Chronicles of an Architect: What it takes to be an Architect

I recently attended a career talk that was organized by Starehe Boys’ Centre at the school and got the opportunity to interact with a group of young minds of impressionable age who were interested in architecture as a career path.

I was initially not sure what to wear for that event but I settled on my blue suit. It was a formal outfit.  Maybe it was alright to appear formal.

Nevertheless, I knew that on a daily basis a majority of my time is spent on site with construction workers. The dress code therefore for me would have been neat casual. I digress.

My audience comprised the boys in forms three and four whose interest was in architecture as a career path. I got the opportunity to tell them my story and how I chose architecture and then gave them the opportunity to field their questions. And the questions started flowing.

1. Does one need to be artistic to pursue architecture?

No. However, one needs to have an interest in the art and science of buildings. Architecture is both an art and a science. On the one hand; it requires one to have the ability to learn the science of buildings which includes among other things: the required standards of spaces and building elements, the investigation of site conditions and parameters and the structural requirements of various spaces.

On the other hand, one needs to have an interest in art which would inform among other things; how to create a space, how to think creatively of solutions for the specific site, how to present an aesthetically appealing structure that meets the needs of the end user.

Both the scientific and artistic angles are taught in the School of Architecture.

2. What does it take to be an Architect?

It takes patience and perseverance to be an Architect. The training in campus takes at least six years. Thereafter one is required to undergo pupillage whereby they work under a Licensed Architect for not less than 24 months before qualifying to sit their professional exam. It is only after passing the professional examination that one is then called an architect.

3. What exactly happens in the school of Architecture in campus?

A lot happens in the School of Architecture. Firstly, you get to meet the finest brains from all over the country.

Secondly, you begin to realize that you are not the smartest after all since everybody that came there was also the smartest from their respective schools.

Thirdly, the artistic flair in everybody starts to show if it was not there or it begins blossoming for those who started early.

Then there is a studio culture* that comes up because you will be spending some sleepless nights trying to figure out your design assignment.

Finally, you will realize that the amount of resources required to be able to present your work far outstrips the HELB loan that was meant to sort you out. Guys become creative and start looking for personal projects where they can earn a little extra to foot the expenses.

4. Are Architects also supposed to wear suits?

No. This is a matter of preference. I only wore this suit today to appear formal. Besides, I have not worn it for months and I figured today would be a good day to wear it.

Suits are a formal outfit and in my opinion, they are not appropriate for site activities which include inspecting concrete works, plastered walls, type of timber among others. However, one could choose to wear suits when going to present their proposal to prospective clients.

5. How viable is architecture given that people can get plans online and on the streets?

There is absolutely nothing that you cannot get on the streets these days. Instead of fighting that war to the bottom, let us examine the reasons why somebody would pick the option of getting a plan online or from the streets.

Getting plans from the streets or from the internet are among the cheapest options. However, it needs to be understood that almost anybody can draw a plan but not everybody can design a building.

Therein lays the difference. Since the market is full of all types of clients with various income abilities, one needs to identify the niche market you are targeting and focus on that. When you are good at what you do, people will come seeking your services regardless.

6. Do we have Architectural Firms in Kenya?

Yes. The list is available at the BORAQS website https://boraqs.or.ke/members/

BORAQS stands for Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors and it is the body in charge of registering all Architects and Quantity Surveyors in Kenya.

7. How does one get clients?

One of the major ways of getting clients is by referrals. We also get clients by marketing our services.

It would seem like a simple answer but how this is done is a lot more subtle as the Kenyan law prohibits brazen advertising of our services.

8. How long do you take with one project?

This largely depends on the type and scale of the project in question. Some projects are quite complex and require more design time and more construction time. For example, we were commissioned to design a multipurpose hall for a school.

The scale of the project is big and to make it more complicated is the financing model that was adopted. Since it was a government school, the principal had to lobby for funds from other partners to enable it to kick off.

The various stakeholders in such a project would want their views to be heard and incorporated therefore increasing the design time.

Then there are those that are pretty straightforward and do not take up so much design time or construction time e.g. designing a boundary wall.

9. How is the average income of an Architect?

When you come from campus and are a fresh graduate, you will be convinced that you were the best but in the world of professional practice, you are a baby. You will need hands-on training in the practice of Architecture in the real world.

Therefore there is a need to work under somebody with vast experience to help you navigate the industry.

Your net salary depends on the size of the firm that you join. A small firm comprising one or two Architects would pay a net salary of anything between 50,000- 80,000 shillings per month. A larger firm that has a robust team of Architects may pay a net salary of anything between 80,000 – 120,000 shillings

It should be noted that these are entry level pay structures. The smaller firms will train you to be more involved in all aspects of the project because their size does not allow for departmentalization. Their pay may be lower but the experience obtained is deeper.

The larger firms will train you according to your strengths and find a department that you can fit into therefore limiting your experience to your departmental assignments.

My audience seemed satisfied with my responses and that ended our engagement that day.  One of them asked if I could get them a pizza as a silent pact among us. I obliged but I am yet to deliver.