The journey of becoming an architect is rather tedious. Many students who pursue a career in architecture rarely cross the finish line. However, the students who see their education and licenses to completion reap excellent rewards.
In this guide, we will take you through the best companies for architects and how you can land a job with the highest-paying architects’ companies. We will also include several employee reviews and salaries from some of the highest-paying architects companies.
What Is an Architect?
An architect is a professional in charge of planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings. They have the expertise to create functional spaces and manage the entire process, from the conception of an idea to the completion of a project. The design, documentation, and construction procedures of a project are all handled by an architect
Aside from designing buildings, companies rely on these professionals to ensure that the structures they create are safe for public use. So, architects need to be familiar with safety regulations, local guidelines, and restrictions within an area. Object oriented design, relational design, programming languages, and integration methodologies are other essential skills an architect should possess.
How to Get an Architect’s Job
To get a job as an architect, you need work experience and educational qualifications. Below you will find a step-by-step guide to help you get a job as an architect.
- Pursue a four-year degree. Most open architectural positions require an applicant to have a bachelor’s degree in architecture. This four-year degree must be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Through your studies, you will learn project management, building systems, and environmental planning methods.
- Go through an internship. Once you have basic to advanced-level knowledge in architecture, you should look for architecture internships. Internship programs are a requirement for a professional to become licensed. Architecture internships often last three years and can give you experience in different design disciplines.
- Get licensed. If you want to be a practicing professional, you must obtain a license. You should sit for the Architect Registration Examination offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. To be eligible for these exams, you must complete a bachelor’s degree and internship program.
- Land an entry-level job. You can land an entry-level job once you acquire your license. You can apply for a job in a private company, as a freelance architect, or within government sectors.
- Acquire a professional certification. Acquiring an architectural certification is not a requirement, but it will set you apart during job interviews. The National Council of Architectural Registration offers licensed architects a wide range of certifications.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Architects Companies
| Company | Salary for Architects |
|---|---|
| Quattrocchi Kwok Architects | $111,314 |
| Moseley Architects | $104,720 |
| Elkus Manfredi Architects | $82,936 |
| ZGF Architects | $80,690 |
| Ennead Architects | $78,905 |
| NAC Architecture | $76,106 |
| LMN Architects | $76,098 |
| IBI Group | $75,804 |
| Perkins Eastman | $73,978 |
| HMC Architects | $72,405 |
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects has its headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. It provides clients with various services regarding architectural designs. The company offers comprehensive interior design, sustainable urban design, master planning, and administrative services.
What Does Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Pay Its Architects?
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects pays its architects $111,314 each year, which is 18 percent higher than the national average. Architects based in the US earn a salary of $90,825, annually.
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Reviews
Glassdoor Quattrocchi Kwok Architects reviews indicate that 56 percent of employees would recommend the company to a friend. Even though the firm does not have many reviews on the platform, it still has a 2.7 out of five-star rating.
Moseley Architects
Moseley Architects offers various services to its clients, such as architectural design, interior design, and engineering solutions. It also provides specialized advice for more challenging projects. You can land a job as an engineer, interior designer, or architect within this company because of the various services it provides.
What Does Moseley Architects Pay Its Architects?
Moseley Architects pays its architects $104,720, annually, according to Glassdoor. The company also gives its employees additional cash bonuses of $4,628 each year.
Moseley Architects Reviews
According to employee reviews on Glassdoor, Moseley Architects features a collaborative environment, fair pay, and excellent culture. 87 percent of the employees would recommend the company to a friend, and 100 percent of them approve of the CEO.
Elkus Manfredi Architects
This design firm provides services for different architectural projects, such as interior design, master planning, and space planning. It’s known for designing technology hubs, workplace environments, and campus spaces. You can find career opportunities as a technical architect, lab designer, or workplace strategist with this company.
What Does Elkus Manfredi Architects Pay Its Architects?
Elkus Manfredi pays its architects $82,936, according to Glassdoor. The company also pays an additional $9,036 each year.
Elkus Manfredi Architects Reviews
Current employees of Elkus Manfredi say that the company offers a variety of projects, has a diverse culture, and provides good compensation packages, based on Glassdoor reviews.
ZGF Architects
This company is renowned for designing office buildings, developing community projects, and creating art. The firm provides a wide range of healthcare, hospitality, housing, research, and planning services. There are several job vacancies in this company, including laboratory planner, project manager, and marketing manager.
What Does ZGF Architects Pay Its Architects?
ZGF Architects pays its architects $80,690 each year, according to Glassdoor. The site also indicates an additional payment of $3,878 each year.
ZGF Architects Reviews
Reviews on Glassdoor indicate that employees at ZGF Architects believe the company is an excellent place to grow your career. This is attributed to the firm’s innovative approach in design procedures and its environmental conservation awareness. Overall, the company has a rating of about three out of five stars.
Ennead Architects
This New York-based architectural company provides services in interior design, construction, master planning, and historic preservation. This equal opportunity employer offers various job posts, including that of a project manager.
