Engineering design

Architect

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

Annual Salary

£30,000 to £60,000

Working hours

35 to 40 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends; occasionally

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Architect jobs in 2027.
In your local area

What's it all about?

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 may need to wear protective clothing.

You could work in a creative studio, in an office or visit sites.

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
For 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
For 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

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.

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

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • 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
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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