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Architect

Alternative titles for this job include

Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and restore and conserve existing buildings.

Average salary (a year)

£31,000 Starter

to

£58,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

Meet Muyiwa

Muyiwa wants to diversify the ways people can become an architect.

2 minute 15 second watch

View transcript

My name is Muyiwa. Muyiwa Oki. I'm an architect. I work at Mace Group Limited, it’s a construction consultancy company, and alongside that job, I am also the president of the Royal Institute for British Architects, RIBA.

I love my job because it is, it's fascinating. It's fascinating. It is dynamic. I focused on architecture because you use your hands and there was a variety in the subject matter, which was creative in that analytical problem solving. You meet people and engage with people.

On a day to day basis my task varies quite a lot, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to be an architect, because at the end of each day or the end of the programme or project, you get to see the fruits of your labour.

There's bits of coordinating with different stakeholders, and stakeholders are people who are interested in what you're doing, who have a stake in what you're doing, so from your client to the end users to other architectural and design professionals, people who are funding the projects, liaising with them, trying to get the project from a concept, a figment of someone's imagination, all the way to site and being realised.

So the journey was very linear, to be quite honest with you. And one of the reasons why I wanted to do architecture is because of that linear procession between, you know, what you want to do at A level, the kind of subjects that you do at A levels, translating that into a university degree. At the end of university, you know exactly what you're going to do at the end of it, you’re going to be an architect. So that's one of the reasons why I chose architecture.

Now, in my role as president, I want to diversify the range in which people can enter and access the profession because the built environment is the backdrop to everyone's daily lives. And if you want to be creating a built environment fit for everyone, I believe people that are creating it needs to be as diverse as people who are using it.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

Registration

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.

Further information

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

.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Architect Apprentice

  • Wage: £17,500 a year Annually
  • Location: GU21 2EP
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Construction and the Built Environment Level 3

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Birmingham

Construction and the Built Environment Level 3 Extended Diploma

  • Provider: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: Rugby
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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