Architect
Design new buildings and restore old ones. You'll give people attractive, energy-efficient and safe places to live and work.
About the job
A day in the life – Architect
What it's like
The sketches and plans made by architects help create the world we see every day. From the Eiffel Tower and the Great Pyramids of Giza to your home and school building – they all look the way they do because architects dreamt them up.
If you have an eye for design and enjoy thinking big to bring an idea to life, you might have a future in this career. Building projects would hinge on your leadership, planning and vision. You'd see them through from blueprint to brickwork.
Your work would give people practical, attractive, energy-efficient and safe places to live and work. To do this, you'd design new buildings or make changes to existing ones, such as an adding an extension to someone's home. You can work with all kinds of structures though. Why not restore old buildings to their former glory or give them a new purpose? Or maybe you'd get a thrill from helping design rollercoasters for a theme park?
In this job, you would:
design low carbon, energy efficient buildings
draw designs for clients to see and approve
make detailed technical plans using computer aided design software (CAD)
check construction work progress, controlling budgets and dealing with planning issues
make sure building work meets safety standards, building regulations and planning laws
work with clients to understand their needs and expectations
liaise with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments to carry out projects
work as part of a team of architects and architectural technicians or technologists
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Art and Design (Expressive)
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Graphic Communication
Maths (Mathematics)
Applications of Mathematics
An honours degree (SCQF Level 10) recognised by Architects Registration Board (ARB) or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Minimum entry to an Architecture degree (SCQF Level 9/10) is Highers at ABBB (some courses ask for AABB) or an HND.
Entry to postgraduate qualifications (SCQF Level 11) usually require a first or second class degree in architecture and an academic portfolio, though degrees relating to the built environment may be considered.
You may be able to gain entry to some Architectural Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) with a National Qualifications or National Certificate (SCQF Level 6) in Architecture, construction or built environment.
A number of courses also ask for a portfolio.To become a qualified architect you must complete five years’ study on a recognised university course and two years’ professional experience before sitting the professional exam to gain registration with ARB and become a Chartered member of RIBA. Once qualified you must complete 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year to maintain RIBA membership.
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