Any beautiful, well-designed, and well-planned structure owes its existence to an excellent architect. Today in a world of ever-increasing and fast-growing cities, careful planning is a basic necessity. And to make our cities more beautiful and well-organized, besides preserving other ancient monuments in them, architects exist.

Architects specialize in the field of architecture, which involves visualizing and creating well-planned structures and other features from scratch. It has several branches too, in which different types of architects specialize.

For example, landscape architecture is concerned with designing places and structures that are functional and also compatible with the natural environment. Architects specializing in landscape architecture are landscape architects. They are involved in the detailed planning of a landscape project taking into account the land terrain and use, and other factors.

Architects enroll in architecture programs and courses, which are certified by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, which is the sole authorized agency for accrediting programs according to some, stated objectives and standards. Some universities like State University of New York, University of Virginia, and many more generally provide certified graduate and undergraduate programs.

Professionally competent once graduating from the accredited courses, architects can join and start their practice. However, certain states require an additional licensure to allow architects to work independently. Many states even require their architects to have an ongoing continuing education to help them be informed and educated about advancements in the field.

To represent architects and lay down rules and codes of conduct for them, certain institutes exist in the country. Among such institutes, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the chief representing body of all architects in our country. Founded in 1857, it is an amalgamation of architects, partners, other emerging professionals, and many organizations and groups.

Besides being the voice of member architects, it also acts as a governing body, monitoring and awarding individuals and organizations for ‘outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture and the AIA’. Just like the AIA, the American Society of Landscape Architects and International Federation of Landscape Architects Central Region have been set up for landscape architects.

To honor architects for their outstanding work and contribution to society, several awards exist. The most prestigious award is known as the Nobel Prize of Architecture or the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Created in 1979, it is awarded each year to architects for their outstanding work.