Aayushi
25 January, 2024
Table of Contents
Hello Readers! There is a common misconception for many architects, that after getting an Architecture degree, you do not have to study further and you can start working right away. Well, there is no loss to do further research to boost your career.
Most architectural minds think about just building breathtaking spaces but what about building thriving businesses? You might be wondering about conjuring concrete dreams but the intricacies of the corporate world might feel like an alien language to you. Moreover, Your profession will involve navigating the complexities of budgets, contracts, and client expectations. This is where the unexpected hero enters the scene: MBA for Architects.
After getting an MBA degree alongside an Architecture degree, the blueprints of your future will no longer be confined to blueprints on paper. Your design skills will remain the foundation but with an MBA degree you will be able to transform your vision into reality. Imagine, wielding not just a T-square, but also the expertise to manage finances, negotiate deals, and lead teams with confidence.
Here are some key stats & demand for Architects with MBAs:
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Even the most magnificent buildings need a solid foundation and here, we are talking about our career. As an Architect, that foundation can be strengthened through an MBA degree.
You will have multiple advantages such as getting a chance to refine your creative and technical skills to craft stunning spaces. An MBA adds a layer of business acumen that can open the doors to exciting new possibilities in your career. Now the most asked question: Why should you consider pursuing an MBA after your Architecture degree? Well, here are some compelling reasons:
You will get a broad knowledge of Budgets & blueprints, You will understand that deadlines are critical paths and clients are stakeholders. An MBA degree will sharpen your understanding of these fundamental business concepts. You will be able to translate your creative brilliance into financial feasibility. You will learn to speak the language of investors and manage resources effectively so that you can ensure your projects thrive in the competitive world.
Great Architects are visionary leaders and an MBA polishes your leadership skills to a high shine. You will gain the confidence to manage teams, motivate colleagues, and navigate complex project dynamics. Whether you are leading a design team or heading a construction firm, your enhanced leadership skills will empower you to inspire and achieve.
Most people think an MBA programme is just about lectures when it is much more than that. It is a breeding ground for connections. You will be surrounded by a diverse network consisting of professionals, Seasoned Executives, Entrepreneurs, and Fellow Architects. Each individual is eager to collaborate and share insights with you to build connections. This network will become your launchpad for future ventures, opening doors to new opportunities & partnerships.
As an Architect, your artistic talent will remain your core strength. However, an MBA degree will broaden your career horizons. You can venture into exciting new fields like Real Estate Development, Construction Management, or can even venture into starting your own Design Firm. The possibilities are endless and will allow you to shape your career path according to your aspirations.
The Architecture industry is constantly evolving, and an MBA will ensure that you stay ahead of the curve. You will gain insights into emerging technologies, sustainable practices, and market trends. You will be able to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape.
If we talk about specialisations, not all MBA paths are the same, and for Architects, specialisations like Construction Management, Urban Planning, and Sustainable Design offer a seamless transition from their educational background. These programmes will equip the graduates with the skills that are needed to navigate the complexities of the Architectural and Construction industries.
Here are some of the popular choices for MBA Specialisations that Architects can go for:
| Name | Description |
| Construction Management | Overseeing and coordinating construction projects |
| Real Estate Management | Managing and maximising the value of real estate |
| Urban Planning | Planning and development of urban areas |
| Project Management | Planning, executing, and closing projects |
| Sustainable Design | Integrating environmentally friendly design |
| Facilities Management | Maintenance and management of facilities |
| Infrastructure Management | Planning and overseeing infrastructure projects |
| Environmental Management | Managing environmental impact and compliance |
| Business Development for Architectural Firms | Growing and managing business opportunities |
| Strategic Design Management | Developing and implementing design strategies |
Most MBA programmes for Architects require a minimum of 50% marks in the undergraduate degree, along with a valid entrance score in national or state level entrance exams like GMAT or CAT. Some universities may also ask for prior work experience in the field. These criteria will ensure that candidates are well-prepared for success in the dynamic field of architecture.
This section provides a list of top MBA colleges that you can choose according to your needs. It is important to choose the university which provides you the best education within your budget. Here are some colleges listed which provide the best MBA education:
| Name of the University | Fee |
| IIM Ahmedabad | INR 33,00,000 (Full course) |
| IIM Bangalore | INR 24,50,000 |
| Indian School of Business | INR 38,78,000 (Tuition Fee) |
| Amity University | INR 3,89,000 (Per Semester) |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University | INR 1,30,000 (Full course) |
You can also go for an Online MBA degree if you do not want to disturb your current responsibilities as it provides you the flexibility to seamlessly integrate with your professional commitments. There are numerous benefits that you will get after pursuing an Online MBA. You will learn multiple skills like project management, strategic design, and business development which are all related to the architectural field. If you want to make an impact in the field of architecture then you can choose this mode of learning.
| Online/Distance MBA University | Average Fee |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | INR 1,40,200 |
| Jain University | INR 1,50,000- INR 2,61,000 |
| Online Manipal University | INR 1,75,000 |
| Chandigarh University | INR 1,50,000 |
| Symbiosis Online | INR 3,00,000 |
Related: Top 10 Online MBA Degree Colleges in India- UPDATED!
You might be wondering what career option you can go for after completing an MBA as an Architect. You will be spearheading innovative design projects. You will be leading Architectural firms & working on urban planning on a grand scale. The possibilities are boundless!
| Job Role | Description |
| Architectural Project Manager | Oversee projects, manage budgets, and optimise success. |
| Urban Planning Consultant | Develop sustainable urban strategies through research. |
| Construction Management Specialist | Manage construction projects for on-time, on-budget completion. |
| Sustainable Design Analyst | Integrate efficiency-focused sustainable practices into designs. |
| Real Estate Development Manager | Oversee real estate development for funding and profitability. |
| Business Development Executive | Identify opportunities and drive growth for architectural firms. |
| Strategic Design Manager | Formulate design strategies aligned with business goals. |
| Facilities Management Consultant | Oversee facility operations, optimising functionality. |
| Environmental Design Consultant | Integrate eco-friendly considerations into designs, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint. |
| Research and Development Specialist | Conduct research for innovation in architectural design and construction techniques. Advance the field with Analytics. |
| Job Role | Salary Range (Annual, INR) |
| Architectural Project Manager | 4,00,000 – 33,00,000 |
| Urban Planning Consultant | 2,20,000 – 10,50,000 |
| Construction Management Specialist | 4,40,000 – 36,00,000 |
| Sustainable Design Analyst | 2,60,000 – 17,00,000 |
| Real Estate Development Manager | 10,00,000 – 25,00,000 |
| Business Development Executive | 1,60,000 – 7,00,000 |
| Strategic Design Manager | 5,40,000 – 26,50,000 |
| Facilities Management Consultant | 1,80,000 – 6,40,000 |
| Environmental Design Consultant | 2,20,000 – 16,00,000 |
| Research and Development Specialist | 6,10,000 – 26,00,000 |
Source- Ambition Box
Remember, an MBA is not just about adding a degree to your resume. It is about building a strong foundation for your dreams. It is about transforming yourself from a talented artist to a strategic architect like a leader who can not only design beautiful spaces but also navigate the business world with confidence and success.
