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Tips for Future Birmingham Students - How to Become an Architect

Integrated Design & Associates • May 14, 2019

Architecture is a popular profession due to the pervasive interest in constructing future urban development. Many young people are fascinated and inspired by creating a better, more modern world, and architecture allows them to do that. A mixture of design and science, you can plan to build truly phenomenal buildings that meets societies current greater needs for increased personal wellbeing, environmentally friendly attitudes and high health and safety standards. With this in mind, we have put together some tips for current architecture aficionados on how they can study to become an architect.

What skills do I need?

To firstly become a professional architect, you need to be proficient in the following skills:

- Creativity

- Leadership

- Numeracy

- Teamwork

- Time Management

- Attention to detail

- Business management

- Communication

- Ability to understand and follow technical plans

These skills will help ground and aid the development of your architectural knowledge. Many of the projects that you complete whilst training will include drawing and designing on computers, using complex technology, extensive calculations and plenty of patience.

What qualifications do I need?

As architecture is such a popular and highly competitive profession, it requires a high level of study to become a registered architect in the UK. We explain the possible routes below.

Academic - To follow the traditional academic route, you need to pursue A Levels in science, art and design based subjects. These can include, art, design technology, maths and physics. You then would be eligible for an a degree architecture that has been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects - this is around three to four years of study as well as 12 months of practical work experience.

You will then need to complete a postgraduate degree which takes around two years, alongside another 12 years of work experience.

Finally, you can then take a course at a RIBA-validated institution, once you have graduated, you can register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

If you decide that you want to become an architect later in life, there are options of studying part-time whilst undertaking plenty of practical experience. Furthermore, there are related masters degrees that you can take which won’t make you a qualified and registered architect but it can get you into the profession as an architectural technologist, interior designer and more.

Vocational - There are many vocational options available for those who prefer this. Including architecture apprenticeships, and level three courses in sciences and engineering. However, you still need to take the RIBA examinations to qualify.

Here at Integrate Designs, we offer high-quality architectural services as well as structural and geotechnical engineering. We have contributed to a large variety of Birmingham developments including industrial units, offices, shops, pubs and restaurants. Contact us today to find out more.

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