The Career Growth of an Architect by Dr. Prof. Anand Achari, Principal, VES College of Architecture
The Career Growth of an Architect - In a conversation with Careers360, Dr. Prof. Anand Achari, Principal at VES College of Architecture, shares his viewpoint on the career growth of an Architect. As per the professor, Architecture is an ever-changing field. Therefore, being an Architect is a continuous process of evolution. He believes that real learning starts when an architect enters the professional world. So, his advice to a novice architect is to stay curious, humble, and adaptable. He also shares his wisdom regarding how to deal with the challenges of being a modern-day architect. BArch aspirants can gain a deeper insight into the life of an Architect through the lens of Dr Prof. Anand Achari.
The career growth of an architect is a journey unlike any other in the professional world. It isn’t just about climbing a ladder—it's about a continuous process of evolution, learning, and adaptation. I often tell my students that architecture isn’t a career with a defined endpoint. It’s an ongoing exploration, one that requires an open mind and a commitment to both the craft and the people we design for. Reflecting on my own journey from architect to principal educator, it’s clear that this profession, like the buildings we create, is ever-changing.
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In the beginning, architecture is a blend of excitement and challenge. As students, we are taught the fundamentals—the aesthetics, the principles of design, and the technical know-how. But stepping into the professional world is where the real learning begins. At first, it's about grasping how to combine creativity with the constraints of reality. Budget, timelines, client expectations—these all come into play. The first few years are about hard work, long hours, and refining your ability to translate concepts into something physical.
For many, it’s a time of trial and error. You’re constantly learning, collaborating, and, most importantly, failing. But it’s these early struggles that lay the groundwork for your career. What you learn from your mistakes and successes during this phase stays with you for the rest of your life. The ability to work under pressure, to manage expectations, and to stay focused despite setbacks is something you carry forward in your career.
As you move forward, the challenges grow, but so does your understanding of the profession. The projects become more complex, and with that complexity comes the need for specialization. At this stage, you begin to shift from the role of a learner to that of a leader. You’re no longer just executing designs—you’re managing teams, handling client relationships, and making decisions that shape the direction of projects. It’s a time when you must balance creativity with strategy, design with management, and vision with practicality. It’s also the time when mentorship becomes an essential part of the equation. Just as you once learned from others, you now have the responsibility to pass on your knowledge to the next generation of architects.
As you move into more senior roles, your responsibilities shift. You’re no longer solely concerned with individual projects; you’re focused on leading teams, influencing the firm’s direction, and contributing to the broader architectural community. You become a thought leader in the profession, shaping not just designs, but philosophies and strategies that define the practice.
In these years, the joy lies less in the individual buildings and more in the legacy you leave behind—both in terms of the projects you’ve been a part of and the architects you’ve mentored. It’s also a time when the profession calls for constant innovation. Staying relevant means adapting to new tools, technologies, and methodologies—whether that’s incorporating AI, BIM, or exploring new materials. But it’s not just about technology; it’s about staying true to the values that brought you here—creativity, sustainability, and integrity.
The importance of embracing change cannot be overstated. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the profession has evolved, and I’m always eager to see what the next generation will bring to the table. What excites me most about architecture today is the increasing focus on sustainability, smart cities, and how technology will redefine the way we design and build.
The key to career growth in architecture—whether you're just starting out or are a senior architect—is an openness to learning. Architecture is an ever-evolving field, and those who stop learning eventually stagnate. Even now, I find myself constantly seeking new knowledge, whether it’s through design workshops, conferences, or simply by engaging with my students.
For those entering the field, my advice is simple: stay curious, humble, and adaptable. While the challenges can be daunting, true growth comes from understanding your craft and your role in shaping the built environment, not just in chasing the next great structure.
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