Architects are the professionals who design a building, making the necessary calculations for its construction. They are in charge of designing buildings or urban spaces and ensuring the proper development of their construction. The practice of architecture has been considered since ancient times as a creative act that adapts the space built by human beings to their vital, productive or cultural needs. In this way, Project Architects interpret the needs of users and translate them into suitable architectural spaces and habitable and constructible forms, bringing together the technical and artistic spheres.

Broadly speaking, the work of these professionals is divided into three stages. The preliminary design stage translated the general idea of the building into very schematic plans to scale, but without delimitation. The function of the preliminary design is to graphically reflect the various areas according to the uses of the new building and the overall image of the building, for approval by the architect¿s client, who may be the owner (owner of the land to be built on, for example) or developer (person who makes the necessary investment or who takes responsibility for it). The second stage is the drafting of the basic project, which reflects the general conception of the building: form, functions, distribution and construction system. The aim of the basic project is to define the project in its entirety, leaving it ready for execution, ready to consult specific aspects of its urban planning suitability in official bodies and to apply for licences. Finally, the execution project stage consists of the technical documents required to build the project: structures, installations, urbanisation, etc., and may include collaboration with other professionals (engineering, interior design) in the case of a large or complex project. The execution project also includes a memory document that defines the chosen solutions, the adaptation to official urban planning and construction standards and the budget.

In this way, these professionals are usually involved in the construction process until the building is finished. The project can range from changes to the existing building (refurbishment, reinforcement of structures, extension), the creation of new buildings or the design of new urban areas (second home developments, planned new

During the construction process, these professionals may visit the site regularly to check that the work is being done in accordance with the original plans and specifications, assessing any problems that may arise with the client and the team carrying out the construction process (building).

• Advise and accompany the client on the suitability and practicality of their ideas regarding the project. Clarify doubts, advise on the different stages of the design, project and construction process and a future building.
• Discuss the objectives, requirements and budget of an architectural or construction project.
• Coordinate other professionals in the design, project and construction of an environment or space.
• Advise on the selection of the ideal place to build and study the environment, its conditioning factors and needs.
• Prepare and present reports on the characteristics of the design to the client within the framework of the project.
• Draw up and produce all the necessary project documentation and monitoring of work: legal compliance reports, detailed drawing work, sketches, drawing up plans and project specifications, measurements and budget for the work, technical prescriptions to be complied with, etc.
• Specify the nature and quality of the materials to be used.
• Prepare the documentation for contractors and negotiate with them for acceptance of construction conditions, prices and costs. Supervise and coordinate the work of contractors who actually carry out the building work, preparing the legally required documentation.
• Regularly visit the construction site to monitor progress to ensure that the project is on track and within budget.
• Ensure that the environmental impact of the project is kept to a minimum.
• Advise and monitor the design and construction process so that everything can be kept within budget and on schedule.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Arquitectura
• Grau: Arquitectura tècnica
• Grau: Arquitectura tècnica i edificació
• Grau: Estudis d'arquitectura

Complementary training

In order to work as a Project Architect, it is necessary to obtain a master's degree in Architecture.

Likewise, there is a wide and consolidated offer of postgraduate studies that allow an update and specialisation in the knowledge of these professionals, in the fields of:

• Building

• Building management

• Urban planning

• Sustainability
  

Other specific skills

Creativity: Level 3

People management: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 4

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Design

People who show an interest in the field of design enjoy creating forms, styles and effects that improve the aesthetics, features or user-friendliness of products and spaces. This field of interest includes all the activities related to fashion and accessories design (clothes, jewellery) and interior design (furniture, window dressing). Creativity and knowledge of new trends are key in the carrying out of these activities in the professional world.

Technician

People who show an interest in the technical field find fulfilment in carrying out activities related to the design and manufacture of objects, machines, vehicles and/or infrastructures. These activities require the application of scientific and technical knowledge (laws of physics, calculations and mathematical formulas, properties of the materials, etc). Creativity is also necessary when coming up with optimal solutions for the functional requirements of the products to be designed. Therefore, the pragmatic application of scientific knowledge in order to develop solutions for the benefit of human beings is the main function of occupations in the technical field.

Facilities engineer

Specialist in leisure and recreation areas

Common infrastructure engineer

Bioclimatic consultant

Scenographer

• Work hours

  Flexible. There is the possibility of working as a self-employed professional, i.e., on a freelance basis, whereby the timetable is determined by the volume of work and the demands of the clientele.
  
  

• Salary

  The remuneration varies according to the project and the prestige and professional career, the expected impact of the architectural work and the architectural firm in which these professionals collaborate. Depending on their experience, the following ranges can be established as a guideline:
  • Beginning of professional activity: between 10,000 and 16,000 euros gross per year.
  • With more than five years of experience: between 32,000 and 35,000 and up to 45,000 euros gross per year.
  • With a senior profile: more than 50,000 euros gross per year.
    

• Other features

  These professionals can also collaborate on large infrastructure projects and companies carrying out major developments. They can work in multidisciplinary teams, especially in collaboration with engineers.
  
  

• Professional category

  Technician