What Does Ennead Architects Pay Its Architects?
Ennead Architects pays its architects $78,905 each year. In addition to the average salary, the company also issues an additional yearly payment of $1,676.
Ennead Architects Reviews
On Glassdoor, Ennead Architects have a rating of 4.3 out of five stars. Former employees were satisfied with the work culture claiming that this company is a great firm to work for. Current employees also mentioned that the company offers a collaborative environment and the opportunity to work on several notable projects.
NAC Architecture
This company services cut across interior design, electrical engineering, architecture, and planning. Moreover, NAC Architecture extends its services to cover other fields, such as healthcare, biotechnology, hospitality, and recreation. You can land an opportunity as an interior designer, marketing coordinator, or electrical design professional.
What Does NAC Architecture Pay Its Architects?
According to Glassdoor, NAC Architecture pays its architects $76,106, annually. It also gives them an additional $4,117, each year.
NAC Architecture Reviews
According to reviews on Glassdoor, 62 percent of employees would recommend NAC Architecture to friends. A current employee indicates a collaborative environment, good leadership, strong client relationships, and a healthy work-life balance as pros of working at the firm.
LMN Architects
This architecture firm offers planning and design services to different clients. They lean toward building convention centers, cultural art venues, and campus facilities. If interested, you can land a job as an interior designer, project architect, or project manager.
What Does LMN Architects Pay Its Architects?
According to Glassdoor, LMN Architects pay its architects $76,098 with an additional payment of $3,492 each year.
LMN Architects Reviews
LMN Architects are transparent with employees and appreciate good design. Moreover, Glassdoor employee reviews also mention that the company has decent benefits, friendly staff, and excellent management.
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IBI Group
IBI Group is known for its services in cloud computing, computer hardware, artificial intelligence, and automation. As a result, the company offers more work prospects than just architect positions. You can land a job as an application developer, talent specialist, or application architect.
What Does IBI Group Pay Its Architects?
Glassdoor indicates that IBI Group pays its architects an annual salary of $75,804. It also offers an additional payment of $408 each year.
IBI Group Reviews
IBI reviews on Glassdoor indicate a rating of 3.8 out of five stars. A current employee says that it is a good place to work, offers good compensation, and facilitates a healthy work-life balance.
Perkins Eastman
Perkins Eastman is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Toronto, Shanghai, and the Middle East. It is known for urban planning, interior design, landscape architecture, and project management. You can apply for job roles, such as interior designer, studio administrator, or project manager with this company.
What Does Perkins Eastman Pay Its Architects?
Based on Glassdoor, Perkins Eastman pays its architects a salary of $73,978, annually. Architects from the company also earn an additional payment of $4,098, every year.
Perkins Eastman Reviews
According to employee reviews on Indeed, Perkins Eastman has a three out of five-star rating. The reviews indicate that it has an inclusive and supportive work environment.
HMC Architects
This company has various office locations across the US and is focused on producing designs that positively impact the community. It mostly focuses on projects regarding healthcare buildings and civic spaces. You can join the company by applying for marketing coordinator, project manager, or design leader positions.
What Does HMC Architects Pay Its Architects?
HMC Architects pays its architects a salary of $72,405 each year, according to Glassdoor. It also pays an additional $1,192 to project architects.
HMC Architects Reviews
According to Indeed, employees of HMC Architects rated the company with 3.6 out of five stars. Employees at this company praise it for its clear sense of purpose, ability to meet personal objectives, and flexibility in working schedules.
Why You Should Become an Architect in 2023
You should become an architect in 2023 because it offers a stable career path has great income potential and offers the opportunity to work on many notable projects. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects earn an average salary of $82,320 per year.
To increase your salary potential, you can also seek further education, skills, or work experience. This will significantly impact the amount you earn every year. Furthermore, some of the largest architecture firms pay skilled architects higher salaries compared to other architectural design companies.
In addition, you should become an architect because it’s an interesting career path. Architects are often designing new and unique buildings for clients. If you are a highly creative person, becoming an architect will help you explore your creative side even further. It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling career.
Best Companies for Architects FAQ
Industries that employ innovative architects are non-residential and residential construction companies, specialized urban design services firms, and architectural engineering businesses. You can also land a job as an architect at firms focusing on land subdivisions or just specialize in designing multi-family buildings.
Before selecting an architect, you should inquire about the architect’s references, timeframe, price structure, and project challenges. To avoid being blindsided by the cost, quality, or timeline, it’s critical to be on the same page with the architect.
Yes, architectural companies offer multiple benefits. These companies provide employees bonuses, insurance, paid leave, and retirement programs. The benefits vary from one company to another, so you should check the job description to gain more insight into the role you are applying for.
The type of architects that have the highest pay include landscape architects, architectural technologists, architectural designers, preservation architects, and architecture managers. These skilled professionals earn an average salary of $28,885 to $150,413 each year.
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