Science stream students who have a passion for art and design can consider studying architecture. This is a field where students need a good foundation in science and a passion for art to excel.
What do architects do?
- Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
- Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
- Prepare structure specifications
- Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
- Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors
- Manage construction contracts
- Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
- Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations
work environment
ADVERTISING
Although architects usually work in an office, they must also travel to construction sites. Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they meet with clients, develop reports and drawings, and work with other architects and engineers. They also visit construction sites to ensure that clients’ objectives are met and to review the progress of projects. Some architects work from home offices.
Work schedules
Most architects work full time and many work additional hours, especially when facing deadlines. Self-employed architects may have more flexible work schedules.
What Qualities do you need?
Analytical skills. Architects must understand the content of designs and the context in which they were created. For example, architects must understand the locations of mechanical systems and how those systems affect building operations.
Communication skills. Architects share their ideas, both in oral presentations and in writing, with clients, other architects, and workers who help prepare drawings. Many also give presentations to explain their ideas and designs.
creativity. Architects design the overall look of houses, buildings, and other structures. They must ensure that the final product is both attractive and functional.
Organizational skills. Architects often manage contracts. Therefore, they must keep records related to the details of a project, including total cost, materials used, and progress.
Technical skills. Architects need to use CADD technology to create plans as part of building information modeling (BIM).
Visualization skills. Architects must be able to envision how the parts of a structure relate to each other. They also must be able to visualize how the overall building will look once completed.
Education and training
Architects in Malaysia are required to have a certain level of qualification, which is governed by the Board of Architects Malaysia, or Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). It is known as LAM Parts I, II, and III.
To be qualified as a Professional Architect in Malaysia, you must work as an architect for at least two years after graduating and have completed all of the project requirements set by LAM before submitting an evaluation report and passing the LAM Part III examination.
Graduates who obtain their Degrees in Architecture from programme/s other than the ones listed below will be required to appear for the LAM Part I and Part II Examination conducted by the Architectural Examination Council of the Board. A full set of learning portfolio and other relevant information has to be produced to the Architectural Examination Council Malaysia.
Graduates who obtain qualifications in architecture from recognized universities/institutions or after passing the LAM Part I and II Examination are eligible to register as Graduate Architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia.
The Accreditation for local programs and Validation for overseas programs will be based on the Attributes, Knowledge and Skills Required in Architectural Study as stated in the Manual of Accreditation for Architecture Program
There are many colleges and universities offering architectural courses in Malaysia. There are Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs.
Those who obtain Certificate or Diploma work as draftsman or in Town Planning Offices.
After gaining the necessary experience they may continue their studies to become qualified architects.
Always check with LAM to verify whether the qualification is recognized before you start your studies.
Some of the Colleges / Universities offering architectural courses are listed below:
Cosmopoint College Kota Kinabalu
First City University College
Geomatica University College
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur
Institut Kemahiran MARA Kota Kinabalu
International Islamic University Malaysia
Kolej Laila Taib
Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
ADVERTISING
Multimedia University (MMU)
Politeknik Merlimau Melaka
Politeknik Port Dickson
Sabah Institute of Art
SEGi University
Taylor’s University
The One Academy of Communication Design
UCSI University
Ungku Omar Polytechnic
University of Kuala Lumpur
University of Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
University of Putra Malaysia
University of Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
University of Sains Malaysia (USM)
University of Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
University College of Technology Sarawak
Check with the above institutions regarding the tuition fees, course duration, course details, etc . Compare the information you have and choose the right place to study. You can also get more information from the Sabah Chapter of LAM in Kota Kinabalu :-
MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS PERTUBUHAN AKITEK MALAYSIA,
CAWANGAN SABAH (PAM Sabah Chapter)
Lot 5 & 6, 3rd Floor, Block A, Damai Plaza Phase 4,
Ruang Pokok Kayu Manis 1, Jalan Damai, Luyang,
88300 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: (6088) 232524, 261313
Fax: (6088) 233773
E-mail: [email protected]
Career tips
ADVERTISING
Malaysia has about 2,000 registered Architects and market demand for Architectural graduates is high. Although currently due to the slow economy job opportunities are a bit gloomy, when the economy picks up, things will be better.
It is not necessary that when you obtain a degree in architecture your jobs are limited. There are many Jobs directly related to architecture, which includes:
Architectural Technologist
Building control surveyor
CAD technician
Fire risk assessor
Interior and spatial designer
town planner
urban designer
Building surveyor
Commercial/residential surveyor
construction manager
Estates manager
Estimator
Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
landscape architect
Planning and development surveyor
Production designer, theatre/television/film
Structural engineer
VFX artist
Careers in architecture is suitable for males and females. Although at one time females shy away from this industry, today there are more females entering this profession.
Q and A
If you have a question on Studying Architecture in Malaysia, write to: [email protected]
†
