ARCHITECT

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How to become an Architect in Kenya

Architects are involved in planning, design and oversight of the construction of a building to completion. This is one of the most lucrative professions, a field that is barely serviced. Rarely would you hear of an unemployed graduate architect and their entry salaries mostly match those of their seniors in most other professions. Opportunities to venture into personal business either as an individual or corporate entity are vast and come early in one’s career.

To be an Architect one must undergo through a degree of Bachelor of Architecture available at the University of Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. To qualify, one must obtain an overall mean grade C+ in KCSE with at least a C+ in Math, Physics and any Group 3 subject (Geography, History or CRE) 

Thereafter, work under a registered architect for 18 months and sit for a professional exam administered by the Board of Registration for Architects and Quantity Surveyors. Passing the exam entitles one to a practice certificate and a registration number. The board also regulates the practice by disciplining errant professionals.

One must have good communication skills so as to communicate effectively with clients, engineers and quantity surveyors. You also need proficiency with various software programs such as (a) ArchiCAD, the main design program used by architects. (b) Atlantis - the program which renders a 3D representation of your building. (c) Any other graphics design software which may come in handy (e.g. adobe Photoshop, illustrator) since having a nice presentation for your building plan is very important. You will also need a creative mind and Basic architectural engineering knowledge - so that you don't design structurally impossible buildings, or buildings with poor lighting, ventilation or plumbing.

Can work in

• Public institutions- e.g. municipalities
• Private firms
• Consultants, lecturers, partnership with others