Introduction
Little has more impact on our lives than the built environment around us. That built environment exists because of the professionals and skilled tradespeople from multiple disciplines that plan, design, construct, operate, and manage it. They focus on meeting important needs of citizens including providing sustainable, cost effective and safe environments for living, working, playing and learning.
Today's buildings-related professionals and tradespeople make use of cutting edge technology including building information modeling (BIM), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), smart controls and renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaics and wind to deliver high-performance buildings.
For those students interested in pursuing building operations related careers, the Department of Energy, General Services Administration, National Institute of Building Sciences, the Consortium for Building Energy Innovation, Penn State University and Facility Engineering Associates have developed a career map for Building Operations Professional, Energy Auditor, Building Commissioning Professional, and Energy Managers. The Facilities Career Map demonstrates what possible careers look like in terms of sequential positions, roles, credentials, experience and education/training.
The information contained here is intended to provide an introduction to the various disciplines and opportunities within the buildings industry. You are encouraged to explore the rest of the Whole Building Design Guide and contact the organizations identified below for additional insight into career opportunities.
This career center supports the Mars City Facility Ops Challenge developed by the National Institute of Building Sciences, Total Learning Research Institute and National Aeronautics and Space Administration but provides tools for anyone considering a career in the buildings-related disciplines.
Building Science Disciplines
Architecture
- John Jackson, Architect, HOK
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Career Stages
Architectural Programming
Building Scientist
- Paul Totten, Building Scientist, WSP Group
- Building Science Concepts
Code Official
- Peter Mensinger, Code Official, City of Alexandria, VA
- International Code Council (ICC) High School Technical Training Program
Commissioning Authority
Cost Estimating
Electrical Engineering
Fire Protection Engineering
HVAC and Refrigerating Engineering
- Dunstan Macauley, Mechanical Engineer, WSP Group
- ASHRAE K-12 Activities
- HVACR Workforce Development Foundation: Careers In HVAC
- Why Become an HVAC Technician
- Why Choose a Career in HVACR
Information Technologies Engineering
Interior Design
- Deborah Davis, Interior Designer, Deborah Davis Design
- American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Student Resources
Landscape Architecture
- Radhika Mohan, Landscape Architect and Urban Planner, City of Alexandria, VA
- American Society of Landscape Architects, Become a Landscape Architect
- Landscape Architecture and the Site Security Design Process
Lighting Design
- David Ghatan, Lighting Designer, CM Kling + Associates
Planning
Plumbing Engineering
Researcher
- Lisa Choe, Building Science Researcher, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Harrison Skye, Building Science Researcher, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Guide to NIST's STEM Education Activities
Structural Engineering
- Robert Victor, Structural Engineer, HDR
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pre-College Outreach
Sustainability Specialist
- Fulya Kocak, Sustainability Director, Clark Construction
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Center for Green Schools
Welding / Welding Engineering
Woodworker
- Tony Daggett, Cabinet Maker, Architect of the Capitol
