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Do you want to be an architect?

The title architect is protected by law. This is to ensure that anyone who employs an architect is employing someone with professional status who has all the necessary qualifications and experience to complete the job role.

If you want to be an architect you will need to begin at the point of having five GCSEs at grade A* - C including maths, English and either physics or chemistry. The usual route after this would be A-levels and again ideally you want maths and a science such as physics in the mix. If you think that you would like to work abroad then studying for a language would also be helpful and you could consider throwing geography in the mix too.

The route into this highly respected career is a fairly long one – seven years and the stages of qualification are outlined in brief below.

Stage one

Stage one of becoming a professional architect is comprised of two parts, part one is an undergraduate degree in architecture (BA or BSc). Part two involves gaining one year’s experience, which will be recorded.

Stage two

Stage two is an enhanced qualification, such as a BArch, followed by two years’ experience where you will be given more responsibility than you had in your first year of experience. You could choose to specialise in urban planning or conservation if you wanted to.

Stage three

Stage three is the final qualifying exam component, where you become fully accredited and registered with professional status.

What an architect does

Working in the construction industry, architects design structures, alternations and restoration projects for all sorts of buildings or large-scale projects, big and small, working with and for individuals or large corporations. They ensure that the client’s ideas are brought to life and that structures are functional, safe and economical. Architects work with many other professionals such as surveyors and engineers and oversee construction at all stages. You may be interested in civil engineering.

To find out more about what an architect does visit the architecture.com website.

About Lynette Daly

Lynette is the publisher and content manager of Moving On magazine. Moving On is devoted to helping young people make the right choices for their future – education, qualifications and careers. Moving On really wants to motivate you! Our articles cover a range of topics to inspire and give ideas. Our magazines are free for schools, colleges and sixth forms to subscribe. Ask your Head Teacher, Head of Sixth Form or Career Advisor to get on the list!

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