A Career in Architecture

An architect works in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces around them, working closely with users, clients and officials to make sure that projected designs match the needs of these groups. Architects work on new buildings or groups of buildings in the regeneration of an area, design alterations to existing buildings, or advise on the restoration and conservation of old properties.

On every project, architects work closely with other professionals, including engineers and surveyors, to make sure that their buildings meet the necessary standards. They also work closely with construction specialists on site and oversee the project from beginning to end.

Typical Architect work activities

Architects are involved from the earliest stages of a building project, from site selection, right though to completion. They remain actively involved throughout each project as their ideas and plans are turned into reality. They work closely with contractors on site ensuring that works are carried out to specific standards and that any problems that arise are quickly resolved.

Typical work activities include:

• consulting with people about the design of their environment;
• preparing and presenting design proposals to the client;
• using IT in design and project management, specifically software packages such as Auto Cad and SketchUp;
• advising the client on the practicality of their project;
• keeping within financial budgets and time deadlines;
• producing detailed drawings from which costings are made;
• preparing tender applications and presentations;
• negotiating with contractors and other professionals;
• preparing planning applications;
• co-ordinating the work of contractors;
• making site visits to check on progress and ensuring that the project is running within the agreed timescale;
• solving problems that might occur during building;
• carrying out defect inspections.

Through all these activities, architects need an understanding of the complex processes of design and construction to build socially and ecologically sustainable cities and communities.

In private practices there is no set promotional structure; promotion and career development depend on the individual firm and on the architect's professional competence, reputation and field of employment.

A recently qualified architect would usually join a firm as a salaried employee on a contract, and, with experience, may in due course become an associate. In a limited liability partnership, and after considerable further experience, this may eventually lead to partnership or directorship. A considerable number of architects set up their own practices.

In public sector organisations, such as local government and the civil service, career progression differs in structure and is influenced by the different nature and responsibilities of public institutions. In local authorities and in the civil service it is possible to progress to the position of chief architect.

Many architects specialise in a specific area, for example:

• urban design;
• historic buildings;
• conservation.

Opportunities also exist in lecturing, design tutoring and writing.