Administrative: This position focuses on providing administrative support and office management: filing, answering phones, scheduling, ordering--anything that helps the office run smoothly. Adminidtrative positions require no background in architecture and provide a good way for a person with an interest in architecture to safely test the waters and observe the actual operations of an architecture firm.

Draftsperson: There are often two categories within this title, junior and senior, differentiated by level of experience and responsibility. A draftsperson drafts the drawing for a project, directed by the project architect or project manager. She should have the requisite degree in architecture, but is not necessarily licensed, and she should have a solid understanding of computer aided design (CAD) in addition to good hand-drawing and hand-lettering skills. A wide range of experiences is acceptable to achieve this position.

Job captain: This person coordinates and works on the drawings for a project. She organizes and updates the drawings and directs staff as necessary. A job captain has a degree in architecture but is not necessarily licensed. She should have a minimum of about five years' work experience.

Project manager: A project manager is responsible for day-to-day management, coordination of staff on projects, scheduling of tasks and consultant coordination. This job requires educational and work experience similar to what a job captain requires. Project architect: A project architect is responsible for overall supervision of the project: design and coordination of details for the drawings, consultation coordination, decision making for field issues, etc. (in small offices some responsibilities overlap with the project managers). Production of specifications (what types of materials are to be used) and overall review of project documents are also responsibilities of a project architect. This position requires licensure in the state of employment. Attaining this position typically requires ten years of work experience.

Principal or Partner: The principal runs the firm. Some firms with more than one head person have a design principal or partner and a business partner. At others, the principal might do everything: design, marketing, overall administrative and strategic planning, client contact and meetings, project scheduling and administration and business planning.