Looking To Become An Architect? Here’s What You Need To Know
What do you do as an architect?
An architect is a skilled professional who plans and designs buildings and usually plays a key role in their construction. Architects are trained in the art and science of building design. Since they’re responsible for the safety of their building’s occupants, architects must be professionally licensed.
Is being an architect a good career?
Architects are highly respected in society. Due to their creative nature and attention to detail, they are considered a combination of arts and intelligence.
Is studying architecture hard?
You may have heard that architecture is a challenging subject to study, which might be daunting if you are thinking of perusing a career in it.
Architecture is more difficult than many degrees as it involves thinking creatively and technically. It is also a very time-intensive course with an average workload of 36.7 hours per week.
The different ways to get into this role –
You can get into this job through:
- University courses
- An apprenticeship
- Working towards the role
University –
For example, you’ll need to complete:
- A degree recognised by the architect’s registration board (ARB)
- A year of practical work experience
- A further 2 years full time university course like BArch, Diploma, MArch
- A year of practical training
- A final qualifying exam
Course providers will want to see a portfolio of your drawings, hand-drawn sketches, photos, and models. So prepare when you are getting interviewed for degree courses.
Apprenticeship –
In particular, you can get into this role through an architect degree apprenticeship. This usually takes 48 months to complete, with a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university. In addition, you’ll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) AND A levels, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Work –
If you’re already working at a high level in an architectural practice but cannot study full time, you could qualify through RIBA Studio.
You’ll need to be registered with the ARB. Furthermore, you can register here:
https://architects-register.org.uk/
How much do architects earn?
According to the RIBA jobs salary 2020, the salaries of registered architects in the Uk range from £21,000 to £80,000 a year. In addition, the average mid-career salary is somewhere around £40,000 a year.
Although, we see that many architects actually earn very little, considering the work that they do and the responsibilities that they carry.
Is being an architect worth it?
The short answer is yes, it’s a creative, diverse, and ever-changing subject and profession that provides a huge array of opportunities and avenues to explore. Architecture is not easy, but if you dedicate yourself to it and are passionate about the subject it can be very fun.
