An architect invoice is a financial statement that lists design services rendered by professional architects at the request of residential or commercial clients. In comparison to a basic bill, an invoice outlines in detail the ins and outs of how and why charges were listed, contains a means of contacting both the client or architect, and provides clients with an understanding of how, when, and where payment should be sent.

Table of Contents

• What do Architects do?
• How to Become an Architect
  • 4 Milestones
• Architect Salary & Hourly Rate

What do Architects do?

Architects create designs of buildings both large and small, taking in a variety of factors to ensure the building is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and above all else, safe. To complete the job, architects rely on a set of physical and digital tools, which include computer-aided software (AutoCAD, Archicad, Chief Architect, etc.), specialty tracing paper, rulers, bow compasses, triangles, protractors, and scales. Before construction begins, architects often meet with clients to identify objectives of the project, offer rough price estimates, prepare drawings (or request drawings be made), and develop the necessary documents required by contractors to begin the build. An architect can be found during all phases of a construction project to ensure it goes along as planned, often tasked with answering any questions from contractors and making blueprint alterations as appropriate.

How to Become an Architect

The path to becoming an architect is often described as tedious due to the amount of education required of students. However, the effort is often worth the reward, as students may find themselves blending their mathematical knowledge with a healthy dose of design, leading to the development of future infrastructure.

According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), students can expect to spend roughly 12-13 years completing the requisites for architecture licensure.

4 Milestones

1.) Education – Upon completing High School and earning a diploma, students should look at applying to a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) approved school. For a full list of accredited schools in each state, check out the NAAB Accredited Architecture Programs.

2.) Experience – Students or recent graduates will need to earn experience before undergoing examination. The Architectural Experience Program (AXP) was designed by NCARB to provide hopeful architects with a means of documenting the knowledge they gain. According to NCARB, the AXP can be started upon graduating from High School.

3.) Examination – The means of examination for architects is the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE). Each jurisdiction in which a candidate plans on taking the ARE has requirements before testing can begin. For more information on what is tested with the ARE, how to prepare for it, pass rates, and other pertinent information, head to NCARB’s ‘Pass the ARE.’

4.) Licensure & Certification – The final step to becoming a full-fledged architect is passing any state-mandated licenses. For licensing requirements in all fifty (50) states, check out NCARB’s Licensing Requirements Tool.

Architect Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)

Salary: $79,380/yr (source: BLS)

Hourly Rate: $38.16/hr (source: (source: BLS)