What does an Architect do?
An Architect is employed by an architectural firm, property developers, property renovators or government bodies to oversee design and construction projects. Architects ordinarily see a project through from the initial design stage to the final construction phase. They are employed to work on individual projects, such as the restructuring of a family home or the design of a new extension. They are also employed to oversee larger housing developments or building work that involves the construction of multiple properties or the regeneration of large urban areas. Architects are often asked to consult on restoration or conservation projects involving heritage-listed buildings.
Architect skills and qualifications
Architects are required to possess a wide range of technical, engineering and mathematical skills to design and oversee architectural projects. Architects also require leadership, communication and negotiation skills to manage projects successfully. A successful Architect candidate will have other prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Ability to accurately draw and sketch building designs using freehand techniques
- Excellent knowledge of modern construction materials
- Excellent knowledge of modern architectural principles, equations and processes
- Ability to use CAD software to produce detailed computer-generated designs
- Knowledge of Revit design software for modelling buildings
- Ability to delegate tasks to appropriate team members or contractors who have the right skill set to complete the job required of them
- Registered to practice as an Architect with the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB)
- Chartered Architect Status gained through the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Adhere to all industry standards in design
Architect experience requirements
Architects require a minimum of three years of practical experience working on design and architectural projects. Employers can look for entry-level candidates with experience gained through work placements, a year in industry or apprenticeships in the architectural or construction industries. Lead Architects require a minimum of six years of experience working for an architectural firm. Employers need to look for candidates with proven experience supervising and leading a team in the successful completion of projects.
Architect education and training requirements
Architects require extensive education and training, which begins by gaining excellent results in English, maths and sciences at GCSE and A-level. Employers then need to look for candidates who have completed a three or four year degree course in architecture, with one year spent working for an architectural firm as part of the course. Following this first degree, employers require candidates to then complete a two-year postgraduate degree in architecture and a further year of practical training. Candidates can also gain the required education and training through a RIBA Studio practice-based route.
Architect salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Architect in the UK is £44,273 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
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