Architect

It’s hard to imagine a world without architects! They study, design and oversee the construction and renovation of buildings, properties and homes from the very first sketch on the page to handing over the finished product.

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What tasks are architects charged with?

Not all architects are the same. You can specialise in lots of different areas within the field of architecture. Many architects are involved in the planning of multi-storey residential buildings or the construction of commercial properties.

But there is so much more an architect can work on. You can also take responsibility for the innovative design of trade fair presentations and retail salesrooms. In this area, the job description of an architect overlaps with that of an interior designer.

Or maybe you want to work on preserving historic buildings and give them a new lease of life? Then conservation architecture might be the right field for you. Specialisations aside, architects generally work on the following tasks:

What does an architect do?

  • Create drafts and design concepts
  • Draw up plans for approval procedures and construction
  • Submit applications for planning permission
  • Coordination of all tradespeople involved in the project
  • Clarification of technical issues with clients, construction management and technical crew

Fun fact

The Aurora Ice Hotel in Alaska was built entirely out of ice. The walls, ceilings, beds, bar – even the martini glasses! – were all made of ice. Unfortunately, the hotel was shut down by health and safety inspectors for not having smoke detectors...

Skills

Hard skills

  • Cad software
  • Project management
  • Calculate production costs
  • Building codes
  • Public law
  • Sustainable building materials
  • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation
  • Urban planning law

Soft skills

  • Analytical prediction
  • Systemic perception
  • Vision and Ideation

What skills do you need to work as an architect?

Architects need to master a range of professional skills. Although aesthetics are important, meticulous structural planning is a vital part of an architect's job. In the construction phase, architectural firms are responsible for ensuring the construction site runs smoothly. You're the main contact person for site managers, clients and tradespeople. This means keeping an eye on timeframes, quality and costs.

In addition to the necessary professional training, this also requires strong soft skills in the following areas:

  • Teamwork
  • Creativity and design skills
  • Communication skills
  • Leadership skills

Qualifications to become an architect

Many professions are now open to people wishing to change career, so there are several ways to get a job in your desired field. However, this does not apply to architect jobs. If you want to work as an architect, you need a degree in architecture recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). It's that simple. In addition to many lectures on construction technology and design theory, you'll also acquire skills and knowledge during your studies which are particularly relevant to practice. The following skills and education are usually a condition of any job offer as an architect:

  • CAD systems for architectural applications
  • Construction law
  • An additional 2-year full-time university qualification (BArch, MArch, diploma)

Architect's salary

In addition to your first degree and second university qualification, you'll also need to complete a year of practical work experience and a year of practical training under another architect. This is then followed by a final exam which allows you to practice as an architect in the UK. A trainee or architect intern can earn around £24,000, with junior architect salaries starting in the £28,000 - £30,000 range. The average architect salary can vary greatly from £40,000 to £50,000, with experienced or senior architects being able to command £60,000 or more a year.

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