How to Become a Principal Architect
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Principal Architect
What does a Principal Architect do?
A Principal Architect oversees and manages a team responsible for architectural projects. Reviews and approves architectural procedures and techniques used to complete projects. Being an Principal Architect has a diverse knowledge of architecture principles and practices, uses advanced techniques, and has responsibility for final specifications, approval of ordered materials, and overall guidance on objectives and concepts. Ensures architectural designs are completed on time and adhere to the established specifications and standards. Additionally, Principal Architect keeps up to date on the development of new architectural methods or techniques. Requires a bachelor's degree in architecture. Requires a State Architect's License. Typically reports to a director. The Principal Architect typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be an Principal Architect typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
A principal architect serves as one of the owners in an architectural design firm.
In a single-person firm, the founder not only serves as the principal architect, but also handles all business and design decisions on his own.
Large firms may have multiple principals, and the responsibilities for each of these individuals can vary from business to business.
The principal in an architectural firms fills a similar role to partners or principals in other professional businesses, such as legal firms or medical offices.
Unlike staff architects, principals at a design firm are responsible for decisions related to business management.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Principal Architect
Best tips for those who want to become a Principal Architect
Here are some tips to become a Principal Architect.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Principal Architect
Best colleges and universities for Principal Architect
- Cooper Union
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Wellesley College
- Yale University
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Principal Architect
Is being a Principal Architect Worth it?
Program Architect, CommunicationsProgram Architect, CommunicationsVlocitySingapore1 week ago.
Second, look at the type of work the architect has done in the past to see what they excel at and what their limitations might be.
With a truly diverse and international background, Greg is an experienced Architect & Design professional with a demonstrated 25 years of experience in the AEC, Planning and Real Estate industry.
Greg has worked for renown Architects abroad in Seoul, Korea and Osaka/Kyoto, Japan.
Working with an architect is typically very different than working with a designer.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Principal Architect
What skills do you need to be a Principal Architect?
A manager is often judged based on the success of their team and those working below them, as such, many skills are needed. Success in this role depends on a critical ability in the following: Architecture, Building Codes, Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD), Construction Estimating, Project Management, Project Planning. Skills may vary from job-to-job, but these skills are the ones most commonly associated with this role.
Experience in managing design sessions with technology architects, developers and analysts to achieve design alignment.
Experience with enterprise class and scale application architect, design, development and deployment in an Agile environment.
Provides direction for diverse and complex initiatives and is accountable for a variety of tasks to architect and deliver data warehousing solutions that exceed customer expectations in content, usability, accuracy, reliability and performance while assuming a leading role within agile teams (both on-shore and off-shore).
A principal architect is a licensed and experienced design professional who usually holds a senior management position at an architectural firm.
According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), this individual is often a co-founder or partner of a firm, in which both parties usually have previous experience of working together.
Step 6: View average salary for Principal Architect
How much does a Principal Architect make?
The average salary range for a Principal Architect is from $131,584 to $175,838. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Principal Architect jobs, and apply.
Looking for Principal Architect jobs?
Here are some Principal Architect jobs in the United States.