Which Subjects Can I Study In High School To Become An Architect?

Are you wondering which subjects you can study in high school to become an Architect? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about which subjects you can study in high school to become an Architect.

Who Is An Architect?

An architect is a person who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice, architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have human occupancy or use as their principal purpose.

Types Of Architects

The different types of architecture are often characterised by the structure’s design and period of construction. When it comes to the different types of architects, licensed professionals are categorised based on the types of structures they most frequently design.

1. Commercial Architect

A commercial architect is a type of architect that specialises in designing building projects such as retail shops, office towers, hotels, museums, hospitals, public buildings, government centres, and other non-residential properties.

These architects are experts in designing buildings that are functional and practical for a large number of building users whilst also aspiring to be memorable or even inspirational places.

Aside from having superb design skills, a commercial architect is required to have a full understanding of commercial building codes, safety regulations, and the financials involved in construction.

2. Residential Architect

Residential architects typically work with private clients and real estate developers to develop stylish and functional dwellings for homeowners. When designing a customised house for a single client, a residential architect must have the creative skills to turn a client’s dream home into reality while still keeping it functional and within budget. Residential architects also need to be familiar with the local building codes and neighbourhood restrictions, as well as have the ability to adapt to these limitations.

3. Sustainable / Green Design Architect

Sustainable architects possess expertise in creating environmental-friendly and energy-efficient buildings. They are knowledgeable in the best sustainable products and green building methods to utilise in order to meet necessary standards.

These architects must be proficient when it comes to using innovative construction features and must be imaginative in finding ways to integrate these innovations into a functional and visually appealing space.

They also work closely with the construction industry supply chain to ensure that local skilled and unskilled labour resources and locally produced materials and components are used wherever possible for the building.

Specialising in sustainable architecture also means that an architect is also more likely to present designs that fit within the natural environment in a non-obtrusive way.

4. Industrial Architect

An industrial architect is a type of architect who is able to translate and integrate the different processes, machinery, equipment, and other requirements of a specific industry into a functional building design. The main goal of industrial architects is to be able to provide a space that can help streamline the operations of a business while providing an ergonomic space for its users.

The buildings typically designed by industrial architects include warehouses, factories, storage buildings, distribution and logistics facilities, production and processing plants, power plants, transport hubs and terminals, and many more.

5. Conservation Architect

These architects display an in-depth understanding of period architecture which aids them in effectively preserving the beauty and craftsmanship of historic buildings, while still making sure that the building inhabitants are able to enjoy functionalities expected in modern living.

Conservation architects are also knowledgeable when it comes to the legislation and regulations involved when renovating or extending listed buildings.

Conservation architects are experts that specialise in conservation consultancy and in the restoration of these protected and historic properties. They often work with listed buildings such as museums, castles, palaces, ecclesiastical buildings, and even residential properties that hold historical interest.

6. Landscape Architect

As the term implies, landscape architects specialise in the design and development of outdoor spaces such as private and public gardens, lawns, parks, squares, orchards, and building walkways. They are also involved in designing projects such as golf courses, resorts, and other recreational spaces.

These architects have expertise in horticulture because they are the ones who determine what types of trees, plants, flowers, and other greenery should be placed in specific spaces. They base such decisions on factors such as climate, the location of the property, and what types of greenery will thrive in the chosen environment.

Because of the increasing popularity of sustainable design, landscape architects are not only limited to outdoor spaces. Many landscape architects now work with sustainable architects on how to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces in a seamless manner.

7. Urban Designer

Architects who specialise in urban design are involved in city planning and are focused on the design of an area as a whole, rather than of individual buildings. Whether they are working on improving an existing city or a completely new district, urban designers decide where certain building facilities required by the community should be located.

In simple terms, they decide where the residential houses, commercial shops, public utility buildings, street networks, bridges, and other infrastructures will be built within a city or town.

8. Interior Architect

Interior architects should not be confused with interior designers. While the two roles may seem to serve the same purpose, interior architects are licensed and accredited architects focused on the art as well as the science of designing an interior space.

This means that aside from just the décor of the space, they are also concerned with the structural components of how that design will take shape. Along with their strong interior design skills, they also possess technical know-how on building methods and construction.

Many residential and commercial towers only offer unadorned shell spaces to occupants so this is where interior architects come in. They are not only concerned with the styling and furnishings of the property, but they are also responsible for converting a black space into a habitable environment.

High School Subjects To Become An Architect

In your final years of high school, you should be focusing on developing your skills in the following three areas:

1. Maths & Physics

Relevant Subjects:

• Mathematics with Calculus
• Statistics & Modelling
• Physics

2. Visual Art

Relevant Subjects:

• Visual Art: Painting, Design, Photography, Sculpture.
• Graphics
• Technology

3. Writing

Relevant Subjects:

• English
• History
• Art History
• Classics

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