A person who is strong in science and mathematics and can think meticulously. People who are keen observers of people and the environment, and who find joy in creating things.

The role of the building is considered in response to the client's request, and the structure, design, scale, materials, budget, and other factors are considered in the design of the building. Once construction has started, the job of "construction supervision," which involves checking to see that everything is proceeding according to the blueprints, also awaits the architect. In addition, famous architects (professional architects) sometimes design not only buildings but also "environments" such as town and city planning, and thus play a role in creating culture.

To become an architect, it is necessary to obtain a qualification. There are three types of qualifications: first-class, second-class, and wooden. Second-class architects cannot handle large buildings, and wooden architects can only handle small wooden buildings (the qualifications for the examination are the same as those for second-class architects). Large buildings of a public nature, such as schools, department stores, high-rise buildings, and large condominiums, can only be handled by a first-class certified architect.

To become a second-class or wooden architect, one must pass the second-class or wooden architect examination administered by the prefectural government and obtain a license. There are two types of examinations: the "departmental examination" and the "design and drafting examination. Only those who have passed the "academic examination" are eligible to take the "design and drafting examination. Even after obtaining a license, a licensed architect must be registered in order to practice. To register, the applicant must have actual work experience in the architectural field.

To become a first-class architect, one must pass the first-class architect examination administered by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and obtain a license. The examination consists of two parts: a "department" and a "design drafting" section, which is the same as the second-class and wooden construction examinations, but the first-class examination is considerably more difficult. Most successful applicants are university graduates, and many have studied architecture or civil engineering in a specialized field. A first-class license must also be registered. The content of work experience is determined by law.

There are many buildings in Japan that were once under construction and are now being reconstructed or otherwise reevaluated. Many companies are actively engaged in the development of new towns and cities, and many talented architects are sought after by companies as valuable human resources. In particular, first-class architects are in high demand as selected human resources because it is not easy to obtain a license, and it is a promising profession for the future. After building a career as a salaried architect at a construction company, one can become a freelance architect and open his or her own office.

If you work for a construction company or other firm, the starting salary is 200,000 to 250,000 yen per month, and the average monthly income at age 45 is about 450,000 yen. If you have your own design firm, your remuneration will be a design fee and a supervision fee, which is about 10-15% of the total construction cost.

If you work for a large company, you have two days off a week, although you may have to work overtime. Many small architectural and design firms work on their days off.

Construction companies, architectural design firms, and government agencies. In addition, some major companies, such as JR companies, have their own repair departments that build and repair their own facilities, providing opportunities for architects.

It's a chart that shows at a glance the main routes to getting a job as an architect!