How To Become An Architect In Nigeria

Business Overview

Architecture is a professional course that deals with drawings of layouts, maps of building, structures. It is the art and science of designing of building and non-building structures.

Before a building is to be built, it is designed in such a way by architect such that all the layouts would be revealed. Architecture is studied both in the universities and polytechnics as a professional degree course which has a range of four (4) years in Nigeria.

Profitability

Whether you accept it or not, before you choose a profession, you consider the profit it will bring so that you can be financially independent.

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Like most profession you have to pay your due to learn the system. Starting salaries can be a bit low but with time it will increase.

Market Structure Of The Business

Being an architect is a business on its own, as you are required to think of various ways to gain grounds or market your business.

At this juncture, you market yourself by creating awareness of your skills. This can be done by having a blog to advertise yourself, seek for employment stating your qualification in your curriculum vitae(CV)

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Demand Analysis, Competition And Opportunities

Buildings, Structures, estates, amusement park, roads are designed before they are built or constructed, architects are needed to designed those layouts.

Because of their feat in design, architect have the opportunity of working in different segment in the labour market. Such opportunities include: building surveyor, commercial/residential surveyor, construction manager, higher education lecturer, historic building inspector/conservation officer, landscape architect, planning and development surveyor, production designer, theatre/television/film, structural engineer, town planner.

How To Become An Architect In Nigeria

It is necessary that before venturing in architecture business, first and foremost you must have had a thorough knowledge about architecture that is, you must have undergone a four year programme under architecture.

Furthermore, you must have a business plan on how to go about it, you must align with people of same interest that can connect you to better places or increase your skill and experience in architecture.

You must know how to market yourself, you must license your business if you own a company, thus making every contract you get to be legal. Get the necessary tools and equipment needed for business

Technology Needed

It is necessary to know the equipment and tools needed for carrying out architectural business. Since the major cost is spent on equipment and tools, Purchase of new set of equipment is good but not necessary as a fairly used tool or equipment can perform the same function at a cheaper price.

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Startup/Launch tips

Since you know the line of business you are into, it is necessary to locate customers that would patronize that line of interest.

As an architect you should be well informed of any contract available related to your field. Know the exact amount of finance needed to start up the business to avoid waste of expense.

Location

Location is also an important aspect in architectural business as it determines the rate at which your business will succeed.

Therefore, it is of vital importance that you choose your location wisely, so that your business can grow. Choose a location where you can be easily accessible, easily located and also whether the conditions of the environment favour your business.

Finance needed

One is to have a good business idea another is to bring the idea into existence. In order to bring this idea into existence, capital is needed because without it, there will be no reality show or display of the idea. One should bear in mind that capital can loaned from bank if a business idea is available.

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Certification & Licensing

To have a legal transaction or contract between you and your customer, it would be wise to certify or license your business to avoid confiscation or being shut down permanently. Register your business name, its niche, insurance and so on.

Knowledge Needed/Training required

Like I said earlier, in order to be a good and sound architect, you must have undergone a four year programme of architecture in the university as or a three year programme in the polytechnic. This is of immense essence as it enables you to know how to coordinate your business.

Management

Management is the most vital role to play to sustain your business as it determines how long the business will stay. Management works better according hierarchy in the business, as different people are in charge of different task.

Staffing and Advising

An employee would rather employ someone that does not involve his or her emotions in the business than someone who does.

Emotions should be discarded as it leads to poor management of business thus making the business to collapse at point in time.

Also it is necessary to employ someone who has experience in the in the field for some time so that good quality advise can be giving.

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Summary & Conclusion

Architect have various opportunities to work in different segment of the work force, but is necessary that before you go into architecture, you must have been drilled or must have acquired the necessary knowledge or training.

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