Architectural Design Associate Degrees

Related occupations
Interior Designer

Interior designers plan and design the interiors of buildings. They work for interior design firms, architectural firms, retail stores, and the design departments of large industries or institutions. Some have their own businesses. Interior designers often specialize in homes, hospitals, hotels, or... see more banks. Some specialize in restaurants, stage sets, or the interiors of ships or airplanes. When they plan the interior of a new building or the structural remodeling of an old one, interior designers usually work with architects. The architects consult with the interior designers about traffic patterns and may ask them to plan the placement of stairways, windows, and doors, as well as cabinets and other built-in units. Interior designers give advice on color schemes, window treatments, and hardware and lighting fixtures. They also suggest finishes for walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinets. They choose accessories, such as plants or paintings, that will accent an interior

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Urban Planner

Urban and regional planners determine the best uses of land and resources for homes, businesses, and recreation. They devise ways to renovate slums, expand cities, modernize transportation systems, and distribute public facilities such as schools and parks. They also find ways to attract industries... see more to communities to create jobs. Urban planners design new communities and develop programs to revitalize and expand existing cities. Regional planners work on a much larger scale, studying the problems of states, multistate regions, and sometimes entire countries. Planning generally begins with requests from city or state officials to develop new communities or renovate areas that are run down. Planners gather information about the economic and social climate, projected population growth or decline, and plans for industrial development. To get a cross section of public opinion, they meet with community groups, government agencies, and labor and business organizations. Future needs get as much attention as current problems. An expected increase in an area's population, for instance, will create a need for more electrical power. Planners determine how the necessary power can be generated without creating pollution or otherwise injuring the area.