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What does an architect do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Architects create designs for new construction projects, alterations and redevelopments. They use their specialist construction knowledge and high-level drawing skills to design buildings that are functional, safe, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.

Architects stay involved throughout the construction process, adapting their plans according to budget constraints, environmental factors or client needs. As such, they operate as part of an overall project design team, working closely with a range of construction professionals from quantity surveyors to building services engineers.

Typical work activities include:

• creating building designs and highly detailed drawings both by hand and by using specialist computer-aided design (CAD) applications
• liaising with construction professionals about the feasibility of potential projects
• working around constraining factors such as town planning legislation, environmental impact and project budget
• working closely with a team of other professionals such as building service engineers, construction managers, quantity surveyors and architectural technologists
• applying for planning permission and advice from governmental new build and legal departments
• writing and presenting reports, proposals, applications and contracts
• specifying the requirements for the project
• adapting plans according to circumstances and resolving any problems that may arise during construction
• playing a part in project and team management
• travelling regularly to building sites, proposed locations and client meetings

For the most part an architect’s working day will be office based. However, site visits and meetings with clients are frequent, so travel can figure prominently.

Working hours are typically standard office hours (eg 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday), but architects may work longer hours, evenings and weekends if there are tight project deadlines to meet.

Most architects work for private practices, but chartered architects often set up their own practice.

For information on salaries see our construction salary guide.

Continuing to learn and develop your expertise as a professional is a key part of the job, with an architect expected to carry out 35 hours of ‘continuous professional development’ activities per year. Career progression is possible through partnership or specialisation.

Vacancies are advertised online, by careers services, specialist recruitment agencies and in local and national newspapers. Relevant publications such as the RIBA Journal, Architects Journal and their online equivalents also carry advertisements.

Want advice on getting your first job in architecture? Read these tips from a qualified architect and director of his own practice.

Typical employers of architects

• Private architect practices
• Large construction companies, particularly consultancies
• Public sector bodies
• Large industry organisations with substantial property portfolios (such as large retailers)
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