Architect
Careers Explorer:
Working on the design of new buildings, as well as saving, restoring or changing the buildings we already have.
Overview
As an Architect you will work on projects of varying scale and type across the construction industry, including but not limited to the design of commercial, residential, community, education and infrastructure buildings and structures.
You will work closely with design and construction related professionals and often lead a design team or teams assembled to design and/or deliver the project.
With skills that are easily transferable you may work alone or with a small or big company, advising on restoration and conservation of existing buildings, creating design to meet your client’s requirements or even using computer design programmes to produce drawings, detailed workings and specifications.
You really are someone who loves design and seeing that design become a reality.
Top 5 Tasks
- Create detailed drawings for the contractor and client
- Consider budget, safety and community needs for a project
- Work closely with stakeholders as the building goes up
- Inspecting the building as it’s built to make sure it meets the requirements
- Using computer design programmes to product drawings, detailed workings and specifications
Salary
Starting salaries for an architect’s assistant during the trainee stage usually range from £18,000 to £30,000 a year.
Newly registered architects can earn in the region of £30,000 and £35,000 and those trained with experience can earn in the region of £35,000 and £60,000.
Senior or chartered architects can earn in the region of £50,000 and £100,000. Salaries depend on location, employer and level of responsibility. Salaries and career options also improve with chartered status.
Am I Suited?
- Excellent communicator
- Designer
- Leader
- An artist
- Intuitive
You can achieve a high level job like being an Architect or a Quantity Surveyor by not attending university.
Qualifications
This is not a must, but most people do a five-year university course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – followed by at least two years’ professional experience.
You need at least five GCSEs grade 9-4 (A to C) including maths, English and physics or chemistry, plus three A-levels (some universities like this to include a maths or science subject). Lots of universities will accept further education qualifications instead of A-levels.
You should be interested in art and design.
Once you have qualified as an architect, you need to continue to update your knowledge and expertise.
