So you want to be an Architect?
Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash
Disclaimer: In this post I will be talking about the 'traditional' /Original route to becoming an Architect as this is the route I am currently on. I will however do some research into other routes e.g the Apprenticeship route for a post at a later date as this is definitely a route I would have considered!
Moving on. There are 3 RIBA 'parts' to pass to become an Architect which are fairly simple once you know them - it will however take, wait for it.. 7 years as a minimum. This is not me trying to discourage you, I swear, we speak only the facts at archistudentnotes, it is however important to know what you are letting yourself in for. The RIBA for your information is the Royal Institute of British Architects - Professional Membership body for Architects.
RIBA PART 1 - Undergraduate Degree in Architecture
Most likely your first step into the wonderful world of architecture unless you have been lucky enough to gain some prior experience! This course usually lasts for 3-4 years full time with various modules usually including Architectural Theory/Context communication, Technology and Studio which is usually your main module incorporating everything you have learnt and are learning. First year will be a very general introduction to Architecture. As you progress into second and third year the scale of the projects will get bigger and a lot more complex with multiple clients with different requirements.
Part 1 Year Out/Placement Year
Your first placement can be quite daunting as it usually your first experience in an architectural firm but it is a great learning experience, not only in how the office works but in what you want from a career in Architecture.
In my personal opinion the smaller the practice the better when it comes to your placement as you will get to do more and therefore learn a lot more about different processes within the office. There are however benefits to a larger practice so best to do research before you say yes!
Contrary to a lot of what I personally read when I was starting out in Architecture, this placement can be anywhere in the world. I personally did my placement in New York (Will do a post all about it) and I loved it.
If you do go abroad however remember you need a minimum of 1 year of experience in a UK practice to do your Part 3.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
RIBA PART 2 - Postgraduate Degree in Architecture
Again this must be ARB registered to cover Part 2 of 3. Expectations at this stage will be a lot higher than your undergraduate degree, not just because you are older but because the expectation is that you would have completed your year out in an architecture firm. Of course different universities and different tutors within those universities will expect different things but there is definitely less learning about the basics and standard facts and more of using what you have learnt over the years in your own style.
Placement Year
Your second placement year is very different to your first as you will have a lot more responsibility depending on the practice you are employed at, its size and your own ability. Use what you have learnt from your first placement about you want from an Architecture career to choose this office as will more than likely stay at this practice until you qualify. I will do a more in-depth post on choosing a architecture firm soon!
Part 3 - Professional Practice in Architecture
The last part! Part 3 (once you have completed and passed Part 1 and 2 of course)
For me Part 3 seems like the stage where you actually learn how to be an Architect. Weird right, to feel that after at this point a mere 5-6 years of university and experience -_-
But anyway… you learn about the background processes including costing and finance, issues in the practice, building legislation etc etc .....etc. You are then assessed on your CV, a self evaluation, PEDR log sheets, a case study and basically an exam.
...and that's basically it! 3 years at uni, year out, 2 years at uni, year out + however long it takes you qualify.
Easy stuff, right?
