London Architect Jobs
Architecture is a varied and fascinating career, giving its members the chance to transform the landcape and put their mark on the city
Architecture is a varied and fascinating career, giving its members the chance to transform the landcape and put their mark on the city. Responsibilities include working with clients to draw up original designs, following these plans through to completion and ensuring that the finished building conforms to health and safety regulations.
Unsurprisingly, architect jobs in London re in strong demand, with prospective candidates required to have a range of professional qualifications and personal attributes even to just get a foot in the door.
Professional and Academic Requirements
Make no mistake, gaining the qualifications necessary to work as an architect in London is a long and demanding task.
For starters, prospective architects are required to take a three or four-year degree course at an institution recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). As of 2011, the professional body accredits courses at 40 institutions across the UK, though it does not rank them in terms of quality.
Following this, candidates are required to take a post-graduate course, usually of two years in length, before finally gaining a year's on-the-job work experience at an architect's office, with this being used as a basis to pass the tough RIBA Exam in Professional Practice and Management.
In terms of getting onto an initial architecture course, then there are no set requirements, though a good academic background will be required for school leavers, while mature prospective students will need to show experience in the field and potentially an impressive portfolio of related work.
Personal Attributes
Alongside rigid academic and professional requirements, becoming an architect also calls for specific personal attributes.
For example, anyone looking to break into the profession should be meticulously organised, possess both sound mathematic skills as well as a creative mind, be able to work independently on major projects and be capable of working under pressure, particularly when there are deadlines to meet.
Potential Rewards
Architecture, particularly in London, is a rewarding career, in more ways than one.
Starting out, qualified architects can expect to earn in excess of £25,000, though senior positions can pay several multiples of this.
As well as the fact those professionals based in the capital tend to take home the bigger pay packets, so too do those working in the biggest London firms tend to enjoy the best financial benefits, not to mention enhanced pension packages and extra benefits such as health insurance and gym membership.
For many, however, the biggest reward of working in architecture is the ability to be creative on a daily basis and to see the fruits of their labour transformed from sketches into new additions to the London skyline.
Possible Drawbacks
Once the demands of the training process have been overcome, then architecture is generally a thoroughly-rewarding career.
That said, there are notable potential downsides. The sector is often at the mercy of the economy, with slumps in the property market causing new positions to dry up. Additionally, architect jobs in London can also involve long hours and tight deadlines.
Biggest Employers
Many of the UK's and Europe's biggest and most prestigious architecture firms are based in London and are often on the hunt for new talent. These include the likes of Foster and Partners, EPR Architects, Hopkins Architects and Baca. Alongside these, there are also dozens of smaller firms that can prove a good source of new job opportunities, while local authorities may occasionally employ architects directly.
Alternatively, those with significant levels of experience may opt to go it alone as a freelance architect.
