Employment Prospects?

Good Morning!

I'm trying to find information on future (into 2020) careers in architectures. Can you help me? Thanks in advance.
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The only source (BLS) that I am aware of reports a growth of 24% between 2010-2020 faster than average for all occupations.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm#tab-6

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Architects, 
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm (visited July 13, 2013).

Outlook for Architects

I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky (B.A. in Arts Administration w/ an emphasis in Music History) and I am currently finishing up a 3 year enlistment in the Army (ETS Date is June 2013).  While at UK, my curriculum incorporated the graphic/ web design tools needed to market the Arts.  I eventually used those skills to land a job at a newspaper designing ads and later designing the website for the men's lacrosse club which I was president of.  

While deployed in Afghanistan, I called on those skills again to design a checkpoint which was later used throughout the whole Battalion as the model to construct for the Local Afghan forces.  I realized that architecture is something that really interests me and it would allow me to utilize my creative side as well as my graphic design skills.  

My question to you is what is the architecture industry job outlook looking like in the next 10 years?  Are recent graduates of architecture programs struggling finding work?  My plan would be to enter a graduate program and I am thinking of finding a program with an environmental concentration or perhaps a graphic design concentration.  Thank you in advance.

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To address your question directly, I am sharing some resources (below) that may be helpful.  Please take them with a grain of salt as it is difficult to predict the future.

With the recent economic times, the architecture profession has been hit very hard; many architects have been laid off or downsized.  However, I will argue that an education in architecture is a degree in problem solving which can be translated to a number of disciplines - related or otherwise.

Continue to learn more about the profession and enjoy.

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2012/02/27/best-jobs-2012-architect

Best Jobs 2012 - Architect

Nathan Helman – February 27, 2012

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Competition is expected, especially for positions at the most prestigious firms, and opportunities will be best for those architects who are able to distinguish themselves with their creativity.

Employment change. Employment of architects is expected to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Current demographic trends will lead to an increase in demand for architects. As the population of Sunbelt States continues to grow, the people living there will need new places to live and work. As the population continues to live longer and baby boomers retire, there will be a need for more healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities. In education, buildings at all levels are getting older and enrollments continue to increase, which will require many school districts and universities to build new facilities and renovate existing ones.

Best.

Architecture and Actuarial Science

I’m currently a junior in high school and for years I’ve been considering architecture to be my future career. I feel like I’d love the job, but many say that during a recession, many architects suffer and many lose their jobs. With our hard to fully predict economy, I don’t want my life to depend on that and be at such risk. To be safe, I’m thinking about becoming an architect as well as an actuary and choose depending on circumstances. Do you have any advice as to what degrees I should try to earn? A bachelor’s in mathematics, or in architecture, or in actuarial science, or in art…? then masters?

I also heard that just a  bachelor’s alone in architecture is basically worthless…

But on the other hand, someone told me teachers with masters degrees are to be paid more and therefore schools such as my high school don’t like to hire them, if that’s at all true, is it also true with architects?

Also should I be looking for a school that is well known in the architectural field or one in the actuarial science field?

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I applaud your interest in architecture and actuarial science, although they are quite different careers.  If you have not already done so, review the following career information from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Architect - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm

Actuary - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos041.htm

While I very much appreciate the fact that the architecture profession is tied to the economy, I would not use that as the sole factor in determining a career.  Think about career satisfaction.  Did you know that over 90% of architects would choose the same profession again?

As for which degree to pursue, I can suggest you consider obtaining an undergraduate degree in mathematics and afterwards pursuing a Master of Architecture.  It will take longer than an undergraduate in architecture and the Master of Architecture, but it will keep your options open.  For architecture, you must obtain the master degree for licensure or the Bachelor of Architecture.  A good resource to obtain is Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

As for architecture schools, access http://www.naab.org -- I am not sure which school are appropriate for actuarial science.

Also, as a junior in high school, consider attending one of many summer programs offered for high school students.  One to consider is at the University of Illinois -- http://www.arch.illinois.edu/programs/discoverarch/ --.

Aspects of Architecture

As I've done a little more research, another questions popped into mind. I am interested in all aspects of architecture - I like the idea of designing buildings, planning cities, planning regional parks, working in the landscape architecture field, designing big structures or little structures, working in construction, understanding all the materials that are used to most effectively create or improve a building. Does a general M.Arch allow you to get involved in any aspect of building field more easily than a more focused degree (Master's of Urban Planning, Master's of Landscape Architecture)? I have this preconceived notion that if I earn a M.Arch I can find my way into any career I like, but if I pursue a Master's in Landscape Architecture I would have a more difficult time finding work outside of the landscape architecture field. Is that accurate or do I have it wrong?

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On the surface, I agree with your premise -- that a degree in architecture will allow you to become involved with many aspects of the built environment.  However, be aware of legal constraints of each related discipline, i.e., landscape architecture.  Landscape architecture is a licensed profession -- www.asla.org -- I am certain that an architect would NOT be able to practice as a landscape architect just as a landscape architect could not practice as an architect.  But certainly, an architect could become involved with landscape architecture or purse the necessary credentials to become one if desired.

As you research architecture programs, you may seek out ones that have either joint degrees or offer both degrees to have the option of taking courses in the related disciplines. 

At this point in your research, you may wish to truly discover these other disciplines - planning, landscape, interiors, construction, etc. by visiting professional associations and/or career websites/books.

American Planning Association - www.planning.org
American Society of Landscape Architects - www.asla.org
American Society of Interior Designers - www.asid.org
American Council of Construction Education - www.acce-hq.org/

Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Along with my book, Wiley has a whole series -- of Guide to Careers in Design
Becoming an Interior Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design, 2nd Edition
Becoming a Landscape Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design
Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design

Dr. Architecture