So you’ve graduated from architecture school and received a university degree in architecture - so what happens next? What exactly does an architect do? What if you don’t want to be a designer, maybe you have interests in how buildings are detailed and built, the selection of materials and finishes, firm management … so many directions you could go and today we are going to talk about a bunch of them and take you Inside the Firm!

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No matter the size of the architectural firm, almost all of them have a similar set of roles to be filled in order to run the firm and make it successful. These roles can be multiple people in a large firm but as the firm size decreases, the number of roles taken on by a single person most likely increases. I’ve talked many times about the multiple hats worn by those of us in the profession who work in small firms, and until recently,  this is the only environment I've known for the majority of my entire career. Considering that this is the 944th post I have personally written on this site, it's a little shocking to learn that this is really the first time that I've really dived into the various roles someone can pursue within an architectural office.  So, armed with that knowledge, let’s get into the roles and discuss how there is a place for all types of people within the architectural profession.



We should point out – or maybe have a small primer conversation that not all of these roles are available at every firm but based on your interests, it is a consideration that might point you towards a particular-sized firm. In no particular order – well that’s not true, we’ve tried to group roles together that might make sense or share some path of growth and development, I suppose I am trying to stay away from implying there is any hierarchy to these roles.

Production Manager / Production Staff [5:20 mark] – the backbone of any architectural firm. Everyone in this area is focused on the creation and coordination of the main deliverable of the firm . . . the construction documents. This is also the department of the firm that makes up the largest percentage of staff and effort. Typically this area is where most new graduates start their careers.

Construction Administration [11:00 mark] – There is actually an entire department within this category. All the work in this department is concentrated on the execution of the products created by the production department. The effort of making sure that the project is built according to the construction documents by reviewing submittals, visiting the job site, and overall involvement in the process of construction.

Specification Writer [14:12 mark] – Until I came to my current office, I’ve never had a dedicated specification writer. I have either written and assembled all the specifications or we hired a third-party to handle it for us, which for the record, never worked out very well. Reviews drawings and other project information to write and edit project specifications. Uses a thorough understanding of project design requirements to translate project needs for specific materials, equipment, installation, certifications, testing, and methods applicable to the project. Performs product research, assists in material selection, develops and maintains relationships with vendors, performs quality management reviews, and provides technical advice to project teams.

Business Development [17:25 mark] – While this doesn’t have to necessarily be an architect, I think it helps. To a certain extent, all the people in leadership positions do business development just be doing good work and making clients happy.

Business development is about making connections. It’s building upon the brand that you have established through marketing efforts to connect your audience to your pro...