Architect

Alternative titles for this job include

Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and work on the restoration and conservation of existing buildings.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an architect

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:

  • 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

You'll need a portfolio when you are interviewed for degree courses. Course providers will want to see a portfolio that includes 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 get into this role through an architect degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes 48 months to complete as 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 higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could qualify to become an architect through a foundation course with RIBA Studio which can offer a more flexible route.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

Work experience could be useful when applying for university courses or jobs. You can gain relevant skills in the construction and design industry as well as in an architectural firm.

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.

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
  • 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

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • create hand sketches, 3D models and technical plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
  • create a plan that follows building laws, safety regulations and is within budget
  • manage construction projects, choose materials and visit sites to check on progress
  • write reports and job proposals and complete planning applications
  • communicate and share ideas with clients, other architects and architectural technologists and technicians

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 partner or associate if you work for a private architectural firm
  • move into a lead architect job if you work in the public sector
  • work on projects as a freelance consultant
  • set up your own business or work overseas


Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Architect Apprentice

  • Wage: £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known

Courses In England

Study Programme - Level 3 Construction Architecture

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Castleford

Construction and Built Environment Level 3

  • Provider: FAREHAM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: Eastleigh

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