Architect

Architects design new buildings and adapt or restore existing buildings. They are actively involved in every stage of a building project, from original idea to completion.

The Work

You could be:

• consulting with your client and coming up with a design concept which takes account of the use of the building, the kind of site it will be on, any environmental issues and the budget


• preparing a design proposal using computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD and SketchUp, ensuring that it meets building regulations and safety standards


• once the design is agreed, producing detailed drawings to send to the quantity surveyor for costings, and to builders for competitive tender


• preparing planning applications


• visiting the site, attending progress meetings to ensure that the project is on time and meeting agreed standards


• making sure that any impact on the environment is limited


• working closely with other professionals in the team such as surveyors, engineers and contractors to solve problems.

Conditions

• You work in an office, but spend time visiting clients, planning departments, and builders.


• You visit sites in all weathers.


• You have to wear protective clothing on site including a hard hat and boots.


• You may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines and spend time away from home.


• You must insure yourself against the possibility of future litigation in the event that one of your buildings develops serious structural faults or even falls down at some point in the future.

Getting In

• You need a degree acceptable to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).


• For entry to the course, you need 4-5 Highers and a portfolio of work.


• Your training lasts at least 7 years, including periods of practical experience. Often you have to find your first year of practical experience through speculative enquiries as these vacancies are seldom advertised.

What Does It Take?

You need:

• flair, imagination and vision


• practical skill and technical knowledge


• good maths skills


• a strong interest in buildings: their structure, the materials and processes used in their construction, and their impact upon the environment


• design and CAD skills


• a willingness to accept responsibility


• the ability to accept and learn from criticism


• the ability to negotiate with and persuade others


• commercial awareness


• spatial awareness.

Training

To register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) you need:

• a degree in architecture (3 years for Ordinary, 4 years for Honours) validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)


• one year’s practical experience working in an architect’s office


• two years postgraduate study


• a second year working in an architect’s office


• Part 3 of the RIBA Professional Practice and Management exam.

Getting On

• You usually start as a salaried employee in a practice.


• If you work for a big firm you may find you're doing small scale detailed work all the time whereas if you work for a small firm you get a wide range of responsibility.


• Once you are experienced you can get into a partnership, found your own practice, or move into freelance consultancy work.


• There are openings abroad, for example in the USA and the Middle East.


• There are also opportunities in fields such as property development, lecturing and journalism.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.