I want to be an architect

A couple of weeks ago I took part in a speed networking event with young people making their A-level choices. I met numerous students asking me for advice about being an architect. I thought I’d share some my thoughts on entering the profession.

Maybe you want to be an architect? Maybe you know someone who you think may be interested in architecture or maybe you just want to know more about the job.

What is an Architect?

I think that most people picture an architect hunched over a drawing board, pen in hand, driving up in a convertible to the opening ceremony of a new building wearing a black polo neck.

Reality

The reality is that we do draw, but usually on a computer. We draw very little or at least less and less as you progress through your career. For most we don’t make that much money. As an indication – a teacher in a state school earns more than a newly qualified architect. If you want to make a lot of money this may not be the profession for you. If you have an itching need to design then read on.

A varied job

The job is varied and a result of the size of the practice and the sectors the practice works in. You may also develop a specialism that will shape your day to day tasks. Some architects specialise more in the concept design phase and others in the technical design phase with some working across all stages through to delivery.

For example, if you work for a high-profile practice on large scale, iconic buildings you could spend as long as a year, maybe even years on the specification of door furniture. If you work in a tiny office of two you may design and assist the delivery of ten or so extensions in the same time period.

From my personal experience my activities fluctuate through admin-heavy periods alternating with more creative activities but overall break down something like the percentages in the chart below. You’ll see that the ‘creative’ part (in pink) is only a fraction of the overall role.

Do I have to be good at Physics?

The most common question I was asked by students was if they have to study physics/science generally or maths. The second most common question was if art at A-level is required to study architecture. My answer was primarily ‘no’ but that some universities may mention but those subjects within their prospectus. Architecture is a very broad profession with communication and problem solving at its heart. I advise studying what you are passionate about and enjoy. Try to demonstrate some ability to work in a project format for example developing, testing , refining a product/proposal. This may be in school in technology, computer science, textiles etc. or as personal projects. 

What does an architect do?

There are so many tasks you may undertake as an architect, which I have listed below. You’ll see that many don’t really involve or rely on physics or maths. The creative tasks are also only small in number. If you want a job with more drawing perhaps consider illustrating or specifically training as an architectural visualiser.

Tasks you may be required to undertake as an architect could include:-

• Meeting new clients
• Site visits
• Photography
• Putting together fee proposals
• Entering design competitions
• Bidding on large scale works with a broader construction team
• Marketing online and face to face
• Advising on and researching funding
• Appointing other construction consultants on behalf of clients
• Taking and updating the client brief
• Consulting with end users (this isn’t always the client)
• Researching precedent projects
• Conceptual design (sketching, technical drawing, 3D modelling digital and physical, photo-montaging/photoshop, animation, diagrams and documents)
• Client presentations
• Presenting to funding bodies
• Presenting to design panels
• Writing agendas and minutes
• Co-ordinating a design team
• Writing and updating project programmes
• Public consultation
• Local authority consultation
• Project management
• Reviewing and assimilating specialist information such as tree surveys, engineers drawings, historical surveys etc.
• Researching planning law and precedent
• Writing heritage statements
• Making planning applications
• Invoicing and accounts
• Resourcing staff
• Researching and staying up to date with industry knowledge, construction techniques, legislation, politics etc.
• Technical drawing (for building control and then construction drawings)
• Creating tender packages and reviewing
• Site inspections
• Problem solving

It’s not all about school and exam grades. Demonstrating that you have interests that crossover into architecture outside of the classroom such as travel, photography, attending exhibitions, visiting buildings, sketching, model making etc will also go a long way at interview and in personal statements. I advise trying to speak directly to professors/lecturers by attending open days a year early and ask them how they might improve their chances of gaining a place on the course. Be enthusiastic and memorable.

How do I pick an architecture school?

