How to become an architect

Architects design buildings and surrounding spaces and are used for commercial, residential and artistic projects of all sizes. Sometimes, an architect will be asked to design a new affordable housing estate or could be employed to renovate a conservation project.

The work of an architect is long and detailed. The architect needs a thorough understanding of every aspect of a building, as well as a portfolio of contacts for all inclusions. Projects can be long and evolutionary, and obstacles are likely with each design. It is therefore vital that the architect is passionate about their work, able to maintain patience and focus and adept at overcoming hurdles.

Average Salary

Average Salary

£27,000 to £100,000

Qualifications

Qualification Level

Degree

Weekly Hours

Weekly Hours

35 to 40 hours

The following guide explains how to become an architect in the UK, including the entry requirements, necessary skills and what you can expect from a career at an architecture firm.

What qualifications will I need to become an architect?

Architects need to marry a huge amount of knowledge with an abundance of practical skills. This can make the qualifications and routes to becoming an architect appear quite daunting. To become an architect, you will need to complete the following:

  • An undergraduate degree in architecture that is recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
  • Two years of practical experience.
  • Pass the Part 3 qualifying exam

To gain entry to an architecture degree, you will need to meet the entry requirements that the university or course provider sets out. This will usually mean three A-Levels at grades A or B, as well as:

  • A portfolio of your drawings and collections of relevant photographs, pictures or planning ideas you have gathered.

If you already have a job working in an architectural company or practice, but you are not able to study on a full-time basis, you may be able to complete the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Studio course. This course is for office-based workers who want to further their careers and become architects while gaining valuable work experience.

More information is available at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) website.

What skills will I need to be an architect?

Architects need to be able to juggle multiple activities at a time. They must be able to plan and design intricate elements that can have mammoth implications on the structure and functionality of a building. Their job demands maximum focus, patience, a superb eye for detail, and several other essential skills.

Some of the most important skills that an architect should have includes:

  • Patience and focus and the ability to concentrate even when under pressure.
  • Excellent managerial skills.
  • The ability to multi-task and communicate with a host of people about different things.
  • Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.
  • Methodical and logical approaches to all undertakings
  • IT and administration skills.
  • Proficient with project management and 3D modelling software.
  • An excellent understanding of mathematics and the ability to apply maths to drawings.
  • The ability to interpret drawings into words.
  • An ability to negotiate the best designs and prices with multiple suppliers.
  • An enthusiasm for environmental matters.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Drawing and design skills.

What will my day look like if I qualify as an architect in the UK?

An architect’s day will depend on the project that they are working on. Their day might involve meeting a new client to discuss plans for an entirely new building through to reviewing a completed build and analysing it against the original plans.

You may complete a variety of day-to-day activities as an architect, including:

  • Creating new build and restoration plans using CAD (computer-aided design) systems.
  • Forwarding plans to clients and colleagues.
  • Obtaining and providing quotes and costings for supplies and builds.
  • Project managing a build or restoration project.
  • Liaising with construction professionals and suppliers to help them understand various aspects of the plan.
  • Checking on progress and offering advice to building teams.
  • Liaising with clients, suppliers, builders and financiers verbally and in writing.
  • Maintaining a thorough knowledge of building laws and regulations to ensure that all legislation is observed in plans and builds.
  • Attending meetings and seminars.

Depending on the size of the project, you may be the only architect working on the job or may form part of a team. If you work in a team, you will likely take responsibility for a section of the design and regularly meet with the team to converse about all elements.

How much does a fully qualified architect earn?

Architects have the potential to earn large salaries, and with experience, they are able to increase their income regularly.

The starting salary for an architect is usually between £27,000 and £35,000. Once the architect has gained experience and has a good reputation, their salary can increase to around £60,000. These figures can vary depending on your location, the size of the company and your area of expertise.

Associates and directors are usually highly experienced architects or award-winners, and they can often command salaries of around £100,000 or even more.

Possible career progression if you become an architect

The way an architect tends to progress their career is through experience, practice and reputation. An architect who has designed several buildings or has completed a number of renovations is likely to be able to offer clients a more thorough portfolio, backed by a good reputation.

Architects who work for an architectural consultancy firm may be able to progress to more senior positions within the company, including as a partner or associate. Alternatively, if you work in the public sector, experience could see you become a lead architect on future projects.

Some architects work on an employed basis to begin with, and move on to freelance work or set up their own business once they have a client base or more experience.

Working hours and environment of a career in architecture

Once you become a fully qualified architect, you will likely work between 35 and 40 hours a week. However, these hours can significantly increase when projects have tight deadlines and complex build demands.

Most of an architect’s time is spent working from an office or a studio, though travelling to visit sites and attend meetings will be necessary. When an architect has to visit a building site, they will be required to wear protective clothing. But generally speaking, their workwear will be smart or casual depending on the size and location of the company and the likelihood of being face-to-face with clients.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life"