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Architects typically start as staff architects and can be promoted to associate architects, who have more responsibilities and may receive bonuses or profit sharing. Associates can attend meetings, make project decisions, and make presentations to clients. Becoming an associate requires an architecture degree, work experience, and passing licensing exams. It is a step below becoming a partner, but can lead to full partnership later in a career.
Many young architects aspire to become partners in their firms, but in many cases they must first become partner architects. Architect partners are generally considered junior partners in an architectural firm. They typically hold more responsibilities than other staff architects, serve as company representatives, and earn greater financial rewards. Associate requirements vary from company to company, depending on company size and business model, but typically new associates need at least an architecture degree and a couple years of work experience.
The associate architect position is generally considered one step below serving as a partner in the firm. In some companies, associates can achieve a certain level of ownership in the business, allowing them to participate in profit sharing, or at least receive special bonuses or additional vacation time. Typically, associate architects still receive a salary and other benefits like a typical employee. Becoming a partner, however, can open the door to the possibility of becoming a full-fledged partner later in the architect’s career.
As an associate, the architect normally assumes additional responsibilities than a regular staff architect. He becomes a true representative of the company and can attend meetings on behalf of partners with the power to make project decisions. Associate Architects may also make presentations to prospective or current clients. Being an associate typically doesn’t come with the financial or legal risks of serving as a partner in a firm. This position, however, may be at greater risk of being reduced than others during times of financial hardship due to the higher salary.
Architects can be promoted to associates relatively early in their careers. It is not uncommon to come across an architect in his 20s who has already achieved this status. Most architectural firms require interns to take the licensing exams to become a registered architect before they can be promoted to associate architect level. Becoming a member of professional architecture organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), can help a young architect boost his resume, making him a more desirable candidate to become a fellow. Many companies also prefer that the employee demonstrates his or her value to the company by bringing in a certain amount of work, or new clients, before joining. Firms typically induct new Architect Associates at the same time each year, following an annual review process. The structure is similar to the associate partner model at law and accounting firms.
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