Architect Jobs
Fancy making a career change? Does the thought of becoming an architect excite you? There are plenty of routes to go down if you’re interested in a career change to architecture. Read on to find out more.
More and more people are making a career change. There are various reasons why people change careers, from wanting a higher salary to pursuing a passion to simply wanting a change of scenery. Whatever your reason may be, a career change to architecture can provide these benefits and more.
Why Make a Career Change to Architecture?
We’ve outlined some of the benefits of making a career change to architecture to help you make an informed decision:
- The job outlook is promising, with a RIBA report acknowledging “stability” in a sector which suffered a massive decline over recent years due to the pandemic and rising material costs.
- It provides an outlet for innovation. Your innate creativity will be called upon daily to craft novel designs and solve structural challenges.
- The work environment is flexible. While you’ll office-based, visiting sites allows you to see constructions firsthand and refine your plans.
- You get to better people’s lives by creating cost-efficient, safe spaces for them to live, work and play. It’s rewarding to have real human impact.
- No two days are the same in this fast-paced profession. You’ll juggle multiple projects simultaneously, keeping things engaging.
How to Become an Architect
Charting your course to become an architect in the UK? While a formal degree is the standard path, there are alternative routes for career changers too.
To legally use the title “architect,” you must register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Chartered status is also available through the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) membership.
The typical training timeline is 5 years of study plus 2 years of hands-on experience. This breaks down into:
- A 3-4 year accredited undergrad degree
- 1 year of supervised professional experience (Year Out)
- 2 years of further study for a master’s degree
- 1 more year of recorded on-the-job training
- Passing the ARB’s Part 3 exam on practice and management
RIBA’s Studio programme allows those with 3+ years of experience to earn accredited degrees through self-study while working. This flexible option takes 4-5 years. This is a great option for career changers as it allows you to begin studying towards your architecture degree without losing the steady income of your current job.
For career changers who have graduated with unrelated degrees, ARB offers assessments to evaluate equivalency. RIBA, on the other hand, does not currently offer conversion courses.
It may take some retraining, but with strategic planning and commitment, you can pave an exciting path to qualifying as an architect.
Finding Architect Jobs For Career Changers
Embarking on a career change to architecture opens the door to a world of creativity and possibilities. All that’s left to do is take that first step!
Begin your search for jobs now with the Refreshing a Career Architecture job board. You’ll find all the latest architecture opportunities in your area.
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