What is the job description of a residential architect?

A residential architect develops ideas, concepts, and construction designs for residential buildings, houses, condominiums, and other structures where people live. The design process involves creating something that looks good and is functional. A residential architect cares about much more than the aesthetics of a house. Residential architects must consider zoning laws, environmental factors, and the structural stability of the building.

They must also design the building's electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling components. An architect is a professional who turns building design into reality. They develop concepts for structures and then work with engineers to ensure that those designs can work as desired in the intended environment or the objective of the project. Beyond operating standards, architects must also comply with safety standards to ensure that users are not harmed.

Residential architects are concerned with the aesthetics of a residential building, as well as its functionality. Residential architects begin a project by meeting with a client to determine that client's individual design tastes, vision, and budget. Residential architects specialize in the design and construction of individual living spaces and can work as sole proprietors, for a contractor, or with other residential architects as part of a larger company (as is the case with Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design). Residential architects who hold this position often have the flexibility to choose the types of projects they want to work on, as well as the ability to do as much or as little work as they want.

But what we CAN do is address some of the highlights and provide a brief description of what is meant by the term “residential architecture”. After all, residential architects generally do internships for three to five years before passing the exam and becoming licensed architects.

Residential architecture

includes everything from townhouses to mansions to apartment complexes and everything in between. When initially considering a residential architecture program, the time spent on school (and internships) before becoming an architect can seem overwhelming.

Residential architects can work for contractors or for potential individual owners to design residential homes. Residential architects typically enjoy competitive salaries and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of architects are self-employed. In that sense, residential architecture specifically refers to the design and construction of homes specifically used as private residences. So, are we going to get into everything that encompasses the illustrious history and the vast universe of residential architecture? It's not likely.

In most states, residential architects must be licensed and complete an internship before starting their careers. Every client and every customer need is different, and those who want to make a living as residential architects must be receptive to this undeniable fact of life. It probably goes without saying, but covering all aspects of residential architecture in a simple online article isn't exactly practical or realistic.