Architects design structures that are functional, safe, and suit the needs of the people who will use them.
What does an Architect do?
Click the Architect Profile link to answer the questions below.
- What do architects do?
- How much education is required to be an architect?
- What is the average salary of an architect?
- What kind of work values and interests do architects usually have?
- List two things they need to know.
- List two things they need to be able to do.
Your Turn
As the lead architect in your firm, you have been asked to meet with clients who are requesting a modern day design for a new mission.
To prepare yourself for this meeting you need to be familiar with the architecture of the the 21 California Missions. Watch this video and identify common features from each of the missions. Sketch the features you would like to incorporate into your design.
Brainstorm a list of questions to ask your clients that will provide you a better understanding of their wants and needs.
Read the notes from the meeting below. You will use these to develop your design:
- Architectural details from the original missions need to be obvious, yet take on a modern feel.
- The design should honor the historical and cultural influence of the California Missions.
- The design should include all the spaces that are in the original missions. Sanctuary, sleeping quarters, kitchen, garden, storage, etc.
Presentation Time!
Now that your final drafts are complete you need to present them to your clients to get their feedback.
Share the meeting notes with a family member and explain that you are the architect who developed a modern mission based on those notes.
Present your design to your family member providing a very detailed description of the design and its functionality.
When you are done presenting ask your family member the following questions. Take notes on the answers as this information will be critical in updating your design to meet there needs and make them happy.
- What do you like the most about the design?
- What do you like the least?
- What suggestions do you have to improve the design?
- Do you need clarification about any part of the design?
Reflection
- How did this activity help you develop a better understanding of what architects do?
- Was it easy or difficult to develop a design for your clients?
- Would you consider a career in architecture? Why or why not?
Explore the K12 Career Education Navigator
The K12 Career Technical Education (CTE) Navigator helps you explore high school courses and career pathways offered across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Browse by industry sector, county, school district, and more to find options that match your interests and career goals and see how these pathways can prepare you for college, certifications, apprenticeships, or the workforce.
Credits:
Created with images by Tim Mossholder - "Hallway of arches at the Old Mission Santa Ines" • Kristian Egelund - "A photo of the “Isbjerg” in Aarhus, Denmark." • Victor Garcia - "Ring" • Carles Rabada - "Shot with my Mavic Air at Apple" • Leonardo Baldissara - "Walking around the city I found this fantastic building, with a hole in the middle. I’ve lived here for twenty years and I’ve never seen it before. I love it!" • Unknown - "Free stock photo of architect, architectural design, camera" • Unknown - "architect, people, plan, construction, protective helmet ..." • Unknown - "Hands discussing a floor plan | Royalty free stock photo ..." • Unknown - "Royalty Free Blueprint Stock Photos | rawpixel" • Unknown - "Design" • Tim Mossholder - "A moody concrete canvas. " • Jon Tyson - "untitled image" • Nick Fewings - "I stayed at the Rui Tourag Hotel on the island of Boa Vista, part of the Cape Verde islands, off the West coast of Africa. This was the main swimming pool."