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home Construction and the built environment
Architect

Architect

Construction and the built environment

Level 7 - Professional Occupation

Working on the design of new buildings and the redesign of existing buildings.

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Reference: OCC0533

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £43,486 per year

SOC 2020 code: 2451 Architects

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 2451/01 Architects (excluding landscape)
  • 2451/02 Landscape architects and designers

Technical Education Products

ST0533:

Architect (integrated degree)

(Level 7)

Approved for delivery

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Foster + Partners (lead employer), Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), ARUP, BDP, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB Studios), Grimshaw, Hawkins\Brown, HLM Architects, HOK, HTA Design LLP, Lipscomb Jones Architects Ltd, Perkins+Will, PLP Architecture, Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects (PTEA), Purcell, Ryder Architecture, Scott Brownrigg, Seven Architecture, Stanton Williams Architects, tp bennett

Summary

Architects are registered professionals, trained to requirements defined by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Only those who are appropriately qualified and registered with ARB can use the title ‘Architect’ in the UK. The ARB sets the UK standards for entry on to the Register of Architects and prescribes qualifications that lead to registration as an architect. These standards must be met in order to register as an architect. Architects lead on the processes of planning, designing and reviewing the construction of buildings; and are usually the first point of contact on a design team, working with the client and contractor to make final decisions during the design and construction process. Architects use their skills and knowledge to offer creative problem solving and strategic advice related to various types of building, arts and construction projects. This includes developing building designs taking into account multiple constraints, such as structural integrity, the character and location of a site, methods of construction, value for money, design quality and impact on the environment, as well as legal responsibilities. Architects work responsibly to deliver the interests of their clients and the core requirements of cost, time and quality. Architects work on projects of varying scale and type across the construction industry, including but not limited to the design of commercial, residential, community, education and infrastructure buildings and structures. Architects work on the design of new buildings and the redesign of existing buildings. They work closely with design and construction related professionals and often lead a design team or teams assembled to design and/or deliver the project. Architects can work as sole practitioners, in small practices or within large multi-disciplinary organisations. Within larger organisations they may report to a Senior Architect or project leader and can be based at office locations within project design teams, at on-site locations or a combination of both. Because their skills are easily transferable they are able to work for other construction and design related businesses (e.g. property consultants or interior designers).

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Foster + Partners (lead employer), Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), ARUP, BDP, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB Studios), Grimshaw, Hawkins\Brown, HLM Architects, HOK, HTA Design LLP, Lipscomb Jones Architects Ltd, Perkins+Will, PLP Architecture, Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects (PTEA), Purcell, Ryder Architecture, Scott Brownrigg, Seven Architecture, Stanton Williams Architects, tp bennett

eco

Mid Green occupation

Green themes

Heat and Buildings

Keywords:

Architect
Buildings
Construction
Design
Redesign

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: A range of advanced processes and techniques (e.g. digital fabrication) to generate, review and speculate on design proposals with multiple constraints, showing evidence of original thinking
K2: History of architecture and its impact on architectural practice
K3: The cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings
K4: How the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design and their creative application in design projects
K5: Urban design and town planning strategies and regulations
K6: Process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application)
K7: The in-depth relationships between users and buildings, between buildings and their environment, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to diverse user needs and scale
K8: The range of services offered by Architects
K9: The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities and the related planning legislation
K10: The context of the Architect and the construction industry, including the Architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production
K11: The role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry
K12: The client and design team briefing process, forms and terms of appointment
K13: Methods of investigation and preparation of briefs for the design projects (e.g. review of relevant precedent)
K14: Structural, constructional and engineering considerations within building design, such as physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems
K15: Principles, systems and strategies for environmental comfort and building services including sustainability principles
K16: Alternative construction materials, processes and techniques that apply to design and construction, including the impact of materials on the environment
K17: The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), computational design and other relevant technologies used in the design process
K18: Process of controlling building cost
K19: Approved Documents for building regulations
K20: Industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning
K21: The nature of professionalism and the responsibilities of Architects to clients, building users, constructors, professionals and the wider society
K22: The obligations of Architects to clients, stakeholders, warranties and third-parties
K23: Client needs, appropriate communication methods, programming, coordination and competent delivery
K24: The statutory legal context within which an Architect must operate and what is required to ensure compliance with legal requirements or standards
K25: Business priorities, required management processes and risks of running an architecture practice
K26: UK construction and contract law, and construction procurement processes
K27: The relationship between Architects and other built environment professionals
K28: Contractual relationships and the obligations of an Architect acting as a contract administrator

S1: Generate architectural design proposals
S2: Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals
S3: Produce drawings and 3D models using relevant software including Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
S4: Apply understanding of current architectural debate to produce innovative solutions
S5: Produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design
S6: Apply fine art theories in a creative way that acknowledges their conceptualisation and representation
S7: Comply with relevant town planning policy throughout design and construction phases to obtain planning permission (e.g. submitting planning application)
S8: Identify end user needs, local and the social context in which the project is developed
S9: Lead design development in respect of environmental context and sustainability
S10: Lead projects or parts of projects, taking into consideration business priorities and practice management
S11: Deliver services in a responsible manner, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders
S12: Problem-solve and use professional judgment to take initiative and make appropriate decisions in situations with multiple constraints
S13: Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of a design proposals
S14: Prepare and develop a project brief (e.g. by referring to RIBA Plan of Work)
S15: Integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques with building design
S16: Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs with multiple constraints and building construction, and how to integrate these into practicable design proposals
S17: Apply various technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment
S18: Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations and building regulations
S19: Interact with statutory authorities (e.g. planning or building control), private bodies (e.g. developers) or individuals to competently deliver projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks
S20: Act professionally when working independently and as part of a team, including communicating clearly with all stakeholders
S21: Offer impartial advice on construction related issues, relevant legislation and risks
S22: Identify and describe client and end user requirements, priorities and objectives
S23: Work with an understanding of the relevant statutory and legal requirements during project development so that the risk of harm to those who build, use and maintain buildings is reduced
S24: Engage in business development and administration including contributing to business strategy development, evaluating resources, planning, implementing and recording projects tasks
S25: Supervise the work of junior staff including Architectural Assistants
S26: Coordinate and engage in design team interaction
S27: Resolve construction related challenges and disputes, where appropriate
S28: Undertake construction inspection responsibilities, including completing site visits and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors work in relation to architectural drawings

B1: Code of Conduct:Comply with the relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA)
B2: Integrity:Be honest and act with integrity, ethics and in a professional manner
B3: Competence:Work singly, as part of a team or lead teams to provide a competent service
B4: Independence:Be organised and practice self-management when working independently
B5: Obligation:Be conscious of the Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession
B6: Reputation:Be aware of individual level of competency and professional experience to ensure they are unlikely to bring profession into disrepute
B7: CPD:Commit to identifying their own individual development needs and the obligation for Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

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Level 7

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Construction and the built environment

Engineering and manufacturing