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Architect
Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and restore and conserve existing buildings.
Average salary (a year)
£31000
Starter
£58000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
35.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
occasionally
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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 Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural training.
This is made up of:a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) - Part 1, a year of practical work experience, a further 2 years' full-time university course like a BArch, Diploma, MArch - Part 2, a year of practical training, a final qualifying exam - Part 3
A number of universities offer an extra foundation year, which prepares you for study at degree level for Part 1.
You'll need a portfolio of your work when you are interviewed for degree courses. Course providers will want to see examples like 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
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do an Architectural Assistant Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to start Part 1 training for this role.
You could then move on to complete an Architect Level 7 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship to achieve Parts 2 and 3.
These apprenticeships can take up to 4 years each, and are 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 degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
If you're working in an architectural practice, you may be able to study on a foundation course and do Parts 1 and 2 of architectural qualifications through RIBA Studio.
You would be mentored in the office throughout your training and be supported to gain the Part 3 qualification to become an architect.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board
Career Tips
RIBA Future Architects offers lots of resources to support architectural students.
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 and the Architects Registration Board
.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Analytical thinking skills
    The ability to use your initiative
    Customer service skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As an architect, you would
discuss ideas, materials, costs and timelines with clients, draft plans by hand and using computer aided design software, prepare instructions for construction and engineering teams, manage projects and visit sites to check on progress, make sure plans follow building laws, safety regulations and budgets, draw up bids, contracts and planning applications, work closely with construction professionals to deal with any problems
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
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you could
become a principal architect or a partner in an architectural practice, work on projects as a freelance consultant, set up your own architectural design business, specialise in a particular area, for example commercial, residential or interior architecture
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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