ARCHITECTURE: CAREERS IN BUILDING DESIGN
Architecture is one of the most creative, complex and demanding jobs in career construction. That’s why it can take seven years for an architect to qualify! But although it is a long apprenticeship, designing buildings can be an incredibly rewarding profession that has a huge impact on society.
Who is behind the most famous building designs?
He has been some of the greatest architects in history and modern times. The most notable are:
- Michelangelo (1475-1564), who designed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City
- Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), architect of St. Paul's Cathedral in London
- Antoine Gaudi (1852-1926), whose buildings include the cathedral of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
- Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), one of the most influential architects of the 20th century
- Lord Norman Foster (1935- ), who has designed some of the world’s most iconic modern buildings, such as the Millau Viaduct, the City of London’s 30 St Mary Ax (the ‘Gherkin’) and Stansted Airport terminal.
What skills do you need to become an architect?
First and foremost, the architect must have excellent design skills, both on paper and on CAD (computer aided design). You need to be able to visualize your design ideas effectively, and back them up with an understanding of building design and construction.
You should have excellent problem solving, thinking and reasoning skills, be a good analytical thinker and have a good understanding of mathematics and finance. You must be able to work well and communicate easily with a wide range of construction industry workers, from site managers to civil engineers.
Other key skills include:
You should have excellent problem solving, thinking and reasoning skills, be a good analytical thinker and have a good understanding of mathematics and finance. You must be able to work well and communicate easily with a wide range of construction industry workers, from site managers to civil engineers.
Other key skills include:
- Attention to detail
- Oral communication
- Ability to use your own initiative.
How can you gain architectural experience?
There are two routes to an architecture career. You can study for a degree in architecture at university, which takes seven years (including two years of practical work experience). Alternatively, architectural apprenticeships offer a vocational route into the profession, with about 80% of an apprentice’s time spent with an architectural practice, and 20% focused on academic study.
To become qualified apprentices should complete a Level 6 Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship and Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship. It is possible for architectural apprentices to become qualified in only four years and get paid while they are gaining work experience. However, architectural apprenticeships are comparatively hard to find.
To become qualified apprentices should complete a Level 6 Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship and Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship. It is possible for architectural apprentices to become qualified in only four years and get paid while they are gaining work experience. However, architectural apprenticeships are comparatively hard to find.