It may take several years to earn your architecture qualification, but those who complete their degree and register as practising architects have many career options. Although many graduates head straight into a design firm to work on residential and commercial building projects, you won’t have any problems applying your skills to other areas in the industry.
Whether you’re looking to design skyscrapers, work at the forefront of sustainable architecture or master the art of interior design, forging your career in the built environment industry means you get to use your creativity and earn a stellar salary. Get to know these exciting built environment roles to maximise your talent and find your ideal path into the sector.
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1. Architectural technologist
Your typical architect has a detailed understanding of the science and technology behind building and construction. However, their focus remains primarily on the structure’s physical aesthetics and spatial qualities. In contrast, architectural technologists specialise in highly technical principles that improve virtually every aspect of how a building functions.
Working closely with architects and other designers, architectural technologists use a project’s initial design to develop manual and CAD-based technical drawings. They also use their deep knowledge of building codes, space requirements and technical documentation to solve design issues, and conduct risk assessments and environmental impact studies.
2. Interior design
Interior design is another creative role that appeals to qualified architects. While interior designers are dedicated to producing aesthetically pleasing spaces, there’s much more to this work than just making a specific room look pretty. Working across homes, offices and commercial projects, interior designers also elevate the functionality of any interior space to meet specific needs.
After listening to and researching the client’s demands, interior designs develop comprehensive design concepts, factoring in materials and budgets. Alongside selecting furniture, lighting and fittings, interior designers use their in-depth understanding of how people move and interact with inside spaces to develop innovative solutions to each client’s requests.
3. Landscape architecture
You don’t have to use your architectural skills just to build homes or commercial properties. You can also become a landscape architect, where your talent is used to develop infrastructure and public spaces, such as parks and gardens. If you’re interested in environmental restoration, heading into landscape architecture could be your ideal move.
As you play a direct role in how people engage with the outside world, you have the power to develop highly beneficial spaces that prompt physical and mental well-being. Meanwhile, as climate change becomes a core consideration in virtually every aspect of the built environment, contributing more lush green spaces to our communities is incredibly rewarding.
4. Urban planning
Urban planners are responsible for planning and implementing designs and programs that enhance how cities and towns function. By conducting rigorous research into economic and social conditions, such as population growth and transportation needs, it’s possible to develop sophisticated land use plans that respond to the needs of nearby communities.
Urban planners also assist with the creation of policies and regulations that dictate construction and development in an area. They also engage directly with communities through meetings and public events, listening to concerns and announcing policy changes. With an architectural background, becoming a talented town planner is a realistic career path.
5. Sustainable design specialist
As the world looks to become more energy-efficient, the built environment sector has implemented wide-ranging changes to reduce emissions and foster environmentally friendly cities. Sustainable design specialists are at the heart of this shift, with this role dedicated to promoting eco-conscious features that restrict greenhouse emissions in new construction developments and restoration projects.
Using aspects of your architectural education, you’ll thoroughly analyse a building’s design to suggest strategies that reduce its environmental impact. Alongside forward-thinking recommendations like LED lighting, solar electricity, all-electric appliances and passive cross-ventilation, sustainable design specialists advocate for greener construction methods and carbon-neutral materials.
