Have you ever wondered how much architects earn in Indonesia? Architect salaries can vary depending on experience, skills, and the type of projects they handle. From junior to senior architects, each level has a different salary range.
Moreover, the career ladder in architecture is quite diverse, ranging from junior, mid-level, to senior positions. Are you curious to know more about architect salaries? Then, read on for a detailed review of this article!
What Is an Architect?
An architect is a professional who designs buildings while considering their function and purpose. Architects work closely with contractors to bring their designs to life.
To become an architect, a special certification is required, similar to how doctors need a practice license. This is regulated by Law Number 6 of 2017 on Architects, which mandates the Architect Registration Certificate.
This rule is important because designing a building is not just about drawing, but also ensuring structural safety. A good design must guarantee the safety of its occupants.
Architect Job Descriptions
An architect’s role goes beyond just drawing plans. As stated above, they play a crucial role in planning a building, from designing the initial concept, coordinating with clients, to overseeing the construction process. Here are some main responsibilities of an architect:
1. Planning and Designing Buildings
An architect is responsible for planning and designing buildings according to the client's needs. This task starts with analyzing the client's data to develop the initial concept. The concept is then depicted in diagrams showing the building’s function and form. Once the initial concept is approved, the architect will develop it into the final design.
2. Overseeing the Construction Process
After completing the design, the architect needs to oversee the construction process. This supervision is done periodically to ensure that the construction matches the design and is completed on time.
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3. Complying with Regulations in Indonesia
Architects are responsible for adhering to the applicable regulations in Indonesia, including laws, architectural standards, and building codes. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved, i.e. the architect, contractors, workers, as well as the building’s occupants.
4. Preparing the Budget Plan
Architects are also responsible for preparing the budget estimate plan for the project, which includes calculating the building’s area to determine material needs. Additionally, architects also need to prepare supporting documents such as the Work Plan and Terms and the Bill of Quantities (BQ) required for the bidding process.
5. Collaborating with Clients and Contractors
Next, an architect must collaborate with clients and contractors to ensure the project runs smoothly and that the design meets the client’s needs. After the design is approved, the architect will work closely with the contractor, who is responsible for constructing the building according to the design.
6. Keeping Up with Current Trends
Last but not least, architects need to stay updated on the latest trends in architecture and technology. By following these developments, they can fulfill client requirements and apply technological innovations to improve work efficiency.
Architect Salary
An architect's monthly salary can vary depending on the career progression with three stages:
- Junior Architect
- Mid-Level Architect
- Senior Architect
A junior architect is an entry-level position and does not have full responsibility for designing buildings. Junior architects typically assist mid-level architects and are supervised by senior architects.
The salary for a junior architect fresh out of university typically ranges from IDR3,500,000 to IDR5,500,000, which is equivalent to the minimum wage in the area where they work. After gaining 1-2 years of experience, their salary can increase two to three times.
However, these figures are averages. If someone works at a large company abroad or chooses to freelance after graduation, their salary can be significantly higher.
Experienced architects with strong client recommendations can also work independently on a project-by-project basis, with earnings potentially reaching hundreds of millions per project.
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Comparison of Architect Salaries in Indonesia and Abroad
Architect salaries in Indonesia are significantly lower compared to those in other countries, especially in the Americas or Europe. Here is the average salary comparison for architects in various regions:
- Central and South America: IDR1.4 billion - IDR1.8 billion per year.
- Eastern Europe: IDR1.1 billion - IDR1.4 billion per year.
- Middle East: IDR774 million - IDR1.3 billion per year.
- Africa: IDR744 million per year.
- Australia: IDR1.1 billion per year.
Types of Architects
There are several types of architects you can choose from if you want to pursue a career in this field, including:
- Residential Architect: This architect typically works with individual clients to design regular residential houses.
- Housing Architect: This architect works with housing development companies. The designs they create differ from individual house designs because housing architects must consider shared systems so that the buildings can be used by many people without issues.
- Commercial Architect: They work on projects for business buildings such as hotels, shopping centers, and cafes. In large projects, commercial architects usually work in teams.
- Industrial Architect: They focus on corporate buildings, understanding the structure, and internal installation systems. They also need to understand the input and output processes within an industry.
How to Become an Architect
To become a professional architect, there are several qualifications that must be met. In addition to having a bachelor's degree in architecture, aspiring architects also need work experience, to pass a competency exam, and to obtain an Architect Registration Certificate. Here’s the complete explanation:
1. Education Degree
To become an architect, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree in architecture. Afterward, you must follow the Architect Professional Education Study Program and pass the competency exam. Next, you need to continue your education with a master's degree in architecture to become a professional architect. An internship program for several years is also required as part of the educational process.
2. Certification and Licensing
Next, to become an architect, you need to meet the certification, licensing, and competency exam requirements. One of the necessary licenses is the Architect Registration Certificate, which allows you to practice as an architect.
Additional certifications, such as the Building Technical Practitioner License and Architecture Competency Standards, should also be held by an architect. In addition, architects are required to take a competency exam held by The Indonesian Architects Council, which has three levels of architectural competency: junior architect, mid-level architect, and senior architect.
3. Skills and Abilities Needed
Architects need to have specific skills to perform their duties well. Some of the required skills include:
- Numerical and artistic abilities.
- Knowledge of legal fundamentals.
- Critical and creative thinking skills.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Communication and collaboration skills.
That was the complete overview of architect salaries in Indonesia. As explained above, an architect's salary varies significantly depending on their career level. If you are an architect who desires high-quality, durable project outcomes, choosing the right building materials is crucial. For that reason, you can easily find what you need at Semen Merah Putih.
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Our services include consultations and the development of innovative products to support your construction needs. We also supply high-quality aggregates that are essential to ensuring the stability and strength of building structures.
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