GregArchitecture is a highly skilled profession and there are a number of personal qualities which will help to make someone successful in this profession. Here are some of the key attributes an architect should have:
- Good general art skills. Architecture requires detailed drawings and sketches to be made, so a natural ability in art is essential.
- The ability to visualise. Building something from nothing is never easy and an architect needs to have a strong sense of how the finished product will look. This is essential for the success of the project and for communicating with the other people who are working on it.
- The ability to use CAD successfully. CAD is a hugely important tool in architecture and the knowledge of how to use it properly is highly valued. Good CAD designs will keep a project on track and it’s a tool which can be used for communicating a tangible finalised vision.
- Design skills. In many ways this is very similar to art and visualisation abilities. However, an architect needs to take these a step further and will need to be able to translate their visions onto the page. This goes beyond being able to draw a picture – architects will have to produce accurate drawings which can fully convey their ideas.
- A good ear. Designing a building involves working closely to briefs and being able to draw on other people’s ideas. Architects will need to be able to listen closely and respond to requirements.
- Problem solving skills. Projects rarely run smoothly and something will inevitably go wrong at one time or another. When working with buildings on an enormous scale, it could be disastrous if the architect in charge isn’t able to think on their feet to put it right quickly.