Architect

Architects creatively shape our environment by designing the buildings and spaces around us. They bring new structures to life and restore or renovate existing ones. Architects collaborate with others to ensure that designs are fit for purpose and safe, whether they’re working on individual buildings or large developments.

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What does an architect do?

As an architect, you will be responsible for creating designs for new building and projects. Duties may include using specialist tools and understanding the requirements of the business or client.

The job role of an architect involves the following duties:

Liaising with clients to understand their needs
Considering budget, safety and community requirements for a project
Creating new building designs
Advising on the restoration and conservation of existing buildings
Ensuring building regulations, planning laws and environmental considerations are met
Drawing detailed plans and blueprints using computer design programmes
Working closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments
Inspecting structures during the build, to make sure they meet requirements
Supervising other architects throughout each phase of a building’s design and construction
Ensuring jobs are completed on time and to budget
Working in an office, with occasional or frequent site visits and meetings.

How to become an architect

There are several routes to becoming an architect. You could do a university degree, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to becoming an architect to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

To qualify as an architect you’ll need to complete a five-year university course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), followed by at least two years of professional experience.

Many universities will ask to see a portfolio of your drawings before accepting you onto the course.

Apprenticeship

You can become an architect by doing an architect degree apprenticeship.

RIBA Guide to Apprenticeships in Architecture

Work

You could apply directly to an architectural company if you have an interest/experience in this type of work. You could start your career as an architectural assistant and gain qualifications part-time.

Work experience

To help decide whether architecture is for you, further your skills and impress employers, you could gain some work experience in addition to the placements you’ll undertake whilst training.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an architect include:
Analytical thinking skills
Good grasp of numeracy
Excellent organisational abilities
Knowledge of geography
Be thorough and pay attention to detail
Excellent verbal and communication skills
Analytical thinking skills
Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

England

To qualify as an architect you’ll need to complete a five-year university course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), followed by at least two years of professional experience.

To get onto an architecture degree you’ll need:

5 GCSEs (including English, maths and a science) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
3 A Levels (including maths), or equivalent
An interest in art and design.

Scotland

To qualify as an architect you’ll need to complete a five-year university course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), followed by at least two years of professional experience.

To get onto an architecture degree you’ll need:

5 GCSEs (including English, maths and a science) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
3 A Levels (including maths), or equivalent
An interest in art and design.

Wales

To qualify as an architect you’ll need to complete a five-year university course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), followed by at least two years of professional experience.

To get onto an architecture degree you’ll need:

5 GCSEs (including English, maths and a science) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
3 A Levels (including maths), or equivalent
An interest in art and design.

How much could you earn as an architect?

The expected salary for an architect varies as you become more experienced.

Newly trained architects can earn from £28,000
Trained architects with experience can earn up to £60,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

Your progression will vary depending on what level of study you’ve completed, what you decide to specialise in, and where you choose to work.

Many architects specialise in one area, such as sustainable, restoration or residential architecture. Some go into architectural technology and create building plans and simulations.

Architects are employed by independent practices, central and local governments, construction companies, and commercial and industrial organisations. Some architects work in education, set up their own businesses, or become freelance project consultants.

If you work for a private practice, you may be able to move up into a senior architect, partner or associate role. In public sector roles, you could become a project manager or lead architect.