Introduction

Architects design buildings and remain involved in the construction process until building is complete. Projects may include making changes to an existing building or creating a whole group of new buildings. Architects need creativity to produce something that is pleasing to the eye and that fits in with its surroundings.

Architects are involved in the whole construction process from the planning and design of buildings through to their completion. They may work on a wide variety of projects, ranging from making changes to existing buildings to creating housing estates.

The construction process begins with a brief, which the customer and the architect decide together. The brief indicates the type of building required, what it will be used for and the amount it is expected to cost. Before design work begins, the architect may organise research work to obtain information on the needs and opinions of those people who will work in, live in or use the building. They also examine similar buildings and inspect the site of the development.

Most buildings are the result of a team effort and the experienced architect often acts as project leader, discussing ideas with a group of professionals and co-ordinating their work. This may involve the architect in talks with:

• civil engineers regarding road or sewerage systems
• structural engineers regarding the design of the structure
• surveyors regarding the choice of site and the cost of materials
• landscape architects regarding the outdoor environment
• architectural technologists regarding technical design and detailing.

Once ideas have been established, the architect produces sketches and plans of the exterior and interior, which show the size that the building needs to be and the materials that are appropriate for use. In some cases, the architect co-ordinates the construction of a model to illustrate the proposals.

After the client accepts the design for a building, the architect produces detailed technical drawings for use by the building contractor. In some cases, architectural technicians may do this. At this stage, the architect may be involved in talks with town planners and building control officers regarding planning permission and aspects of health and safety. After contracts are agreed with the building contractor, the architect draws up a specific programme of work.

As building work progresses, the architect visits the site regularly to check that the work is being done according to the original drawings and specifications. They discuss any problems with the client and specialist members of the design team at work on the project.

As an architect, you need creativity and imagination to produce something that is visually pleasing and suited to its environment. You need to be good at Mathematics and English, and you need to have good presentation skills, which you need to be able to combine with knowledge of building technology. You also need to be able to sketch and draw although you do not need to have studied art. You usually need normal colour vision.

Salaries for architects vary. The pay rates given below are approximate. Architects earn in the range of £17,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £32,000 - £40,000. Higher earners can make around £48,000 a year. Partners, directors and consultants can earn around £90,000 a year.

Architects work a basic 39-hour week with occasional weekend and evening work according to the demands of the project.

Most architects work in private practice in many types of organisations. There are also career opportunities in government organisations, commercial organisations and on projects in other countries. Architects can also work independently as consultants, in education and research.