Architect
What is the work like?
Architects design and construct new buildings and restore and conserve old ones. Their work also involves planning the layout of groups of buildings and the spaces around them.
As an architect, you would create a design, taking into account all of your clients’ requirements and a range of other issues including:
- budget
- safety
- social factors
- building regulations
- planning laws.
Once a design is agreed, you would:
- produce a further set of detailed drawings for the building contractor, with precise dimensions and materials
- work closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments
- regularly inspect the construction work to assess progress.
You would be responsible for a building project from the earliest stage through to completion. On larger jobs, you could work in a team alongside other architects and architectural technicians or technologists.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The most common way to qualify as an architect involves:
- five years’ study on university courses recognised for registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and
- at least two years’ professional experience.
You would complete this in the following stages:
- a three year full-time undergraduate BA or BSc degree (known as Part 1)
- paid professional experience in an architectural practice, typically for one year (known as Stage 1)
- a further two year full-time degree, for example a BArch, Diploma or MArch (known as Part 2 – final award)
- at least one year’s further paid professional experience (known as Stage 2)
- professional exam (known as Part 3).
Once you have completed the Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications you can register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and apply to become a Chartered Member of the RIBA.
To get onto the undergraduate degree you will need:
- at least five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and physics or chemistry, and
- three A levels.
Many schools of architecture will want to see a portfolio of your drawings and sketches. Please check with course providers for exact entry details – see the ARB website for a list.
As an alternative to full-time training you may be able to complete part-time university courses whilst remaining in employment. However, it will take longer to qualify if you choose this route.
Some university schools of architecture will give you exemption from parts of their courses if you already have relevant qualifications or extensive experience. You should check with them for details.
See the RIBA and ARB websites for full details of qualifications.
What further training and development can I do?
As a qualified architect it is important for you to keep up-to-date with developments by taking short courses run by your employer or organisations such as RIBA.
As a chartered member of RIBA, you need to complete continuing professional development activities to keep up your membership. See the RIBA website for details.
You could develop your knowledge by completing a postgraduate course in a subject related to architecture, such as civil engineering, town planning, surveying, building and building services, landscape design, interior design and conservation. These are offered by most schools of architecture.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 020 7580 5861London
W1B 1AD
Tel: 020 7580 5533
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Architects studying Part 2, RIBA exams can earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
- Qualified architects with experience can earn around £50,000.
- Senior architects can earn up to £75,000.
Salaries vary depending on the type of architectural practice/organisation and its location.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, deadlines and workload can sometimes involve working unsocial hours. With some organisations, you may be expected to cover an on-call rota.
You would be mainly office-based, although you may spend some time travelling to sites and meetings, visiting clients, planning departments and builders. When visiting sites you may need to wear protective clothing such as a hard hat and boots.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in buildings and their uses
- practical and scientific skills
- a methodical, logical and analytical approach
- design and computer/CAD skills
- strong mathematical ability
- good business awareness
- strong communication and negotiating skills
- the ability to manage and lead a team
- the ability to work under pressure, and accept criticism of your work
- an awareness of the social and environmental impact of your work.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most job opportunities in private practice and progression will depend on your skills, competence and experience.
With experience, you may be able work on freelance contracts or set up your own practice. You may have the opportunity to work overseas, as many private practices have contracts or offices abroad.
You could also work in the public sector or in-house with a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations in areas such as retail, leisure, tourism and banking. In a public sector organisation, you may be able to progress to chief architect.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
RIBA Appointments
Architects' Journal
Architects Registration Board
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