Architect
Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and restore and conserve existing buildings.
Typical Salary
£31,000 – £58,000
per year
Working Hours
35–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As an architect, you would:
- discuss ideas, materials, costs and timelines with clients
- draft plans by hand and using computer aided design software
- prepare instructions for construction and engineering teams
- manage projects and visit sites to check on progress
- make sure plans follow building laws, safety regulations and budgets
- draw up bids, contracts and planning applications
- work closely with construction professionals to deal with any problems
Skills needed
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- thinking and reasoning skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
With experience you could:
- become a principal architect or a partner in an architectural practice
- work on projects as a freelance consultant
- set up your own architectural design business
- specialise in a particular area, for example commercial, residential or interior architecture