B.Sc Arch:

• Architecture Design
• Theory of Structures
• Building Construction
• Building Management
• History of Architecture
• Architectural Appreciation
• Architectural Drawing
• Building Science & Services
• Workshop Practice

Skills required to make career in B.Sc Arch:

• Good communication skills
• Immense physical stamina
• Excellent memory
• Patience
• Team spirit
• Responsibility
• Accountability
• Creative Thinking Skills
• Observant Attitude

Job Prospects:

Although in the beginning of your career you would be expected to understand the practical aspects of being on the job and strike the right balance of listening to the client and coming out with a design both aesthetically and practically correct. You will have the option of working with construction companies, builders, independently, consultancies, and many other options as well.

There are also jobs available in the Public sector which will include departments such as National Institute of Urban Affairs, Public Works Department, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Ministry of Defense, National Building Organization, Archaeological Department, Town and Country Planning Organization, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs, Public Sector Undertakings, National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., etc.

YOU CAN WORK AS:

• Professional Architectural Technician.
• Professional Architectural Theoretician.
• Professional Architectural Conservator.
• Architecture Engineer.
• Professional Architecture Professor.
• Professional Architecture Photographer.
• Building Inspector.

SOME EXCELLENT EXAMPLES ABROAD:

Final word

We hope that this article helped you about Scope of Architecture and Architecture Engineering for girls.