Architect

Typical Salary

£27,500 To £90,000

Typical Hours

35 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends occasionally

How To Become a Architect

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / 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

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

Apprenticeship

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

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board

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.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.