Architect

How to become an architect

There are several routes to becoming an architect. You could do a university degree, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to becoming an architect to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

To qualify as an architect you’ll need to complete a five-year university course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), followed by at least two years of professional experience.

Many universities will ask to see a portfolio of your drawings before accepting you onto the course.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You can become an architect by doing an architect degree apprenticeship.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• RIBA Guide to Apprenticeships in Architecture

Work

You could apply directly to an architectural company if you have an interest/experience in this type of work. You could start your career as an architectural assistant and gain qualifications part-time.

Work experience

To help decide whether architecture is for you, further your skills and impress employers, you could gain some work experience in addition to the placements you’ll undertake whilst training.

Skills

• Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an architect include:
• Analytical thinking skills
• Good grasp of numeracy
• Excellent organisational abilities
• Knowledge of geography
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and communication skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

What does an architect do?

As an architect, you will be responsible for creating designs for new building and projects. Duties may include using specialist tools and understanding the requirements of the business or client. 

The job role of an architect involves the following duties:  

• Liaising with clients to understand their needs
• Considering budget, safety and community requirements for a project
• Creating new building designs
• Advising on the restoration and conservation of existing buildings
• Ensuring building regulations, planning laws and environmental considerations are met
• Drawing detailed plans and blueprints using computer design programmes
• Working closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments
• Inspecting structures during the build, to make sure they meet requirements
• Supervising other architects throughout each phase of a building’s design and construction
• Ensuring jobs are completed on time and to budget
• Working in an office, with occasional or frequent site visits and meetings.

How much could you earn as an architect?

The expected salary for an architect varies as you become more experienced.

• Starting salaries for an architect's assistant during the trainee stage usually range from £18,000 to £30,000 
• Newly registered architects can earn in the region of £30,000 and £35,000
• Trained with experience architects can earn in the region of £35,000 and £60,000
• Senior or chartered architects can earn in the region of £50,000 and £100,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer and level of responsibility. Salaries and career options also improve with chartered status.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest architectural vacancies: 

• RIBA Appointments

• Careers in construction

As these are external websites, the number of job vacancies related to your preferred job role may vary.

Career path and progression

Your progression will vary depending on what level of study you’ve completed, what you decide to specialise in, and where you choose to work.

Many architects specialise in one area, such as sustainable, restoration or residential architecture. Some go into architectural technology and create building plans and simulations.

Architects are employed by independent practices, central and local governments, construction companies, and commercial and industrial organisations. Some architects work in education, set up their own businesses, or become freelance project consultants.

If you work for a private practice, you may be able to move up into a senior architect, partner or associate role. In public sector roles, you could become a project manager or lead architect.