Architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings, refurbishing old buildings and developing new ways of using existing buildings. They are involved in construction, civil engineering projects from the initilal stages right through to completion.

Their work includes:

• preparing and presenting design proposals to clients
• advising clients
• producing detailed desing and drawings
• negotiating with contractors and other professionals
• attending regular meetings with clients, contractors and other specialists
• co-ordinating the work of contractors
• making site visits to check on progress
• dealing with problems that might come up during execution.

Entry Requirements

If you want to become an architect, you'll need a degree in architecture. To get on to one of the courses in Architecture, you will have to have passed 2 A Levels / 3 H Grades and hold GCSE grades A-C / Standard Grades 1-3, in Maths, English and Science. However all universities and courses are different so it's best to check them out first at UCAS.

Courses and training in architecture:-

A 3 year degree.

A year in an architectural office.

A 2 year diploma.

And one year's work experience.

The benefits

• Newly-qualified architects (with Royal Institute of British Architects Part 3) may earn approximately £25,000 a year.
• Average salaries are between £30,000 and £40,000.
• Partners and directors can earn up to £100,000 or more.

Many architects set up their own practices and can earn even more, while others choose to move into project management.

Further information

Architects Registration Board (ARB), 8 Weymouth Street, London W1W 5BU. 020 7580 5861. Website:www.arb.org.uk

CITB-ConstructionSkills, Bircham Newton, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH. 01485 577577. Websites:www.citb.co.uk, www.bconstructive.co.uk and www.citbni.org.uk

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE. 0131 229 7545. Website: www.rias.org.uk

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD. 020 7580 5533. Websites: www.riba.org, www.architecture.com, www.careersinarchitecture.net and www.riba-jobs.com

Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NB. 029 2087 4753. Website: www.architecture-wales.com

Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), 2 Mount Charles, Belfast BT7 1NZ. 028 9032 3760. Website:www.rsua.org.uk