Architecture is probably one of the most interesting careers, thanks to how it offers countless opportunities to shape the world around you. Despite this, many architects eventually reach a point in their general practice where they don’t feel challenged or motivated enough.
So, they start to wonder what field they can switch to that doesn’t necessarily break away completely from general architecture. The good news is that specialisation is actually more rewarding than it seems from the outside. And here are the steps to do it right.
1. Find Out What Makes a Specialisation Worth Choosing
You more than likely have heard this countless times: “Pursue a niche you are passionate about”. There, of course, is nothing wrong with that. But even though enthusiasm is important when choosing a pathway, it shouldn’t be your sole consideration. A more reliable approach is to simultaneously evaluate the following three areas:
- Long-term market demand
- Transferability of your existing skills
- Personal interest
This way, you can also invest in top-tier, customised architect education that helps you cover the exact topics that matter in the pathway you have chosen. Take, for instance, data centre or sustainable building design.
These fields have high demand as they solve complex problems that require specialised expertise. And if you care the slightest bit about your future, you know how important it will be to choose a field that promises better career stability.
2. Don’t Assume a Generalist’s Mindset
Many architects believe that they should get a new employer before they can specialise. The best way to start such transitions, however, is inside your current role. One of the most reliable ways to do this is to volunteer for projects that expose you to the sector you desire.
You can, for instance, ask to participate in technical meetings or assist with post-occupancy evaluations. And while these behind-the-scenes responsibilities will not always receive much attention, they will expose you to the specialised knowledge that employers actually look for. Over time, your knowledge and skills in your targeted area will be hard to ignore.
3. Be Interested in Learning the Language of Your Target Industry
Different architectural sectors, the specialised ones especially, have their own vocabulary. Anyone working in the healthcare sector, for instance, will have to focus on terms that refer to elements like patient flow, evidence-based design, and so on.
Similarly, airport designers might use different jargon related to particulars like passenger circulation, operational efficiency, and security requirements. Learning the language of your preferred field can indirectly help you deliver high-quality results, as it goes a long way towards making it easier to communicate naturally during interviews and client meetings.
4. Make Sure Your Portfolio Is Based Around Problems
Many architects believe in showcasing beautiful renderings and completed buildings, and while that’s a good way to get business in a general setting, specialised firms care more about how you solve difficult problems. So, your portfolio shouldn’t just comprise impressive photos.
Be sure to throw in explanations that show why you made specific design decisions, the budget limitations you had and how you solved that, regulatory challenges involved, and even construction obstacles that required creative solutions. Always keep in mind that clients looking for specialised services are after professionals who think differently. They want to see how unique your solutions are compared to other providers.
5. Visit Buildings After They Are Occupied
This might not always be practical, but it helps you learn what you will never find in books or even from apprenticeship programs. When you visit completed buildings, even if it will be years after construction, you will understand how they perform after completion.
This way, you will naturally develop a higher level of practical judgement, which isn’t something you will be able to learn solely through drawings. Some of the top elements you will be evaluating are:
- How occupants actually use the spaces
- Changes in furniture arrangements
- Any areas experiencing congestion
- Maintenance issues
- Renovation signs
When you compare these particulars to what you had in mind when providing a solution, you can identify a thing or two that will help you refine your future solutions.
Taking the Next Step
With the information in this post, you now have a better idea of what it takes to move into specialised architectural fields. And if you ask us, the first step is definitely the most challenging one. Luckily, rockcetcert.com is here to make that one easier for you.
Since education is often the trickiest bit of any career path transition, RocketCert’s team invests their energy towards offering expertly written and fully narrated courses that are much easier to understand. This way, you head into your new pathway with a clearer picture in mind of what it’s all about.
Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.
