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Architect

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Architect

Architect Career Details

Architects design and construct new buildings, restore and conserve old ones, and plan the layout of whole groups of buildings and the spaces around them. Architects are responsible for the building project from the earliest stages right through to completion.

Architects produce designs based on clients’ requirements, taking into account cost, safety and social factors, and any building and planning regulations. On larger jobs a team of architects work together.

Once the design is agreed, a further set of detailed working drawings are produced for the building contractor, showing precise dimensions and the materials to be used. In addition to liaising closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments, the architect will regularly inspect the construction work to assess progress.

Working Environment

Most architects work 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, but deadlines and work load can sometimes mean working unsocial hours. Some architects may be on-call 24 hours a day, and travelling to sites and meetings can involve spending time away from home.

The work is mostly office-based although some time will be spent visiting clients, planning departments, builders and sites. This means being outside in all weathers, walking, climbing ladders and scaffolding, and wearing safety equipment such as hard hats and boots.

Architect Related Skills

To be an architect you should:
  • have an interest in buildings and their uses
  • have practical and scientific skills
  • have a methodical, logical and analytical approach
  • have design and computer/CAD skills
  • have strong mathematical ability to work out costings
  • have good business awareness with communication and negotiating skills
  • be able to manage and lead teams of people
  • be able to accept pressure and criticism of your work
  • be aware of the social and environmental factors of your work.

Architect Career Opportunities

Most architects work in private practice. Opportunities also exist in the public sector, or in-house for a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations involved in areas such as retail, leisure and tourism, and banking.

Job-sharing and part-time employment is common, as is contract and freelance work. Many architects set up their own practices.

There is no set promotional structure within private sector architecture and individuals will progress depending on their skill, competence and experience. In public sector work it is possible to progress to chief architect level.

There are opportunities to work abroad as many private practices have contracts or offices overseas.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Architect related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Architect? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Architect? Take a look at Training Architect courses, Postgraduate Architect courses, Undergraduate Architect courses, Undergraduate Architect courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.