Part of our series What does a ___ actually do?, plain-English guides to the careers students ask us about most.
An architect designs buildings and the spaces around them, and helps restore and adapt existing ones. Architects turn a client’s needs and budget into drawings that are safe, legal and buildable. They then stay involved while the building goes up, to make sure it is built as designed.
What the job involves
Discussing ideas, materials, costs and timelines with clients.
Drawing plans by hand and with computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Making sure designs follow building laws, safety regulations and budgets.
Bringing engineering requirements, such as structure and services, into one design.
Preparing instructions and contract documents for construction teams.
Visiting sites to check progress and sort out problems with builders.
Writing bids, contracts and planning applications.
Many architects also design for sustainability, choosing materials and layouts that save energy and reduce a building’s environmental impact.
A typical day
Much of an architect’s week happens at a desk: developing designs in software such as Revit, AutoCAD or SketchUp, refining details and answering questions from engineers and contractors. Then there are client meetings to present drawings and agree changes, and site visits to see how construction matches the plans. On a large project an architect may lead a small team of designers and technicians who prepare drawings.
Communication is constant. In the US occupational survey, every architect who responded said they use email every day, and 83% have phone calls every day.
Where they work
Architects work in design studios and offices, and visit building sites, where they wear protective clothing. Some work for large practices, some for developers or government, and some set up their own firm. In the UK, typical hours are 35 to 40 a week, with occasional evenings or weekends near deadlines.
Is it a good fit for you?
Architecture mixes three interest types. It is Realistic (designing and building real structures), Artistic (creating original designs) and Conventional (following regulations and keeping detailed documents in order). You might enjoy it if you:
Love drawing, design or making models.
Are good at maths and physics as well as art.
Notice how buildings and spaces make people feel.
Can take feedback and redesign without losing heart.
How to become an architect
In the UK and US, “architect” is a protected title: you must complete an approved education and practical experience, then register.
Stage | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
Education | Part 1: a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Part 2: a further 2 years, such as an MArch. | A degree from a programme accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), required in most states |
Practical experience | A year of practical work after Part 1 and another after Part 2 | The Architectural Experience Program: at least 3,740 documented hours |
Final step | Part 3 exam, then registration with the ARB | Pass all six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination, then get a state licence |
In the UK, a degree usually needs 2 to 3 A levels or equivalent. Universities will ask to see a portfolio of your work, such as sketches, photographs and models. There are also degree apprenticeships that combine work and study. Note that the ARB is moving to a new framework based on competency outcomes, so check the current requirements when you apply.
Where to study in the GCC
Several universities in the region offer architecture degrees with international accreditation. Details are from each university’s official page.
University | Programme | What the university states |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Architecture | 5 years; accredited by NAAB (US) | |
Bachelor of Architecture | Accredited by NAAB (US) and the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation | |
Bachelor of Architecture | 5 years; accredited by RIBA (UK) | |
Bachelor of Architecture | Accredited by UNESCO-UIA and the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation | |
BA (Hons) Architecture | RIBA Part 1 accredited | |
Bachelor of Architecture | 5 years plus two summer training sessions; NAAB International Certification (2025) |
Top universities worldwide
Looking beyond the Gulf? These are the top eight for architecture and built environment in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Rank | University | Country |
|---|---|---|
1 | UCL | United Kingdom |
2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
3 | Delft University of Technology | Netherlands |
4 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland |
5 | Manchester School of Architecture | United Kingdom |
6 | Politecnico di Milano | Italy |
=7 | Harvard University | United States |
=7 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore |
Some of these, Harvard among them, train architects mainly at master’s level. If you want to study architecture straight after school, check that the university offers it as a first degree. Rankings mostly reflect research reputation, so read them alongside the course details.
What architects earn
From official government wage statistics, converted to US dollars and rounded:
Country | Lower end | Upper end |
|---|---|---|
United States | $62,000 | $161,000 |
United Kingdom | $43,000 | $73,000 |
Canada | $39,000 | $109,000 |
The lower end is the 10th percentile of earners. The upper end is the 90th percentile in the US and Canada and the 75th in the UK, the highest UK figure available for architects. No GCC government publishes pay by job title, so we don’t show regional figures.
Try it now
Shadow architects online. A Learning Lab’s Architecture, Design and Sustainability Shadowing Program introduces design, sustainable practice and architecture careers.
Start a portfolio. Keep sketches, models and photos of spaces you have designed or redrawn. Architecture schools ask for one.
Try free design software such as SketchUp and model your own room or school.
Look closely at buildings. Visit a new building in your city and note what works and what does not.
Frequently asked questions
Do architects need to be good at drawing?
It helps, and universities ask for a portfolio, but most drawing is now done with design software. What matters more is how you think about space, and your ability to communicate ideas.
Which school subjects should I take?
Maths and physics are useful, and art or design shows your creative side. Check each university’s requirements, as some ask for specific subjects.
What is the difference between an architect and a civil engineer?
Architects design how a building looks, feels and works for the people using it. Civil and structural engineers make sure it stands up and that services like water and drainage work. They work closely together on every project.
Not sure architecture is for you? The HawkNest career assessment matches your interests and strengths to careers like this one.
More in this series
Sources: O*NET OnLine, Architects; National Careers Service, Architect; RIBA; ARB; NCARB; pay from US BLS (May 2025), UK ONS ASHE (2025) and Canada Job Bank (2025), converted at ECB rates of 1 October 2026.
