Environmental Design Art Career

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City structures begin with an artist concept. Then, architects, contractors, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, and interior designers help realize the vision. A grand idea can be brought to life through experts paying attention to the fine details of color, texture, materials, space, etc.

Some of the work can be divided among

architectural professionals and

interior designers.

Architecture

The by-words of architecture are use, construction and aesthetic effect.

Architect

architect career stamplicensed architect stamp (example)

The architect must assure that the building will function as it was designed: houses, offices, theaters, theme parks.

The architect must assure that the proper materials are installed to make a solid building.

Also, the architect must make a pleasing building that fits into its environment and its community.

To start a building design the architect should consider ...

  • client needs
  • overall costs
  • building codes
  • engineering requirements
  • exterior appearance
  • use of interior space
  • materials available

An architect ought to be able to

  • draw his/her design,
  • lead a team,
  • work with math and engineering concepts,
  • refer to art and architecture history,
  • complete technical drawing of the overall concept.

Preparing for and art career in architecture should include taking classes that will fit in your art curriculum:

  • math (geometry, trigonometry),
  • art history,
  • drawing and illustration,
  • industrial drafting.

Preparing for an art career in architecture would be enhanced by experiences in the building trades, in a drafting office, and in manufacturing.

An architectural degree and three years of job experience are the main requirements to becoming a state licensed architect.

See also ... California Architecture colleges

See also ... American Institute of Architects

Urban Designer

Every American city has an urban design. Architects are an important part of urban design; they are teammates with geographers, environmentalists, demographers, drafter, model builders, hydrologists and engineers. Together, they work to create and maintain a safe and functioning urban environment.

Cities may develop a master plan - the person in charge of this plan is the urban designer. In the urban designer's office(s) will be plans for completed projects, new plans for new streets and parks (for example). The success of the shared environment is in the hands of the urban design team.

The urban designer will ...

  • coordinate with government agencies
  • balance needs amongst commercial, residential, industrial, and recreational priorities
  • foresee the needs of a changing community and plan a response, such as  a new bus station, a new airport, or revitalization

An urban designer should ...

  • be able to work with others on a team
  • be able to coordinate the work of specialists
  • have a command of verbal communication skills
  • keep up to date with community affairs

An urban designer should also have a strong background in ...

  • architecture
  • drawing
  • sketching
  • mathematics
  • real estate development
  • environmental planning
  • participating in large projects, such as industrial complexes, parks, harbors, etc.

Getting ready for urban design ...

  • beginning with an education in architecture, broaden your interests
  • include courses such as sociology, geography, history, public speaking, urban photography
  • meet with working urban designers
  • review urban design magazines

See also ... UC Berkeley Urban Design

Landscape Architect

Designing the outdoor environment to serve the needs of the public is one way to describe the work of a landscape architect. Such design work often goes unnoticed in plazas, urban freeways, zoo habitats. these artists design the outdoor spaces where we live, work, pray, relax and play.

Landscape architects combine art, science, engineering, architecture and technology.

Their work ...

  • creates new cities
  • preserves wildlife habitat
  • designs recreational spaces
  • makes the urban environment functional and attractive
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A Landscape Architect ...

  • leads a team for designing landscaping around buildings and building complexes
  • meets with clients, architects, or builders during the planning stages
  • prepares site plans
  • constructs models
  • figures out traffic flow, drainage and how to take advantage of natural sun and wind
  • selects plants fr every part of the design
  • shows schematic renderings to clients and contractors
  • implements the design

A Landscape Architect ...

  • is sensitive to landscape quality
  • is able to visualize a landscape design before the first shovel is turned
  • is familiar with construction, building codes, weather patterns, and ecology
  • is a good problem solver, able to provide creative solutions
  • is familiar with the architecture career
  • will anticipate being able to draft designs for building surrounds, golf courses, roadways
  • will have coursework in art, art history, mechanical drawing, ecology, botany, geography, photography

See also ... degree programs by state nationwide

See also ... American Society of Landscape Architects

Other careers in Architecture

  • Architectural critic/writer
  • Architectural drafter
  • Architectural renderer
  • City Planner
  • Landscape drafter
  • Model Builder
  • Mural Artist
  • Playground designer
  • Architecture Teacher
  • Theme-Park Designer