Swap to Science or STEM or go back to all job sectors
Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and restore and conserve existing buildings.
You could work: evenings / weekends; occasionally
As an architect, you would:
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:
To become an architect, you'll need to complete Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural training.
This is made up of:
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.
You'll usually need:
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).
You'll usually need:
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.
RIBA Future Architects offers lots of resources to support architectural students.
You could join the Royal Institute of British Architects for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about becoming an architect from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Board
.
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