Architects
Architects design building projects for clients and provide advice through the project lifecycle.
Architects use creativity and a practical understanding of structures, materials to develop concepts, plans, specifications, detailed drawings to design building projects for clients. They negotiate with builders and planning authorities, administer building contracts and inspect work that has been carried out. They often act as a trusted advisor to the client throughout the whole project’s lifecycle, and manage the cohesion of the build. Architects work with Builders, Engineers, Surveyors, Lawyers, other professionals and tradespeople to achieve their vision.
Architects perform a range of tasks that including:
- envisioning and drawing designs, both by hand and computer-aided design (CAD) applications.
- designing around constraining factors such as project budget, local council legislation, town planning and environmental impacts.
- conferring with builders about project feasibility.
- applying for planning permission.
- writing and presenting reports, applications, proposals and contracts.
- adapting plans based on local government feedback and resolving any issues that may arise throughout the build.
- advising clients throughout the build, and managing the project in conjunction with other professionals.
- travelling to the building site and different offices for meetings regularly.
More information
Personal Requirements
- aptitude for design
- creativity
- able to analyse problems logically
- good communication skills
- strong writing and drawing skills
- great decision making abilities
Education and Training
To become an Architect, you need to complete a Master of Architecture or its equivalent and then get accreditation. In Australia, only people who have been accredited through this process may call themselves an Architect.
- Complete a five-year higher education program in architecture leading to an accredited Master of Architecture qualification. You’ll need to have completed year 12 or its equivalent and earned the required ATAR, or enter university through an alternative entry pathway.
- You can also gain recognition of prior learning if you have an accepted overseas equivalent to the Master of Architecture qualification.
- You must obtain at least two years’ experience working in the industry.
- You'll need to pass a three-part competency assessment process called the Architectural Practice Examination. The three parts consist of completion of a logbook, a written paper and an interview with current practising architects.
- Register with your state or territory’s Architects’ Registration Board. You’ll need to be registered individually, and in most states and territories your architecture firm will need to be registered as an entity too.