Architecture schools have a lot of cultural variation. For example, the Bartlett at UCL is considered to be highly conceptual whereas Bath University has the reputation of being more technical. You cannot simply use the university rankings as personal fit is important. Architectural education has a lot of contact time in comparison to other undergraduate courses so do take some time to visit potential universities to get a feel of the place and staff.

End of year graduate shows

Visiting end of year shows is a brilliant way to try and find out which university is for you. Both undergraduate and post graduate courses have end of year shows which are usually open to the public. The fun thing about visiting these- especially if you can go on opening night- is that you get a real feel for the student environment and are able to meet staff. They usually coincide with the end of year shows of other courses within the university so sometimes you can see graphics and illustration, costume-making etc. at the same time. It’s a really is a good source of inspiration. I visit AUB’s shows every year and always come away enthused. Follow schools on social media to be aware of when the shows are on.

Am I creative enough?

Creativity needs fuel. Be inquisitive. Practice creativity, if you feel like you do not have natural drawing skills you can train your way to being a more effective visual communicator. Read, watch and explore at every opportunity.

Read

• 101 things I Learned in Architecture School
• Yes is more (Bjarke Ingels)

There are infintiely more great books but these two books are particularly accessible

Watch

• Netflix has an excellent series called ‘Abstract’ which is in its second season. It is a series of documentaries about creatives and includes architects. It’s very good at demonstrating how creatives think and work.
• ‘30X40 Design Workshop’ channel on youtube reveals a lot about the job of being an architect and the different stages of a project in a practical but engaging way and is a good insight into the profession (albeit in n.America).

Consume

• The presidents medal is awarded to students by the RIBA and entries are available to view online. Taking some time to look at the entries and the schools they come from can be a good conversation topic at interview and helps to understand the trajectory of work in terms of setting aspiration.  
• Pinterest, Instagram, archdaily, Colossal, Dezeen, Divisare, behance, Landzine etc. The latter have newsletters you can sign up to to get inspiration straight into your inbox.

Can you afford to be an architect?

‘Architect’ is a protected title. Just like a doctor you cannot claim to be an architect if you haven’t had the prescribed training and admitted to the arb register.

The traditional path to qualification

• (Part 1) A three year , full time undergraduate course followed by a year in industry
• (Part II) two year, full time, Masters or diploma followed by another year in industry
• (Part III) professional course, often also a masters and/or post graduate certificate, where you learn all the legal stuff

All of the courses need to be validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Full list of validated schools here. The pay for the years in industry can be quite low and when you are a student you have additional costs that other students don’t have like model-making materials and trips.

Alternatives to University

This seven-year slog is exhausting and expensive. It can also be quite hard to balance a part time job with a creative course due to the time required to complete the assignments. The RIBA have recently introduced apprenticeships which should make architecture more accessible and there are more and more part time stduy options becoming available which will hopefully make qualifying in the workplace more widespread.

Alternatives to the Traditional Route

Being ‘an architect’ is one role in the construction industry. We always work alongside architectural technologists who are generally more technically led, have less aesthetic training but broadly deliver the same services as an architect. This may be an option as there is more opportunity for training on the job (saving fee and giving you valuable experience). Some courses will allow for conversion to straight architecture at a later stage if you wish. Conversely, you may wish to take the undergraduate course as a foundation for a different career such as game design.

Fear of judgement

I add this as a side note. It’s very important not to be fearful. Throughout your career you will have to open yourself up to repeated judgement. You need a level of robustness to process continuous feedback. Most architects are hugely passionate about design- the long training period generally weeds out those who aren’t. When you send out that e-mail with your carefully created response to a client brief it is always a nervous time. Will they like it? did I understand their needs? do the drawings really explain what I am trying to say? It helps me to view feedback as a learning opportunity and understand that recognising when to reject an idea or concept always results in a better proposal.

What do you think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on entering the profession- maybe you disagree or have something to add? Perhaps you followed a different path and have had different experiences. Please comment or drop me an e-mail – I’d love to hear from you.