Architect
Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and restore and conserve existing buildings.
- Potential salary
- £31,000 starter to £58,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 35 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends occasionally.
- Career area
- Construction and the built environment
- Where they might work
- You could work in a creative studio, in an office or visit sites. You may need to wear protective clothing.
- A typical task
- discuss ideas, materials, costs and timelines with clients
- Subjects that may help
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- To become an architect, you'll need to complete Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural training.
- Interest area used here
- Art, design and performance
What you might do
- 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
More tasks (1)
- work closely with construction professionals to deal with any problems
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- 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
More skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- 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.
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Architectural Technology
Related, but not enough on its own. Architectural technology does not by itself lead to registration as an architect.
- Architecture
Direct qualifying route. The undergraduate degree is part one of a longer professional route.
- Interior architecture and design
Related, but not enough on its own. This is not part one of the architect qualification.
- Landscape Architecture
Related, but not enough on its own. Landscape architecture is a separate profession from building architecture.
- Urban Planning
Related, but not enough on its own. Planning does not qualify you as an architect.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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).
- 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.
Career 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.
Registration and requirements
you'll need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship