Architecture and design
Architects, planners, and the people who shape the spaces we live in.
9 careers
Architecture and planning
7ArchitectDesign buildings and take legal responsibility for them. Two degrees, a long internship and an exam before you can use the title.Typical pay$85kTo qualify8 to 11 yrsDemandModerateArchitectural TechnologistTurn an architect's ideas into drawings a builder can use. A 2 or 3 year college diploma, Revit and the building code.Typical pay$62kTo qualify2 to 5 yrsDemandGoodGIS AnalystTurn location data into maps and answers. GIS (geographic information systems) work sits behind city planning, utilities, mining and emergency response.Typical pay$79kTo qualify2 to 4 yrsDemandModerateLand SurveyorDecide where property lines really are. A protected licence, a long qualification, and work that never runs out.Typical pay$88kTo qualify6 to 9 yrsDemandGoodLandscape ArchitectParks, streets, campuses and the land around buildings. A design degree, two years of practice and a four-part exam.Typical pay$85kTo qualify6 to 9 yrsDemandModerateSurvey TechnologistRun the instruments that put buildings, roads and property lines in the right place. Two years of college and you are working.Typical pay$62kTo qualify2 to 3 yrsDemandGoodUrban PlannerDecide what gets built where. A planning degree, two years on the job, then a professional title. Expect public meetings and politics.Typical pay$96kTo qualify6 to 8 yrsDemandGood
Design
2Industrial DesignerDesign the objects people buy: products, furniture, vehicles. A 4-year degree and a portfolio. A small market in Canada, a big one in the US.Typical pay$75kTo qualify4 to 5 yrsDemandModerateInterior DesignerPlan the inside of buildings so they work, pass code and look right. A 4-year degree, two years of practice and a national exam. Not decorating.Typical pay$62kTo qualify6 to 8 yrsDemandModerate