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Construction

Architect

Architects design buildings and spaces and oversee projects from concept to completion. 'Architect' is a protected title in the UK — you must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

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Career fit

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Entry level
£31,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£31k – £58k
Senior / lead
£58,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Meet clients to understand their needs
  • Develop designs and drawings using CAD
  • Check designs meet planning and building rules
  • Coordinate engineers and contractors
  • Visit sites to review progress
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years; resits may take less

    Study GCSEs or equivalents, developing maths, English and creative skills useful for architecture and further study.

  2. 2

    A Levels or equivalent

    education
    Usually 2 years; Access courses often 1 year

    Complete A levels or accepted equivalents while building a creative portfolio for architecture applications.

  3. 3

    Architecture degree / Part 1

    qualification
    Usually 3 years full-time

    Study architectural design, construction, environmental performance and history through studio projects and academic work.

  4. 4

    Practical experience

    experience
    Often around 1 year

    Work in an architectural assistant role, contributing to drawings, models and project research under supervision.

  5. 5

    Part 2 architecture qualification

    qualification
    Usually 2 years full-time

    Complete advanced architecture study, usually an MArch or diploma, developing complex design proposals and technical understanding.

  6. 6

    Practical training

    experience
    Often at least 1 further year; experience requirements vary

    Gain further supervised architectural experience, developing responsibility for technical delivery, client communication and contract processes.

  7. 7

    Part 3 / registration requirements

    qualification
    Often 6–12 months alongside employment

    Complete professional practice study and assessment, usually covering law, contracts, practice management and your practical experience.

  8. 8

    Architect / ARB registration

    role
    Application processing varies; registration renewed annually

    Apply to join the ARB Register and practise using the protected title architect once registered.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • ARB-recognised architecture qualifications
  • Architect integrated degree apprenticeship (Level 7)
Certifications
  • ARB registration
  • RIBA chartered membership