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Architect

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Architects are professionals who design buildings and other structures. They create detailed plans and drawings to help builders construct homes, offices, schools, and many other types of buildings. To become an architect in the UK, you typically need to complete a recognised university degree in architecture, followed by a period of practical training and registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). The role requires creativity, technical skills, and good communication, as architects work closely with clients, engineers, and builders to bring their ideas to life. The career can be very rewarding for those interested in design, construction, and creating functional spaces.

Architect

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The typical annual salary for an architect in the UK ranges from £30,000 to £50,000, with experienced architects earning up to £70,000 or more.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 30,000 architects working across the UK, with employment expected to grow steadily as new buildings and infrastructure projects are developed.

Work Environment

Architects usually work in offices, but they often visit construction sites and meet with clients to discuss project progress and ideas.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Landscape Architect

Specialises in designing outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and public areas, combining creativity with environmental sustainability.

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Urban Designer

Focuses on the planning and design of city layouts and public spaces to improve urban living environments.

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Interior Architect

Plans and designs interior spaces within buildings, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal for clients.

Exploring Architecture 🏛️

Research the profession

Learn about what architects do, the skills required, and the types of projects they work on.

Start by watching videos and reading articles about architecture careers. Understanding the role of an architect helps you decide if it’s the right path for you. Look for information on different specialisations such as residential, commercial, or landscape architecture.

Educational Foundation 🎓

Complete relevant qualifications

Aim to achieve good grades in subjects like mathematics, art, design, and physics at GCSE and A-level.

These subjects provide a strong foundation for architecture. Consider taking courses related to design, technology, and mathematics to develop skills useful in architecture studies. Research university courses that are accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

Higher Education and Training 📜

Enroll in an architecture degree

Apply to a university that offers an ARB-accredited architecture degree programme.

Spend three to five years gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in architecture. Engage actively in studio projects, site visits, and internships to build your portfolio and experience.

Professional Experience and Qualification 🏢

Complete a professional training period

Work as a part of an architectural practice to gain practical experience and complete the required professional training.

This stage usually involves a period of supervised work experience, often lasting about two years. During this time, develop your skills, learn about project management, and prepare for the professional examination.

Register and Practice as an Architect 📝

Register with the Architects Registration Board

Apply for professional registration to legally practise as an architect in the UK.

Once registered, you are recognised as a qualified architect. This allows you to take on independent projects and establish your career. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important to stay updated with industry standards and innovations.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Architect. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

An architectural technologist shares similar qualifications with an architect, specialising in the technical aspects of building design and construction. Both roles require a strong understanding of architectural principles, building regulations, and technical detailing, making them closely related in the architecture and construction industry.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate course like architectural technology or architectural design and technology, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Employers may also accept a foundation degree, or higher national certificate or diploma in a similar subject.

If you choose the non-degree route, you'll need to demonstrate you have the right skills and knowledge, if you want to become a member of CIAT at a later stage.

Some courses may include a 12-month industry placement. This is a good way to get practical experience and make contacts, which may help when looking for work after completing your studies.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship, which would give you some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. It could also act as a stepping stone onto further training to qualify.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) approves the following:

  • Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Construction Design and Build Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Design and Construction Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships take between 3 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of training on the job and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

Employers may take you on as a trainee if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and 2 A levels, in subjects like maths, science, IT and technology.

They might accept equivalent qualifications in engineering or construction, for example the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. Courses in 3D design could also be useful.

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Career tips

Experience in computer-aided design or working in the construction industry could help you get into this career.

Professional and industry bodies

When you've completed an approved course you can apply for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Further information

You'll find more details about becoming an architectural technologist through the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

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