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Architect

The Work
Architects design and construct new buildings, restore and conserve old ones, and plan the layout of whole groups of buildings and the spaces around them. The architect is responsible for the building project from the earliest stages right through to completion.

Designs are produced based on clients' requirements, taking into account cost, safety and social factors, and any building and planning regulations. On larger jobs a team of architects work together.

Once the design is agreed, a further set of detailed working drawings are produced for the building contractor, showing precise dimensions and the materials to be used. In addition to liaising closely with contractors, engineers, surveyors, lawyers and planning departments, the architect will regularly inspect the construction work to assess progress.

Hours and Conditions
Most architects work 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, but deadlines and work load can sometimes mean working unsocial hours. Some architects may be on-call 24 hours a day, and travelling to sites and meetings can involve spending time away from home.

The work is mostly office-based although some time will be spent visiting clients, planners, builders and sites. This means being outside in all weathers, and includes walking, climbing ladders and scaffolding, and wearing safety equipment such as hard hats and boots.

Skills and Interests
To be an architect you should:

have an interest in buildings and their uses
have practical and scientific skills
have a methodical, logical and analytical approach
have design and computer / CAD skills
have strong mathematical ability to work out costings
have good business awareness with communication and negotiating skills
be able to manage and lead teams of people
be able to accept pressure and criticism of your work
be aware of the social and environmental factors of your work
be physically fit to cope with site inspections, although people with disabilities can work as architects.

Training
Architects train for a minimum of seven years, which consists of:

a degree programme on a recognised university course lasting three or four years (Part 1)
a year working in an architect's office
a further two years full-time, or four years part-time, studying for a diploma or higher degree (Part 2)
a further year�s work experience followed by the Professional Practice Examination (Part 3).

Having gained these qualifications candidates can register as an architect.

Qualified architects keep up-to-date by means of short courses run internally at their own firms, or by organisations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The Conference on Training in Architectural Conservation has information on a variety of conservation courses covering building crafts conservation techniques through to undergraduate and postgraduate awards in conservation. See COTAC website for details.

Opportunities
Most architects work in private practices, but opportunities exist in the public sector or in-house for a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations involved in areas such as retail, leisure and tourism, and banking. Job-sharing and part-time employment is common, as is contract and freelance work. Many architects set up their own practices.

There is no set promotional structure within private sector architecture and individuals will progress depending on their skill, competence and experience. In public sector work it is possible to progress to chief architect level.

There are opportunities to work abroad as many private practices have contracts or offices overseas.

Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries vary depending on the type of practice or organisation and its location.

Entrants studying RIBA exams earn between £8,000 and £20,000 or more a year.

The average salary for a qualified architect with experience is £28,000 or more a year.

Senior architects earn upwards of £35,500 or more a year.

Chief architects in the public sector earn in excess of £41,000 a year or more a year.

Freelance contract rates start at approximately £10 to £20 an hour.

Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.

Watch the Building Visions video interview with Architect Samir Pandya >

Architects Registration Board
Tel: 020 7580 5861
www.arb.org.uk

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Tel: 020 7580 5533
www.architecture.com

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)
Tel: 0131 229 7545
www.rias.org.uk

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