Bright and early on Tuesday, Nov. 19, came Mr. Kevin Hayes, principal of the Hayes Design Group, to talk to a group of students about careers in architecture. This was apart of the Career Spotlight series that was organized by Mrs. Smith.
Mr. Kevin Hayes is an architect that has been working in the business for more than 30 years. He studied architecture at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with honors.
Gathered before him was a diverse group of students, including students from all grade levels.
Hayes discussed in detail the ins and outs of being an architect and of architecture.
First, he told what traits would make one a good architect. Good architects are problem solvers, coordinators, and group workers. Also, architects have become more specialized in their jobs. There has been less of a focus on math, which has been transferred to structural engineering. Modern architects focus more so on the design aspect of construction.
Next, Hayes told of the job environment, explaining that it changes on a day-to-day basis. One is either in the office or on the actual job site.
Hayes also told of the job outlook of architects. He stated that not all students that graduate with a degree in architecture have jobs as a traditional architect. Some end up as representatives with companies, that try to sell their products to architects on a new project. Also, he stated that the outlook will be on the rise, due to the large retirement coming with the baby boomer generation.
Hayes also told of the education required to become a licensed architect. One must first graduate with a professional degree in architecture from a school with an accredited program. Then, one must work for an architect for three years and pass nine exams to become a licensed architect.
The salary of an architect depends on the value of the work that they put in, and also the number of years they have been working.
Mr. Hayes said, “Pay is good, but not great.”
A starting architect earns about $35,000 to $40,000 a year. From year three to ten, an architect earns about $50,000 to $80,000 a year. An owner of a firm, or an architect that has been working for more than ten years, would earn anywhere from $90,000 to $150,000 a year.
What Mr. Hayes loves most about being an architect is the personal satisfaction of seeing a completed project. There is a sense of pride in completing a project.
All in all, a career in architecture sounds like a good plan.
