Architects combine creativity, technical expertise, and project management. A typical day can include sketching design ideas, meeting clients, preparing planning applications, coordinating with engineers, and checking site progress.

It’s not just about drawing buildings, architects balance design ambition with real-world constraints like budgets, sustainability goals, and regulations.

Want to know what an architect’s day really looks like? You can chat with a practising architect on ChatYourCareer.co.uk to get first-hand insights before committing to this career path.

In the UK, becoming a qualified architect usually takes around 7 years and involves three main stages:

1. RIBA Part 1 – 3-year undergraduate degree in architecture

2. Professional Experience – 1 year in a practice

3. RIBA Part 2 – 2-year master’s or diploma

4. More Experience + Part 3 Exam – Leads to full registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Only ARB-registered professionals can legally call themselves “architects” in the UK.

An Architectural Assistant supports the design process, producing drawings, models, and research, while studying for their professional qualifications.

An Architect is fully qualified and registered with the ARB, meaning they can take legal responsibility for projects and sign off designs.

Many people spend several years as an Assistant before qualifying, gaining invaluable hands-on experience along the way.

Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and firm size. According to RIBA’s 2025 Benchmarking Report and Glassdoor data:

London, major cities, and specialist sectors (like heritage, sustainability, or healthcare design) tend to offer higher pay.

You’ll need a mix of creative, analytical, and communication skills, including:

• Design and visualisation

• Technical drawing and detailing

• Knowledge of planning and building regulations

• Time and project management

• Digital literacy (Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Suite)

• Collaboration and problem-solving

Architects often describe the profession as “equal parts art, science, and coordination.”

Digital tools are central to modern practice. The most widely used in the UK include:

• Revit / BIM 360 – For 3D modelling and coordination

• AutoCAD – For detailed technical drawings

• SketchUp / Rhino – For concept modelling

• Enscape / Twinmotion – For visualisation

• Adobe Creative Suite – For presentations and diagrams

Learning Revit is one of the most valuable skills for employability, it’s used in over 80% of UK practices working on public projects.

According to RIBA’s Future Trends Survey, workload and hiring confidence among UK architecture practices improved in 2025 after a cautious 2024.

• Employment growth: Steady at around +6% year-on-year (LinkedIn UK Jobs data)

• Strongest sectors: Retrofit, housing, education, and infrastructure

• Emerging trends: Sustainability, AI-driven design, and digital fabrication

Overall, architecture remains a stable career choice for design-oriented professionals, though competition for entry roles can be high.

You don’t need to be a maths genius, but a good understanding of geometry, physics, and basic structural concepts helps.

Architecture degrees teach technical subjects like environmental design and materials science, but creativity, problem-solving, and spatial awareness are just as important.

Architecture offers diverse paths:

• Residential Design – Houses, apartments, and extensions

• Commercial / Workplace Design – Offices, retail, and mixed-use projects

• Heritage & Conservation – Listed buildings and cultural sites

• Sustainable & Environmental Design – Net-zero and green architecture

• Urban Design / Masterplanning – Designing entire neighbourhoods or developments

You can also branch into project management, 3D visualisation, property development, or teaching later in your career.

Work experience is essential. Most universities and employers expect at least one year in a practice between Part 1 and Part 2. You can find placements through:

• RIBA’s student networks

• Architecture-specific job boards (e.g. Dezeen Jobs, RIBA Jobs)

• LinkedIn or local architecture groups

Want to talk directly to a practising architect before applying for placements? You can connect with verified professionals on ChatYourCareer.co.uk for advice on portfolios, applications, and early-career choices.

• Small studio: Greater creative input, hands-on involvement, and variety — but less structure and lower starting salaries.

• Large practice: Access to major projects, clear career paths, and specialist teams — though your role may be more focused.

Many architects move between both during their career to experience different cultures and project scales.

Yes, if you’re passionate about design, problem-solving, and creating meaningful spaces.

The sector is evolving rapidly, with opportunities in sustainability, AI-driven design, and digital construction.

Architects who adapt to these trends can enjoy long-term, impactful careers.

However, the path is demanding, long training, tight deadlines, and attention to detail are part of the journey.

• Balancing creativity and practicality

• Navigating complex planning rules and regulations

• Managing workloads and client expectations

• Learning to communicate technical designs clearly

• Adapting to fast-moving technology (especially BIM and AI)

Mentorship and early exposure to real projects make a huge difference, talking to architects who’ve been through it can save you years of trial and error.

Technology is transforming the industry:

• BIM (Building Information Modelling) is now standard for most UK public projects.

• VR and AR help clients visualise designs before they’re built.

• AI-assisted design tools are starting to automate early concept work.

• Sustainability software (like IESVE or One Click LCA) helps optimise energy use and material choices.

Architects who embrace digital tools early are better positioned for future opportunities.

Try shadowing or speaking directly to someone in the profession. Hearing what architects actually do, their challenges, joys, and work-life balance, gives a far clearer picture than reading course descriptions.

You can connect with experienced architects on ChatYourCareer.co.uk to ask questions, explore what the role involves, and decide if it fits your skills and lifestyle.