An eye for design.

Name: Shelton Kilby

Occupation: Architectural designer 

Duties: Designs buildings and other structures

Salary range: $27K for interns; $33K for licensed architects with 3-5 yrs. experience; $45K for 8-10 yrs; $75K-and up for firm partners

Training: An architecture degree, practical training or internship. To become licensed, you must complete the Architectural Registration Examination

While other kids were outside playing cops and robbers, Shelton Kilby was busy turning his Legos into structural works of art. "I've always dreamed of doing something monumental in helping to shape the physical environment," says Kilby, 32. His lifelong love of building, drawing and working with people seemed to provide a natural link to the world of architecture.

He earned a B.S. in architectural studies, which consisted of extensive coursework in structural engineering, history, project management and computer-aided design. After graduating in 1989 from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Kilby drew renderings and built models as an intern architect for a nearby firm. When the local economy slumped, the New Jersey native returned to develop his building construction skills with Ammann & Whitney, an engineering and architecture firm in New York.

Last year, his eye for detail landed him an architectural designer position with Manhattan's Skidmore, Owings and Merrill L.L.P., the architecture, engineering, urban planning and interior design firm that designed Chicago's Sears Tower and the 88-story Jin Mao Building in Shanghai, China. At press time, he was in the process of obtaining registration from the New York State Board of Architecture. "I get a lot of satisfaction from creating solutions to help meet society's physical needs."

For additional information, contact: Careers in Architecture Program, The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006; 202-626-7300; www. aiaonline.com.