Unravel lucrative career options after earning B Arch degree

The increasing pace of urbanisation in India has certainly escalated the demand for infrastructural development. Moreover, as media reports suggest, India’s real estate and architectural business are predicted to have grown from $200 billion in 2021 to $1 trillion in 2030, accounting for almost 13% of the country’s GDP. This fast-paced progress is posing a huge demand for experienced and skilled individuals.

Professor Anand Khatri from Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT SAP) in Greater Noida highlights, “Profession must be selected on the basis of wellness. Architects are known to live and grow into their professions. The live it, wear it, discuss it and holiday in it. It gives immense wellness to anyone who is trained into it. It’s not just about the license, but about the innumerable streams in which he can grow and learn. Architects practice up to the last day of their lives. There is no retirement age. They are known to hop between the streams and practice different design scales. This indicates resilience in the profession.  Architecture that remains with a practicing architect forever cannot be compared to other vocations or streams of education, where people have a retiring age.”

He further adds, “The creativity in architectural practice brings in innovation as a part of the architect’s work. There’s no dull moment. The creative high gives the personality a signature look. Architects and designers alike, share a signature dressing style. It adds value. The young love it, because they can make a change.”

So owing to this scenario, there’s immense scope for students who aspire to pursue a career in architecture.

 1. Architectural Practice: The most traditional route for B Arch graduates is to join an architectural firm as a licensed architect. In this role, you will be involved in designing, planning, and overseeing the construction of buildings, ranging from residential and commercial structures to public and institutional projects. Prof. Khatri mentions, “Many start their own practice right away. The salary of a fresh architect begins slowly, but at the end of the second year of working in a firm, an architect generally earns about ninety thousand rupees per month. Although much depends on individual capability, but with the training at Apeejay, they learn to take responsibility quickly. The rise of individuals in practice is in giant strides.”

2. Urban Planning and Design: With their expertise in designing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, B Arch graduates can venture into urban planning and design. Working alongside city planners and government agencies, they contribute to creating sustainable and well-designed urban environments.

3. Sustainable Design and Green Building: As the world embraces sustainability and eco-consciousness, B Arch graduates can focus on sustainable design and green building practices. They can contribute to creating environmentally-friendly structures that reduce energy consumption and promote eco-friendly lifestyles. Landscape architecture is one of the most sought after career options for B Arch graduates, who can work on designing outdoor spaces, parks, gardens, and recreational areas.

4. Real Estate Development: A career in real estate development allows B. Arch graduates to combine their design skills with business acumen. They can be involved in various aspects of real estate development, from designing projects to evaluating investment opportunities. A large number work with developers and builders.

5. Interior Design: A career in interior design is another popular choice for B Arch graduates. This field allows them to focus on designing and decorating the interiors of buildings, creating functional and visually appealing spaces for various purposes.

6. Conservation & Historic Preservation: With a strong background in architecture and design, B Arch graduates can play a vital role in preserving and restoring historical buildings and structures. Working in historic preservation allows them to retain the cultural heritage and architectural significance of older constructions.

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7. Academia and Research: B Arch graduates interested in sharing their knowledge and shaping the future of architecture can pursue careers in academia. They can become professors, researchers, or contribute to architectural journals and publications.

8. Product Design & Retail: With special training at IDC and through IIT-D programmes, architects are known to have contributed to retail design, point of purchase design, automobile, industrial goods, graphic and communication design. Retail is the big change maker.

9. Industry Specific Architects: Architects develop into industry specific solution providers. Some start working on hospitality, some on housing, and some become health case specialists, etc. Once grooved into the industry they become integrators of projects.

10. Valuation, Empanelment and Liaison: Architects with their capability at estimation and assessment become valuers. Adept at understanding buildings, they are empaneled by organisations. With their signatory authority, they can also liaison building sanctions and approvals with development authority.

“We must not always look at the peaks, we must also look at the averages. There are excellent performers in all professions, but the diversification possibility in architecture takes care of the averages or the shift in interests and helps transformation,” says Prof. Khatri, who has over 25 years of experience in professional practice.

Infused with creativity, wellness, longevity and growth, architecture is a diverse and ever-evolving field that offers a wide range of career opportunities and helps a person to grow.  So, with creativity, passion, and a commitment to excellence, B Arch graduates can chart a successful and rewarding career path in this dynamic field.