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Architect
Architects design buildings and structures, remaining involved in the construction process until work is complete. Projects may include making changes to an existing building or creating a whole group of new buildings.
Work activities
Architects are involved in the whole construction process from the planning and design of buildings and structures through to their completion. They may work on a wide variety of projects, ranging from making changes to existing buildings to creating housing estates. The construction process begins with a brief, which the customer and the architect decide together. The brief indicates the type of building required, what it will be used for and the amount it is expected to cost.
Before the design stage begins, the architect may organise research work to obtain information on the needs and opinions of those people who will work in, live in or use the building. They also examine similar buildings and inspect the site of the development. Most buildings are the result of a team effort and the experienced architect often acts as project leader, discussing ideas with a group of professionals and co-ordinating their work.
Once ideas have been established, the architect produces sketches and plans of the exterior and interior, which show the size that the building needs to be and the materials that are appropriate for use. In some cases, the architect coordinates the construction of a model to illustrate the proposals. After the client accepts the design for a building, the architect produces detailed technical drawings for use by the building contractor. In some cases, architectural technicians may do this.
At this stage, the architect may be involved in talks with town planners and building control officers regarding planning permission and aspects of health and safety. After contracts are agreed with the building contractor, the architect draws up a specific programme of work. As building work progresses, the architect visits the site regularly to check that the work is being done according to the original drawings and specifications. They discuss any problems with the client and specialist members of the design team at work on the project.
Personal qualities and skills
To do this job well, you’ll need:
- An interest in design and some artistic ability.
- Creativity and the imagination to produce something that is visually pleasing and suited to its environment.
- The ability to think through and solve problems.
- Strong presentation skills, as you will have to present your ideas to a wide variety of people.
- To be a well-organised person with good planning skills.
- Knowledge of business technology.
- IT skills, especially experience of using computer aided design (CAD) software.
- A keen eye for detail.
- Good people skills.
Pay and opportunities
Pay rates vary depending on qualifications and experience, size of firm and location. Architects earn in the range of £30,000. Senior architects can make around £60,000 a year, and higher salaries are possible.
Architects typically work a 35-40-hour week with occasional weekend and evening work according to the demands of the project.
Employers include:
- Private practices.
- Local government architectural or planning departments.
- Central government departments.
- Construction companies.
- Research practices.
- Manufacturing companies.
- NHS.
- Education.
Opportunities for architects occur in practices in towns and cities throughout the UK. Opportunities also occur for architects to work on projects in other countries, for example, in Canada, Ireland and in the Middle East.
Self-employment opportunities occur for architects to also work as independent consultants, for example, in education and in research.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.
Entry routes and training
It takes a minimum of seven years to train to become an architect and there are three key stages to the training. Firstly, you’ll need to complete a degree programme recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). You will then have to do a year of practical experience, followed by a further two years’ full-time university study to complete a BArch, MArch or postgraduate diploma. You will then do a year of practical training.
The final part of your training is a professional exam. Typically, you’ll be assessed on a case study of a project you’ve worked on with a written exam, and then finally, an oral exam. Once you’ve completed all of the training stages, you’ll need to register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). It is also possible to become an architect by studying part-time on day-release. To begin these courses, you will usually need to have a number of years’ work experience in an architect’s office.
Nowadays, it is also possible to qualify by completing a level 7 degree apprenticeship in the role of architect. This focuses on work-based training, which you will complete alongside study towards a level 7 (Master’s-level) qualification. University study will take place on block or day release, with tuition fees paid by your employer.
With experience, it is possible to become an associate, and then a partner in an architect’s firm. Some architects set up their own practices. To become self-employed as a freelancer or join a partnership, you will usually need to have several years’ professional experience.
Qualifications
For entry to a degree course in architecture, you’ll need:
- Two to three A-levels, often including maths.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.
Other qualifications may be acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will usually need:
- Two relevant A-levels. This may include maths.
- GCSEs in English and maths, and potentially other subjects as well.
The Architects Registration Board website has an up-to-date list of all courses recognised for registration purposes. A portfolio of sketches or drawings may be required as evidence that you have the potential to develop the technical drawing skills required for architecture.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits. Candidates need to be aware that it usually takes seven years to become professionally qualified.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.
A number of colleges and universities offer part-time Royal Institute of British Architects validated courses, so students can train in architecture while earning a salary.
