Architect
Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and restore and conserve existing buildings.
- Starter salary£31,000 a year
- Experienced£58,000 a year
- Typical hours35 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As an architect, you would:
- discuss ideas, materials, costs and timelines with clients
- draft plans by hand and using computer aided design software
- prepare instructions for construction and engineering teams
- manage projects and visit sites to check on progress
- make sure plans follow building laws, safety regulations and budgets
- draw up bids, contracts and planning applications
- work closely with construction professionals to deal with any problems
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio, in an office or visit sites.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- thinking and reasoning skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a architect
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
To become an architect, you'll need to complete Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural training.
This is made up of:
- a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) - Part 1
- a year of practical work experience
- a further 2 years' full-time university course like a BArch, Diploma, MArch - Part 2
- a year of practical training
- a final qualifying exam - Part 3
A number of universities offer an extra foundation year, which prepares you for study at degree level for Part 1.
You'll need a portfolio of your work when you are interviewed for degree courses. Course providers will want to see examples like hand drawn sketches, photographs and models.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do an Architectural Assistant Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to start Part 1 training for this role.
You could then move on to complete an Architect Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship to achieve Parts 2 and 3.
These apprenticeships can take up to 4 years each, and are a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.
You can find out more about architecture apprenticeships from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
If you're working in an architectural practice, you may be able to study on a foundation course and do Parts 1 and 2 of architectural qualifications through RIBA Studio.
You would be mentored in the office throughout your training and be supported to gain the Part 3 qualification to become an architect.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a principal architect or a partner in an architectural practice
- work on projects as a freelance consultant
- set up your own architectural design business
- specialise in a particular area, for example commercial, residential or interior architecture
Career tips
RIBA Future Architects offers lots of resources to support architectural students.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal Institute of British Architects for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board
Guides for this industry
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