How to become an architect

Combine creativity and technical expertise to transform ideas into architectural masterpieces.

From residential to commercial, architecture is a broad industry that intersects creativity and maths, offering a unique platform to design and shape the spaces in which we live, work, and play. It's a profession that requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of structural principles, and a passion for sustainable and innovative design solutions.

Ben Milbourne, a Senior Lecturer in Architecture at RMIT, explains “An architect is a specialist in both the art and the technique of building. The profession has a very long history stretching thousands of years and builds on a tradition of exploring how the design of buildings respond to the specific cultural conditions of particular places.”

People looking at posters on a wall and flipping through copies of the book.

How to become an architect

In Australia, ‘architect’ is a protected title, meaning you must be qualified and registered to call yourself an architect. To become qualify for registration as an architect you must complete an architecture specific bachelor degree, a Master of Architecture and the Architects Registration Board examination.

Complete an architecture degree

Bachelor of Architectural Design

Learning from internationally recognised and award-winning architects alongside visiting national and international experts, consultants, and specialists, you will combine both experimental and speculative design with practical projects and engage with real-life industry projects to expand your knowledge and help you discover innovative approaches to problem solving.

Master of Architecture

From design to project management, you will have advanced skills in all modes of architectural communication as well as building technology and architectural history, all of which are integrated through design. You will have developed your own critical position toward the discipline of architecture through project-based research.

Explore RMIT’s architecture courses

“At RMIT, we look for applicants who are interested and engaged in the world around them, particularly the built environment. and Being engaged in and passionate about various forms of cultural production,will really set you up for success in an architectural education and your professional life because it will empower and propel your design interests throughout your career,” says Ben.

But what does studying architecture look like at RMIT? Ben explains, “Your course is structured around the design studio, where you engage in a variety of hypothetical design problems, ranging from the design of entire cities, engagement with machine learning/AI, through to smaller scale design/build studios and everthing in between. Under the supervision of the studio leader, you will develop design solutions to these problems using iterative development and guidance from your studio leader. This model of learning encourages students to develop their own design language and position on the value of architecture and how to realise a value in the world around them.”

Gain work experience

You must complete a minimum of 3,300 hours (approximately 2 years) of work experience under the supervision of a qualified architect. You must log your experience in the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia Architectural Practice Examination Logbook.

Pass the Architects Registration Board examination

The examination will test your knowledge and application of relevant performance criteria in the National Standard of Competency for Architects. Upon completion, you will be invited by the relevant architect registration board to submit for an interview conducted by two experienced practising architects.

You will be examined on your range of work and experience and are expected to be familiar with topical professional issues. The interview also considers your responses to practice situations that may be outside your personal experience and may test your knowledge and experience in both actual and hypothetical situations. You may be examined across a variety of procurement issues and should be able to demonstrate competence in contracts that may be administered by an architect.

Upon completion of the interview you will be able to register as a qualified architect.

What does an architect do?

Architects work closely with clients to understand their needs and create design solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Architects are involved in all phases of a building project, from the initial concept and planning stages, through to the final construction.

Their work includes creating detailed drawings and plans using industry-standard software, liaising with a range of other property, planning and construction specialists about the feasibility of potential projects, as well as specifying the materials, fixtures and fittings to be used.

Architects also need to ensure that their designs comply with health and safety regulations, building codes, and that they are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Tasks, duties and responsibilities of an architect

“On a day-to-day basis, you may find yourself working on sketch designs for buildings, working on 3D digital models, preparing reports, making physical models, being on site and inspecting work, or working with various stakeholders, including government and clients and user groups,” says Ben.

What skills does a successful architect need?

According to Ben, “Architects work with diverse stakeholders, so you need strong communication skills to explain the value of the design that you're proposing to those various stakeholders and to negotiate solutions across the varying interests of different parties involved in the project. For hard skills you often need to be able use digital technology such as 3D modelling software, but also increasingly machine learning and coding.”

Where do architects work?

Architects work in a variety of settings. Many are employed by architectural firms, where they collaborate with other architects and designers on projects ranging from homes to skyscrapers. Some work for construction companies or real estate developers, helping to bring buildings from concept to completion. Others may find roles in government agencies, developing policy relating to the built environment or ensuring that proposed buildings meet relevant planning, safety and design standards. Additionally, some architects choose to work independently, offering their expertise as consultants or running their own practices.

According to Ben, “Architectual training is highly transferable and there's a huge amount of variability in the type of work that architectural graduates do. There’s more traditional roles such as designing different types of buildings or renovation of existing buildings, but we're finding graduates are also working in film and television, animation, game design, and UI design.”

How much do architects earn?

The median weekly earnings for a full-time architect in Australia is $1,688 per week* and the median hourly rate is $44 per hour*.

Learn more about your architecture study options

Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT is ranked as #1 in Australia and #18 in the world for studies in art and design^, so no matter which course you choose, RMIT's range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses for domestic and international students is designed to help you develop a rich understanding of architecture, and build a diverse set of skills that will carry you through your career.

Explore RMIT’s architecture courses

*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2023

^Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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