Architecture : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Architect - works in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces around them, working closely with users, clients and officials to ensure that their buildings match the needs of these groups. Architects work on new buildings or groups of buildings in the regeneration of an area, design alterations to existing buildings or advise on the restoration and conservation of old properties.
• Architectural technologist - works in building design and construction management teams, working especially closely with architects and having particular responsibility for ensuring the reliable technological performance of any building. Architectural technologists bridge the gap between the idea of an attractive functional building and the reality of that building performing successfully.
• Interior and spatial designer - involved in the design or renovation of internal spaces, including structural alterations, furnishings, fixtures and fittings, lighting and colour schemes. Designs and feasibility studies are produced for commercial, leisure and domestic properties, and the designer oversees the project from beginning to end.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Town planner - involved in making long and short-term decisions about the management and development of towns and cities. They aim to balance the conflicting demands of housing, industrial development, agriculture, recreation, transport and the environment, in order to allow appropriate development to take place.
• Building surveyor - provides professional advice on all aspects of property and construction. They work on site with new buildings and are concerned with the aftercare and performance of existing buildings.
• Higher education lecturer - teaches and carries out research activities in universities and some colleges of further or higher education.
• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer - advises on and promotes the conservation of the historic environment and in particular, its long-term care, preservation and enhancement.
• Landscape architect - plans, designs and manages open spaces including both natural and built environments.
• Planning and development surveyor - investigates, plans and manages proposals to either build new developments or organise the regeneration of existing sites.
• Production designer, theatre/television/film - responsible for the visual concept of a film, television, or theatre production. Working closely with the director and producer, production designers realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes.

Other options

Relevant work experience for those graduates who intend to qualify as architects is available in a wide range of approved practices. Other forms of work experience or internships can provide you with ways into various jobs. They can build your confidence and knowledge of the industry in addition to generating a good source of contacts.

Volunteering opportunities are very widespread and can really help personal development and future career prospects by providing valuable evidence of many of the skills that employers require. If you want to work abroad, allow plenty of time to plan as you will need to consider issues such as visas, local customs (and possibly languages), insurance, healthcare arrangements and accommodation.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.