What is a principal architect?
A principal architect is like the captain of a ship but for building projects. They lead a team of architects and make sure everything about designing buildings or structures goes smoothly. They work at architectural firms and are the main point of contact for all the big design projects.
Duties and responsibilities
Principal architects come up with the overall vision and strategy for their firm’s projects. They talk a lot with clients to understand what they want, make deals, and make sure the building plans are just right. They also have to explain these plans to the people who will actually build the structures and sort out any issues that pop up along the way.
Being a principal architect means you need to be a great leader and manager, keeping your team focused and motivated. You also need to be super creative and really good at using design software to create detailed drawings of buildings.
Work environment
Principal architects split their time between the office, where they design and plan, and construction sites, where they make sure everything is being built correctly. They need to follow safety rules on construction sites, like wearing hard hats and other protective gear.
Typical work hours
Most principal architects work regular hours from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, but they might work longer when they have big deadlines. Their job involves both working in an office and visiting sites to check on the progress of their projects.
How to become a principal architect
Becoming a principal architect involves a mix of education, hands-on training, and gaining lots of experience. Here’s how you can achieve this goal:
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Start with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited college. This degree usually takes about five years and teaches you the basics you need to kickstart your career in architecture.
Step 2: Complete an internship
Internships are essential. They usually last around three years and are a big part of the learning process. Look for internships through programs like the Intern Development Program offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the American Institute of Architects.
Step 3: Keep learning
Architecture is always evolving, so continuing education is crucial. Here are a couple of courses that might be helpful:
- Introduction to Architecture on Udemy is a great refresher on architectural basics, covering different styles and historical periods.
- Making Architecture on Coursera offers insights into how architects think and find inspiration.
- System Design on Udemy will teach you about creating functional designs for large platforms, which is great for technical architectural work.
Step 4: Get licensed
You need to be licensed to work as an architect. After your degree and internship, you’ll take the Architect Registration Examination. It’s a tough test, so consider prep courses to help you pass.
Step 5: Gain experience
Work as an architect, build a portfolio, and get lots of diverse project experience. This step is key to preparing you to lead your own team someday.
Step 6: Go for certifications
Professional certifications can boost your resume. Consider:
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Shows you have top-notch project management skills.
- LEED AP Building Design + Construction: Perfect if you’re interested in green building and sustainable design.
Step 7: Consider a master’s degree
A master’s degree in architecture can further enhance your skills and prospects. Look for programs accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board.
How much do principal architects make?
There are many variables that go into determining how much a principal architect makes, from company size to experience to education just to name a few.
Highest paying industries
- Nonresidential Building Construction: $161,480
- Architectural and Engineering: $161,240
- Residential Building Construction: $143, 610
Highest paying states
- New York: $195,684
- District of Columbia: $186,252
- California: $185,830
- Massachusetts: $180,198
The average national salary for a Principal Architect is:
$140,780
Top skills for principal architects
A great principal architect has excellent people skills and knows how to solve problems. Here are the key skills they will need to succeed:
Technical skills
These architects need to really understand the tools and technology they use to design buildings. They should be experts in computer-aided design and familiar with all the technical aspects of architectural projects.
Problem-solving skills
In architecture, things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s an unexpected issue during construction or a design challenge, being able to think on your feet and find solutions is super important.
Communication skills
Being able to talk clearly and listen well is crucial because they need to explain their ideas to clients and discuss plans with their teams. They must be able to make complex ideas easy to understand for everyone involved.
Collaboration
Since they work with lots of different people, like engineers, construction managers, and other architects, these pros must be team players. They need to work well with others to make sure the project goes smoothly from start to finish.
Leadership
As leaders of their design teams, they guide the project’s vision and keep everyone motivated. They need strong leadership skills to manage their teams effectively and ensure that everyone is working toward the same goals.
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Principal architect career path
Becoming a principal architect typically requires a maximum of a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field, with a master’s degree and five to ten years of experience preferred. Before practicing architecture in a jurisdiction, applicants must meet the requirements for licensure established by that jurisdiction. To become a principal architect, a job candidate must demonstrate an architect’s ability, talent, and drive to guide a firm’s vision and nurture its members to achieve that vision.
Position trends and outlook for principal architects
The field of architecture is constantly changing with technology, but there is still projected growth for architects. The demand for architects that are versed in sustainability and energy efficiency is growing.
Employment projections for principal architects
The job outlook for principal architects remains positive at just over a 3% increase over the next decade. However, this is slower compared to the average for all occupations.
Principal architect career tips
Soft skills and traits
Principal architects will need to have strong analytical skills and close attention to detail. A good eye for design and aesthetics is important when creating beautiful structures and designs. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for principal architects leading teams and working with clients.
Commonly required skills and qualifications
To become a principal architect, you’ll need a strong knowledge of AutoCAD and other related drafting software, which you’ll gain from experience as a junior architect. Technical skills and knowledge are required, like design principles, programming languages, and development frameworks. Project management and leadership experience are also essential in this role because you’ll lead a team of architects and designers and stick to a deadline and budget.
Develop a professional network
Networks are extremely beneficial when developing a career path. Principal architects should work to connect with other architects to collaborate and learn from each other. Here are few professional networks to look into:
- American Institute of Architects
- Association of Licensed Architects
- Architizer
- LinkedIn Communities and Groups
- International Union of Architects
Where the principal architect jobs are
Top companies
- Design Workshop
- Gensler
- Stantec
- Turner Construction
- AECOM
Top states
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Virginia
- Washington
Top job sites
- Indeed
- Dice
- SimplyHired
- Archinect
FAQs
What does a principal architect do?
Principal architects lead design projects. They are responsible for budgets and timelines and help lead a team of designers, engineers, and junior architects to ensure everyone is aligned.
What trends do aspiring architects need to be knowledgeable in?
Sustainable design is growing rapidly in popularity, so having experience in sustainable architecture will be helpful for future career growth. Other trends include more technology and artificial intelligence assisting in the process.
Is the role of the principal architect stressful?
Principal architects carry more responsibility because they lead the team working on a project and need to ensure that all team members are aligned on the objectives. With the additional responsibility comes a higher salary and more control over the situation, so if you are prepared for that, it’s not as stressful.
What kinds of companies hire a principal architect?
Principal architects are needed for large projects. Architecture firms, engineering firms, real estate developers, and construction companies employ this position.
Are there any required certifications to become a principal architect?
There are not any required certifications unless specified by your employer. Some of the common certifications for principal architects include LEED certification or the Certified Construction Contract Administrator certification.
What is challenging about being a principal architect?
Running a project, or multiple projects, can be difficult because there are many different priorities and opinions to manage. Keeping your clients happy while also keeping the project on track and compliant may require juggling many different things simultaneously.
How much education is required to become a principal architect?
To become an architect, you must earn your bachelor’s degree and complete an internship program. Experience is the best education to become a principal architect, but continuing with school and getting a master’s degree would help prepare you even more.
Do you need management experience to become a principal architect?
Principal architects often manage a team of junior architects, designers, and other administrative help. If you have experience managing people, it will help boost your resume; if not, having leadership and communication skills will help you develop a strong team.
What are the best ways to prepare to become a principal architect?
To become a principal architect, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and an active license in the state in which you are practicing. Experience is also important to move up the ranks and advance your career.
How long does it take to become a principal architect?
The first step is earning your bachelor’s degree in architecture, which is typically a five-year process. After graduation, you’ll intern and take the license exam. Once you have several years of experience, you can start looking for opportunities to advance to a principal architect. Earning a master’s degree will add extra time but will boost your job opportunities.