Assistants, there can be a number of other professionals who design buildings. These include Architectural Technologists, Technicians and Architectural Designers. An Architectural Technologist will have studied for 5 or 6 years at higher and professional levels; if they choose to become a Chartered Member of the CIAT (so have the letters MCIAT after their name), they can offer the full range of architectural services that an Architect can. Some will choose the Architectural Technologist route, instead of the Architect route because it can be a slightly shorter time to qualify and there are other study options than doing a full-time degree. Traditionally, an Architectural Technologist would be more concerned with the technical elements of a building compared to the design- focus of an Architect, but this is much less true today and both professions should be judged on their individual merits.


A quick search of qualified architect job vacancies being advertised at the time of writing this article showed starting salaries ranging from £28,000 to £55,000 per year. A similar search for Architectural Technologist roles suggests current starting salaries range from £24,000 to £45,000. Experienced architects, partners in a practice or those who own their own business could expect to earn significantly more.


Architectural Technicians and Architectural Designers will have qualifications and/or experience in their professional field and are likely to work in practice supporting Architects and Architectural Technologists. However, they are unlikely to be professionally registered in their own right and therefore would not be able to sign-off on architectural plans and projects. As such, there is no set route into these roles and salaries vary, but they could be a realistic option if you were only able to complete RIBA Part 1, for example.


RIBA have developed two new programmes to support those looking to build a career in architecture. The first, launched in 2021, is the RIBA Foundation programme, which aims to support those needing to gain experience or build a portfolio before they start their RIBA Part 1 training. The other is the RIBA Studio, which allows you to work full time in a practice while working towards your RIBA Part 1 or Part 2 at the same time. Search ‘RIBA Studio’ to find out more about both options.


There is more information on how to become an architect or an architect assistant, including details of apprenticeships and the RIBA Studio; go the Education, CPD and Careers section of www.architecture.com


What skills do you need to work in architecture?


Are you the sort of person with the right qualities and attributes to succeed? Here’s what we think it takes:


A logical mind


Architects need to be both ‘big picture’ people and ‘details’ people but, perhaps most importantly of all, they need to be able to work logically through an issue, addressing issues in practical ways.


A sense of design


As well as a mechanical mindset, it helps to have a sense of the artistic, to ensure buildings appeal to the people who will use them.


Excellent


communication skills Architects rarely work alone; there are clients, engineers, site managers and so on, who all perform key roles on any project. Therefore, an architect needs to be able to explain ideas and plans to others, as well as to hear and understand what others are explaining to them.


Management skills Even as a Junior Architect working in a practice,


there is a need to ‘juggle’ multiple projects and people at a time. If you aspire to become a partner or have your own business, you’ll need these skills even more.


*RSAW - The Royal Society of Architects in Wales


RSUA - The Royal Society of Ulster Architects, in Northern Ireland


RIAS - The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland


Make The Future Yours! Issue 1


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