Career Advice for an Architect

Architects design new buildings and their surrounding spaces. They work on the restoration of old buildings and come up with innovative ways to use existing structures. Architects create design concepts and work on building and conservation projects throughout the work process. Architects can work in the public sector, as a freelance consultant, or within a private practice.

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How to Become an Architect

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become an Architect

Should you wish to work as an Architect you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for an Architect

  • 5 GCSEs
  • 2 to 3 A Levels
  • Degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board

Key Responsibilities for an Architect

  • Meeting with clients to determine the project scope and requirements
  • Managing the p=design process from conception through to completion
  • Presenting project proposals
  • Making changes to design plans as per client requirements
  • Preparing drawings and blueprints for projects
  • Creating construction documents and building specification details
  • Researching feasibility and environmental impact
  • Compiling reports on project feasibility
  • Complying with local planning and safety regulations
  • Managing project and working with the construction team

What to expect as an Architect

Architects handle construction projects from the initial client consultation through to building completion. They manage client relationships, present design proposals, and prepare project budgets and specifications according to the relevant planning and safety regulations. To be a successful architect, you will need excellent spatial awareness, understand the latest construction techniques, and manage projects with multiple team involvement.

Recommended Architect Jobs

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How to get Architect Jobs

Our advice on how to get an Architect job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete an Architect application. If you have not held an Architect position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held an Architect role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Architect CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Architect application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become an Architect in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become an Architect 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be an Architect and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Architect experience.

How to get Architect Experience

What does it take to be an Architect? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Architect jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Architect through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be an Architect Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Architect part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Architect or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Architect freelance work

If you have impressive Architect qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.