Architecture

Architects design buildings and the spaces around them.

Architects understand how people and places interact, and use their creative and technical skills to visualise and design new places to live, work and play. They also understand the construction process and work closely with others to assess and develop construction or restoration projects.

Case study: Roy O'Flanagan

"It's a real buzz when you finish a building you have designed and show it to the client"

"I decided I wanted to be an architect in the run-up to A-levels. It's one of the few careers where you can be creative and practical at the same time. You get to use your imagination, work on a big scale and have a direct impact on everyday life.

I do fairly commercial work - mostly housing, retail and leisure developments. I take the brief, create the plans and make sure everything is in line with regulations. Then I'm on site, making sure contractors are doing a good job.

I'm in touch with people at every stage of creating a building - from planners and landscape architects to plasterers and engineers. My favourite project was regenerating a market in Limerick, Ireland. It gave me a real sense of how architecture can improve people's livelihoods and quality of life."

Facts and figures

Typical salary

Starting out - £18,000; after five years - £33,500.

Qualifications

Usually at least five GCSEs (including English language, maths and science subjects) and two A-levels.

Five-year degree programme on a course recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), plus two years' practical training experience and an ARB-recognised professional examination.

Related careers

  • architectural technologist
  • interior designer
  • urban designer
  • computer-aided design technician
  • exhibition/set designer.

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