Architect jobs

In addition to designing brand-new structures, architects often provide input about the redesign of existing structures.

What does an architect do? | Qualifications and training | Part-qualified wages | Typical employers | Key skills What does an architect do? | Qualifications and training

Architects make plans for new building projects, as well as those that include renovations or redevelopments. They design structures that are practical, safe, environmentally sustainable, and aesthetically beautiful by using their expert understanding of construction in conjunction with their advanced sketching talents.

Architects are actively engaged throughout the whole of the building process, modifying their designs to accommodate changing budgets, environmental considerations, and client requirements. This indicates that they are a member of a larger design team for the project as a whole, and that they collaborate closely with a wide variety of construction specialists, ranging from quantity surveyors to building services engineers.

Typical tasks at work include the following:

the process of developing architectural concepts and drawings that are very specific, either by hand or with the use of specialized computer-aided design (CAD) software

maintaining communication with construction industry experts on the viability of proposed initiatives

taking into consideration limitations such as regulations regarding municipal planning, environmental concerns, and project budgets

collaborating closely with a group consisting of other experts such as architects, project managers, building service engineers, construction managers, and quantity surveyors

submitting applications for planning permission and seeking guidance from regional authorities, practicing attorneys, and government agencies responsible for new construction

preparing and presenting various documents such as reports, proposals, applications, and contracts

laying out the prerequisites for each individual project

modifying the designs in response to changes in the environment and addressing any issues that may crop up throughout the building process

participating in the administration of both the project and the team

Visiting construction sites, potential new locations, and interacting with customers.

The majority of an architect's working day will be spent in an office setting or behind a desk. On the other hand, site visits and customer meetings take place on a regular basis, thus traveling will be required of you.

Normal office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. However, if there are strict deadlines for a project that must be met, you may be required to work longer hours, including nights and weekends.

What it takes to become an architect, including the necessary education and credentials

There are two ways to become an architect: the first is the time-honored path of academic study followed by a number of years spent gaining practical experience, and the second is the more contemporary path of completing a degree apprenticeship.

The time-honored approach of "going to university."

If you want to study architecture at university, the first step is to get a degree that is recognized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree (RIBA). This may need three to four years of full-time study to complete.

The first stage of practical experience lasts for a full calendar year and consists of job experience. This takes place in an architectural practice the majority of the time, but it might take place in any relevant area of the construction business so long as it is monitored.

The second part of the process requires an additional two years of study, which may be completed at a university or via a work-based program. You are free to accomplish this at the same or a different institution from the one where you completed the first part of the program. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be given a degree or certificate qualification.

Additional twelve months of supervised work experience are required of you throughout stage 2 of your practical experience. It is not unheard of for students to amass more than two years' worth of professional experience in order to either widen their expertise or earn money.

In the third and final part of the test, you will be evaluated based on your previous job experience, in addition to taking a test that focuses on professional practice and management. After you have completed this step, you will be able to register with the Architect's Registration Board (ARB) to become an architect and refer to oneself as an architect. Only competent professionals who are registered with the ARB are permitted to use the employment title, which is protected.

If you are thinking about applying to a RIBA part 1 degree course, you should keep in mind that the majority of schools require a mixture of arts and science subjects, and some schools require specific subjects, such as math and art and design. If you are thinking about applying, keep these things in mind. The ability to demonstrate via the submission of a portfolio that you have the capacity to master the technical drawing skills necessary for architecture is often needed. There will most likely also be an interview conducted as part of the selection process.

The path of the degree apprenticeship.

The year 2018 marked the beginning of operation for this route in England.

The architectural assistant apprenticeship requires students to simultaneously work for an architectural office or other company of a similar kind and study towards their part 1 RIBA degree. In most cases, the apprenticeship will endure for four years.

The criteria for entry might vary, but in most cases, you will be expected to have a portfolio, five GCSEs, and three A levels (or equivalent qualifications).

To become an apprentice architect, one must first complete stages two and three of the RIBA procedure while simultaneously working for a firm or another employer of a similar kind. The apprenticeship lasts for a typical period of four years. However, in order to apply for this position, you will need to have already obtained the RIBA part 1 certificate. Both the business and the institution will be responsible for determining the entry criteria.

Continuous professional growth

You will continue to learn new things and expand your skills regardless of how you qualify. You will be held accountable for engaging in activities that contribute to your continuing professional development at a rate of 35 hours per year.

From the director of an architectural firm, get insight into the day-to-day activities of an architect as well as advice on how to land a position as a RIBA part 1 or part 2 candidate.

Compensation for architects who are only partially qualified

According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the median income for a part 1 architectural assistant is around £20,000. The average salary for architectural assistants in Part 2 is around £28,000. According to the Hays UK Salary and Recruiting Trends Survey, the average incomes of part 1 architects range between £16,000 and £22,500, depending on location, while the salaries of part 2 architects range between £22,750 and £30,000 in London. Both of these figures are for the city of London.

Find out more by reading our compilation of salary information for various positions in the construction business.

Employers that often use architects

The majority of architects are employed by private practices, and it is not unusual for trained architects to start their own architecture firms. On the other hand, there are a few openings in big construction enterprises (especially consultancies and organizations that specialize in design-and-build projects), public sector organizations, and corporations that have extensive property portfolios (such as large retailers).

Vacancies may occasionally be discovered on targetjobs, however they can be found more regularly on specialty jobs sites such as those maintained by RIBA, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, and Architects' Journal. [Citation needed] [Citation needed] [Citation needed] You may find that you need to make a speculative application, which means you need to ask a practice whether they are able to take on a RIBA part 1 or part 2 student even though they are not advertising roles. However, not all architectural practices will have the budget to advertise opportunities, so you may find that you need to make a speculative application.

The following is an example of a speculative application that you may develop.

Abilities that are essential for architects.

Exceptional abilities in design and drawing, as well as familiarity with computer-aided design software (CAD).

Creativity.

possess both a sharp eye for detail and the capacity to perceive the project as a whole in order to be successful.

abilities in organization, project management, and planning, as well as the capacity to juggle a number of different responsibilities simultaneously.

A logical and analytical mind together with strong mathematics skills and the capacity to solve problems.

Competence in management and the capacity to function effectively as part of a group consisting of other professionals are required.

a consciousness of the particular environmental and social effect that each of your efforts will have.

Excellent ability to interact with customers and to exert influence.