When you think about an architect, you might picture someone sketching creative building designs on papers or preparing a 3d model on a table. The question is, what do architects really do?
Besides creative tasks, architects have to do many things. They ensure that the building is not only visually appealing but also safe, functional and compliant with regulations. From sketching the primary design to the final walkthrough, architects aim to manage the entire project.
Let’s dive deeper about what an architect does on a daily basis.
Architect vs. Architectural Designer
Architects are the licensed professionals who completed formal education, training, and licensing examination. They are the authority to oversee the architectural projects. In other words, they are legally responsible for the safety and accuracy of the buildings.
On the contrary, architectural designers might have the same skill sets the architects have, but they are not licensed professionals or legal authority in this field. However, they usually work as assistants to architects, helping them manage the projects.
What Do Architects Really Do?
Let’s explore how many roles an architect has to play.
As a Designer
Designing is the core part of an architect, but it’s more than just making things look nicer. Architects aim to design buildings that are not only attractive but also highly effective. They consider the purpose of a structure very carefully.
For example, when they design the structure of a school building, they ensure that the classrooms are highly adaptable to different teaching methods. Similarly, when drafting a hospital design, they keep it in mind that the environment should be healing for the patients.
With their years of experiences and knowledge, architects create a balance of aesthetics and practicality. Modern architects tend to use tools like 3d rendering or VR to bring their designs into life. It helps clients understand the project even before it gets started.
As a Safety and Structural Expert
The design alone can’t ensure the safety and sustainability of an architecture. Thus, architects are highly involved with structural engineers. They work closely to guarantee that the buildings are capable of handling environmental forces like earthquakes or wind. Moreover, architects carefully consider other safety features like accessibilities for disabilities, fire exits, or sprinkler systems.
Most importantly, architects aim to design a building based on the local regulations and codes. For example, if the projects are in Japan, they have to be more cautious about earthquakes. Similarly, for the projects based in Singapore, architects tend to focus on the water resistant features. It helps the clients prevent mistakes that will cost later.
As a Coordinator
So, what do architects really do as a coordinator? You already know that architects are the bridge of architectural projects. From designing the buildings to make it real, they collaborate with different professionals. They closely work with structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers. They also collaborate with contractors and landscape architects.
Structural engineers assist the architects in ensuring the building’s safety. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers aim to install necessary systems like HVAC, lighting, and water supply. Contractors help them execute the projects properly. And the landscape architects aim to add extra value to the building, incorporating outdoor elements like green spaces and yards.
Architects connect and align them all to make the design real.
As a Legal Guide
Besides acting as a coordinator, architects are responsible to meet the local building codes, legal and regulatory requirements. Before start working on the projects, they tend to handle the following tasks:
- Submitting the detailed masterplan to the local authorities.
- Ensuring that the building meets the laws and local codes.
- Getting permitted for the construction project.
To stay updated in this evolving field, architects tend to continue their professional development in their everyday practice. It helps them use advanced technologies and best practices to make the architecture most effective, while avoiding the legal penalties.
As a Project Manager
After getting permits with designs and the masterplans, architects act as a project manager. In this phase, their job is to oversee the construction process. They aim to visit the construction sites regularly and review the tasks of the contractors. They address the problems and provide solutions to the team.
They ensure that the project is compact with the budget and the schedule. While leading the projects, architects maintain the client communication and keep them up-to-date.
As a Financial Sign-off Authority
As architects act as a reviewer, they also have to act as a financial sign-off authority. You already know that they are responsible for the standards and sustainability of the building. So, they closely work with contractors to ensure that the building meets the standards even before the payment has been made.
Their act as a sign-off authority helps clients get the project delivered in a disciplined way.
Different Types of Architects
There are several types of architects based on the specific area of this field, such as:
Commercial architect: They are specialized for commercial buildings like offices, retail stores, hotels, etc.
Industrial architect: Similar to commercial architects, they are expertized in designing industry buildings like factories, warehouses, or manufacturing centers.
Residential architect: They are focused in designing homes and residential buildings, merging the client’s needs and legal requirements.
Interior architect: This type of architects are specialized in enhancing the interior of any spaces like homes, offices, or retail stores.
Landscape architect: They are good at planning and designing outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, lawns, or campuses.
Restoration architect: They are responsible for preserving and restoring historical monuments and other cultural heritages. They tend to work closely with archeologists and other historical experts.
Sustainable architect: The sustainable architects are experts in minimizing environmental pollution. They carefully consider the use of renewable materials, energy efficiencies, and waste reduction to keep the architecture sustainable.
Do Architects Make Good Money?
Yes, architects make a huge amount of money in this developing world. The US Bureau of labor statistics shows that, in the US, the architect’s yearly salary was $96,690 on average in 2024.
In Europe, the salary of an architect is much higher. According to BeInCripto, in May 2025, the average yearly salary is $117,250 in the UK, and $122,000 in Germany. The research also shows that, in April 2025, the amount of the yearly salary is $142,500 in China and $154,334 in India.
Though in countries like Bangladesh, the average salary is comparatively low. But, that is still huge compared to the other professions. PayScale shows that, in 2025, the average salary is 210,000 BDT per year.
Final Words
Architects not only make the buildings look good, they ensure that the structure meets the local building codes. They carefully consider the purpose of the building, the climate, the traditions, and so on!
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