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architect
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.
When producing a design, architects take into account all of the clients’ requirements and a range of other issues including:
- budget
- safety
- social factors
- building regulations
- planning laws.
Once a design is agreed, architects will:
- produce a further set of detailed drawings for the building contractor, with precise dimensions and materials
- liaise closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments
- regularly inspect the construction work to assess progress.
Architects will take responsibility for a building project from the earliest stage through to completion. On larger jobs a team of architects may work together.
Hours and Environment
As an architect you may be able to 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 will need to travel to sites and meetings, which can involve spending time away from home.
You will mainly be based in an office, although you may spend some time visiting clients, planning departments, builders and sites. You will visit projects and sites in all weathers. You may need to climb ladders and scaffolding, and wear safety equipment such as hard hats and boots.
Skills and Interests
To be an architect you 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 to work out costings
- 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.
Entry
To practise as an architect in the UK you must be accepted on to the UK Register of Architects, run by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). You need to complete around seven years of education and training to be eligible to join the register.
The most direct way to qualify as an architect is by taking ARB-approved (prescribed) qualifications, which involves three stages of training plus practical work experience.
Part 1 - involves completing an approved degree in architecture (the ARB hold a list of institutions). The minimum entry requirements for an architecture degree are usually five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including maths, English and a science subject, plus three A levels/H grades. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
Parts 2 and 3 are outlined in the Training section.
The ARB and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), hold information on alternative routes to qualifying as an architect. Check their websites for details; see Further Information.
Training
When you have achieved Part 1 (an ARB recognised degree in Architecture) you need to continue training to qualify as an architect, which involves:
- a year of practical training in a registered architect’s office
- Part 2 - a diploma or second degree in architecture approved by the ARB, or other approved course (this stage can take two years' full-time or four years' part-time study)
- a further year of work experience under the supervision of a registered architect
- Part 3 - the Professional Practice Examinations.
When you have completed each stage of training, you can join both RIBA (as a Chartered Architect) and the UK Register of Architects and practise independently as an architect.
As a qualified architect it is important for you to keep up-to-date with developments in the field by taking short courses, for example, which may be run by your employer or externally by organisations such as RIBA.
If you are interested in building conservation techniques, the Conference on Training in Architectural Conservation (COTAC) has information on a variety of conservation courses ranging from short, craft courses to undergraduate and postgraduate awards. Check the COTAC website (in Further Information) for details.
Opportunities
As an architect you will find most opportunities for work in private practice. However, you can 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.
Within the private sector, there is often no promotional structure and career progression will depend on your skills, competence and experience. In the public sector, you may be able to progress to chief architect.
You may have the opportunity to work overseas, as many private practices have contracts or offices abroad.
As an experienced architect, you may be able work on freelance contracts or set up your own practice.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries vary depending on the type of architectural practice/organisation and its location.
The salary for an architect studying Part 2, RIBA exams can be around £25,000 a year.
A qualified architect with experience can earn between £30,000 and £35,000.
Senior architects can earn around £50,000.
Further information
London
W1W 5BU
Tel: 020 7580 5861
Edinburgh
EH1 2BE
Tel: 0131 229 7545
London
W1B 1AD
Tel: 020 7580 5533
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice