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Architect

Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and work on the restoration and conservation of existing buildings.

Average salary (a year)

£27,500 Starter

to

£90,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become an architect

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll need to complete:

  • a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
  • a year of practical work experience
  • a further 2 years' full-time university course like BArch, Diploma, MArch
  • a year of practical training
  • a final qualifying exam

Many course providers will also want to see a portfolio of your drawings and sketches.

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

More information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through an architect degree apprenticeship.

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 higher or degree apprenticeship

More information

Work

If you're already working at a high level in an architectural practice but cannot study full time, you could qualify through RIBA Studio.

More information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Institute of British Architects, for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an architect from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Architects Registration Board and Go Construct.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could :

  • create hand sketches, 3D models and detailed technical plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
  • create a plan, following building laws and safety regulations
  • find cost-effective ways to work within budgets
  • manage construction projects
  • choose or advise on materials
  • visit sites to check building work and progress
  • communicate and share ideas with clients, other architects, and architectural technologists and technicians
  • write reports and job proposals and complete planning applications

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio, in an office or visit sites.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

If you're working for a private architectural firm, you may be able to move up to become a partner or associate.

With experience in public sector roles, you could move into a lead architect job.

You could also work on projects as a freelance consultant, or set up your own business.

You may get opportunities to work overseas.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an architect right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Study Programme - Level 3 Construction Architecture

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Castleford

CONSTRUCTION, SURVEYING & ARCHITECTURE EXTENDED DIPLOMA LEVEL 3

  • Provider: SOUTHPORT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2020
  • Location: Southport
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