When considering architecture as a potential career, there are several forms of advice and considerations available to your child that can result in them achieving their goal.
If your child has decided upon architecture as their potential career path, then the first aspect to consider are the school subject choices that would be beneficial.
Below is a list of preferred subject combinations that colleges/universities/employers may look for:
- English & Maths: core subjects required for most professions
- Art & Design: show creativity and innovation
- Humanities (Geography, History, etc.): show an ability to understand contextual issues
- Sciences (either of the core three): note Physics can sometimes be a replacement for the Maths requirement at universities
Architecture courses will have varying entry requirements and you can use these as references to help guide your child’s choices.
Hobbies are important as they can highlight your child’s ambition, creativity, and interests. These extra-curricular activities help set you apart from other candidates whether it be art, music or sport based. Finding ways to link these to your application can help highlight your skills, leadership, drive, and accomplishments.
Work experience is another great tool to highlight your child’s interest in the profession. Gaining first hand experience of the role and office environment will help your child understand if this is the right profession for them. Often work experience providers set mock projects to help develop the student’s design and software skills. If the practice has any active projects on site, the student may get a chance to visit a construction site to see what the architect's role is once the build has begun on site.
There are currently 3 routes to qualify as an architect within the UK.
1. Traditional University Route
This route typically compromises of 3 parts:
- 3 year undergraduate degree at a RIBA approved university (Part 1)
- 1-2 year work placement
- 2 year postgraduate degree at a RIBA approved university (Part 2)
- Gaining experience in a practice until you feel ready to sit the RIBA Architect competency exam through an approved course (Part 3)
(It is not always required to have a placement between Part 1 & 2, although candidates see great benefit from doing this)
2. RIBA Studio
The route is in unique partnership with the Oxford Brooks University where candidates study at their own pace while they remain in full time employment. The academic studying allows you to gain your RIBA Part 1 & 2 accreditation during your employment where you can then join university candidates in a Part 3 course.
3. Architecture Apprenticeships
This route combines the academic training of a university course with the practical experience of an architectural practice. It requires 20% of your contracted apprenticeship hours to be in formal, academic training. The apprenticeship is split between a Part 1 qualification and a combined Part 2 & 3 qualification.
Although each route offers a differs, they all follow the RIBA Part 1, 2 & 3 stages. Whatever route may suit your child best they all lead to becoming a fully qualified Architect.
More information on the routes to becoming an architect can be found on the RIBA website.
Kimble Roden is dedicated to help shape and nurture the next generation of architects. We offer work experience placements as well as employment for Part 1 & 2 Architectural Assistants. Kimble Roden offers constant one-to-one advice and mentoring from both practice Directors to help progress employees’ personal development.
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