Only a person who loves to create new ideas can be

happy in architecture – Pramod Kumar, Architect

JUNE 29, 2018

Insights

1. There is huge scope in architecture as there are constant development

and re-development of building, houses, roads, factories etc.
2. It takes a lot of time to establish as an architect. So, in initial years, one
has to work long hours with no leaves.
3. As this is a physically demanding career with long hours, only a
passionate person can be happy in this career. That person needs to
love creating and implementing new ideas.
 4. You get to mingle with rich and famous people, which helps in elevating
your social life.
5. Work-life balance is not so good. This is an emergency kind of job
where the client can call you anytime.

Personal Details

Name – Pramod Kumar

Profession – Architect

Age – 41 years

Gender – Male

Industry – ​Architecture

City – Greater Noida

Where have you been born and raised?

I was born in Palla. My schooling till 8th class was carried out in Gr. Noida.
Then I moved to Muzaffarnagar, UP till 10th class and finally completed my
12th and further education from Delhi.

My father was an industrial worker in JK Company and mother was a

homemaker. I have a brother and two sisters.
Who had the most influence on you and how?

My father had the most influence on me. He always motivated me to pursue

my passions and enabled me to achieve it.

Please give a summary of your career as an architect.

I first worked under Anil Dutt, an Architect in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi.

Later, I opened my own office in Greater Noida with a small staff and started
working on contractual basis. I’ve been an architect for 14 years now.

Which institutes are best for the training/education of

architecture?

In my opinion, ​CEPT University of Ahmedabad​, ​Sushant College of Art and

Architecture​ and ​Chandigarh School of Architecture​ are the three best
institutes for this profession.

What are the costs associated with the training/education of

architecture?

The government aided institutes have a very nominal fee structure. The fee
structure of such institutes is between INR 160,000–230,000 for the entire 4.5
years duration.
In case of the private institute, the fee structure varies from institute to institute
and it is around 3,50,000 INR per year.

Scholarships are offered to unprivileged and meritorious students.

Government aided institutes also provide scholarships for the top-ranked
students.

What are the typical entry-level jobs in this profession?

Most of the Architecture colleges in India offer education in Architecture at an

undergraduate level and students with Mathematics in class 12th are eligible.
Preparation for an All India Entrance Exam can be started soon after 10th
Class. If you get selected in the entrance, you will get a suitable college of
your preference after counseling.

Top courses in Architecture in India are ​BArch​, ​BPlan​ and ​B. Arch in Interior
Design​. These are five years courses. At postgraduate level, you have ​MArch​,
MArch in Landscape Architecture​, which is a 2-year course.

What is the range of salary one can expect in architecture

industry?

The starting salary can be even higher than average Indian salary if the
candidate is from premier architecture college.

Starting out — 3.6 lakhs INR per annum

5 years’ experience — 7 lakhs INR per annum

10 years’ experience — 13 lakhs INR per annum

15 years’ experience — 20 lakhs INR per annum

20+ years’ experience — 30 lakhs INR per annum

Please describe your work as an architect.

Most of my work is in government organizations such as Public Works

Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Defence, National
Building Organization, Town and Country Planning Organization, National
Institute of Urban Affairs, Departments of Railways, Post and Telegraphs,
Public Sector Undertakings, Housing and Urban Development Corporation,
National Building Construction Corporation Ltd., etc.

Some architects focus on other government organizations or bodies like State

Departments, Housing Boards, and Local municipal Bodies.

And some architects focus on private organizations or residences.

My work is to serve as a designer of the buildings. I help clients with my ideas

and help them balance their requirements of appearance, budget and time
frame.

I usually work for 12 hours a day and practically on all 7 days a week. The
only time I’m not working is on National holidays and festivities.
What are some of the positives which would encourage
someone to consider architect as a profession?

1. There is a lot of creative work where you’ve to play with a number of

ideas. You get to think in new ways and be both practical and creative in
whatever you do. I create new ideas and things every day which
according to me is the best aspect of this job.
2. Social life and influence I enjoy due to my profession is an added
benefit. Most of my clients are influential and rich people. You get to
interact with a lot of high-class people which gives you a good social life
and recognition.
3. Another positive aspect is the income. Of course, when you’re hired by
a rich man, you’d earn big money. Many architects are hired by MNCs
and even governmental organizations which provide really great
income.
4. There is great scope in this career as in this era there is no single big
institution or organization that doesn’t need an architect and as the
world will progress more, this need will only increase. So even if we
work privately, there is great job security. Some companies hire
permanent architects as there is always some or the other construction
going on in these constantly developing organizations. Governmental
institutes hire us on a contractual or permanent basis.

What are some of the challenges that you would want someone
to be aware of when considering this career/job?

1. Your lack of communication and persuasion skills will be detrimental to

you. If you fail to appease your client, your credibility could take huge
blows.
 2. Work-life balance is not so good. This is an emergency kind of job
where the client can call you anytime. You’ve to be in constant
interaction with him/her and make it up to him/her always.
3. You need to be punctual and no excuses are accepted by clients. If you
fail to respond, you instantly lose a hefty deal.
4. Though you get a good income, it does not come easy. You have to
work hard and work constantly. Many of your designs/models may be
rejected and you have to start over again.

What are the relevant skills/technologies/trends that are

commanding a premium in your job profile?

One must have a strong base in Maths and Physics. A person requires sound
communication skills and immense physical stamina to get into the profession
of architecture. He is expected to work on a desk as well on the construction
site. Excellent memory and sound concentration level, flexibility, patience,
team spirit, responsibility, and accountability, etc. It also requires innovative
thinking, practical skills, and technological expertise.

What kind of a person would be happy in your career?

A person who has the passion for novelty gets new ideas, and knows how to
implement them would do great in this work. Maths and especially geometry is
important for the person to be good at this work. Spatial intelligence would be
a great plus point.
Given another choice, what would you do differently as far as
your professional selections are concerned?

No. I don’t need to. I’ll be more successful in my career within some more
years so there is no need for me to shift careers.

What would be your advice to students or professionals who

are just starting their journey on a path like yours?

Practice as much as you can. No one can really call themselves perfect, but
practicing helps you achieve near perfection. You get to learn something new
every time you practice.

Liked this article? Check out ​our conversation with Ms. Minakshi
Mohanta​(Architect in Delhi).

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