Careers in architecture

Published on: Monday, February 21, 2022

By: K Krishnan

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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.

Science stream students who have a passion for art and design can consider studying architecture. This is a field where students need a good foundation in science and a passion for art to excel.

What do architects do?

Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
Prepare structure specifications
Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
Prepare contract documents for building contractors
Manage construction contracts
Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations

Work environment

Although architects usually work in an office, they must also travel to construction sites. Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure that clients’ objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home offices.

Work schedules

Most architects work full time and many work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work schedules.

What Qualities do you need?

Analytical skills. Architects must understand the content of designs and the context in which they were created. For example, architects must understand the locations of mechanical systems and how those systems affect building operations.

Communication skills. Architects share their ideas, both in oral presentations and in writing, with clients, other architects, and workers who help prepare drawings. Many also give presentations to explain their ideas and designs.

Creativity. Architects design the overall look of houses, buildings, and other structures. They must ensure that the final product is both attractive and functional.

Organisational skills. Architects often manage contracts. Therefore, they must keep records related to the details of a project, including total cost, materials used, and progress.

Technical skills. Architects need to use CADD technology to create plans as part of building information modeling (BIM).

Visualisation skills. Architects must be able to envision how the parts of a structure relate to each other. They also must be able to visualise how the overall building will look once completed.

Education and training

Architects in Malaysia are required to have a certain level of qualification, which is governed by the Board of Architects Malaysia, or Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). It is known as LAM Parts I, II, and III.

To be qualified as a Professional Architect in Malaysia, you must work as an architect for at least two years after graduating and have completed all of the project requirements set by LAM before submitting an evaluation report and passing the LAM Part III examination.

Graduates who obtain their Degrees in Architecture from programme/s other than the ones listed below will be required to appear for the LAM Part I and Part II Examination conducted by the Architectural Examination Council of the Board. A full set of learning portfolio and other relevant information has to be produced to the Architectural Examination Council Malaysia.

Graduates who obtain qualifications in architecture from recognised universities/institutions or after passing the LAM Part I and II Examination are eligible to register as Graduate Architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia.

The Accreditation for local programmes and Validation for overseas programmes will be based on the Attributes, Knowledge and Skills Required in Architectural Study as stated in the Manual of Accreditation for Architecture Programme

There are many colleges and universities offering architectural courses in Malaysia. There are Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs.

Those who obtain Certificate or Diploma work as draughtsman or in Town Planning Offices.

After gaining the necessary experience they may continue their studies to become qualified architects.

Always check with LAM to verify whether the qualification is recognised before you start your studies.

Some of the Colleges / Universities offering architectural courses are listed below:

Cosmopoint College Kota Kinabalu

First City University College

Geomatika University College

Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur

Institut Kemahiran MARA Kota Kinabalu

International Islamic University Malaysia

Kolej Laila Taib

Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Multimedia University (MMU)

Politeknik Merlimau Melaka

Politeknik Port Dickson

Sabah Institute of Art

SEGi University

Taylor’s University

The One Academy of Communication Design

UCSI University

Ungku Omar Polytechnic

Universiti Kuala Lumpur

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

University College of Technology Sarawak

Check with the above institutions regarding the tuition fees, course duration, course details, etc . Compare the information you have and choose the right place to study. You can also get more information from the Sabah Chapter of LAM in Kota Kinabalu :-

MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS PERTUBUHAN AKITEK MALAYSIA,

CAWANGAN SABAH (PAM Sabah Chapter)

Lot 5 & 6, 3rd Floor, Block A, Damai Plaza Phase 4,

Ruang Pokok Kayu Manis 1, Jalan Damai, Luyang,

88300 Kota Kinabalu,

Sabah, Malaysia

Tel: (6088) 232524, 261313

Fax: (6088) 233773

E-mail: [email protected]

Career tips

Malaysia has about 2,000 registered Architects and market demand for Architectural graduates is high. Although currently due to the slow economy job opportunities are a bit gloomy, when the economy picks up, things will be better.

It is not necessary that when you obtain a degree in architecture your jobs are limited. There are many Jobs directly related to architecture, which includes:

Architectural technologist

Building control surveyor

CAD technician

Fire risk assessor

Interior and spatial designer

Town planner

Urban designer

Building surveyor

Commercial/residential surveyor

Construction manager

Estates manager

Estimator

Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer

Landscape architect

Planning and development surveyor

Production designer, theatre/television/film

Structural engineer

VFX artist

Careers in architecture is suitable for males and females. Although at one time females shy away from this industry, today there are more females entering this profession.

Q and A

If you have a question on Studying Architecture in Malaysia, write to: [email protected].