Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 3/14/2005

Question
I want to know how much an architect earns with each project and how is the work load ? Are you always busy? Does an architect work in his own company or under a big one? How demanding is an architect now?How about the planning and sketches how do you come up with that and for how long do you work on it?is your job tiring?

Answer
The workload is very demanding.  Many people don't understand that the thought process involved in good planning and design is actually very hard, demanding work.
Sometimes when I go home at night, I feel like I have run a 10K road race; the mental activity is so intense that it actually is physically draining, as well.
Earnings vary widely; in general, architects do not get rich, but we work indoors and are able to have fun and make a decent living.  My wife, who is a nurse with a strong specialty, makes considerably more money than I do with about the same number of years of experience and education.
I hope that answers your question.
PB