If you are fascinated by the environment we live in, whether built or natural, a career in Architecture offers many diverse career opportunities. From designing a once off dream house for your client to working on multimillion commercial projects that span many years, no two days are the same. As an Architect you will get to use your creative, design, technical, people and problem solving skills amongst others. Client and team meetings, site visits and office/computer-based work will ensure you enjoy a challenging and varied working environment.
You will not only be involved in designing unique buildings and their environments, you should also have excellent communication skills to understand your clients’ requirements and finalise the project brief. Other aspects of the role include responsibility for issuing and evaluating tenders for work to be carried out, designing detailed drawings, submitting planning applications and ensuring the building adheres to regulatory and safety standards.
Even if you decide to set up your own practice, as many architects do, you will be working as part of a team. In addition to CAD software, you will use building information modelling (BIM) to create precise 3D models and gather data to optimise your design for sustainability and cost effectiveness. Read about some of the most impressive BIM projects globally. BIM also facilitates collaboration with professionals such as architectural technologists, quantity surveyors, civil and structural engineers, planners, building services, site managers and sub-contractors. You may even manage the project from inception to completion to ensure it is successfully delivered on time and within budget.
Depending on where your interests and passions lie, you might choose to work in Landscape Architecture or specialise in areas such as Urban Design & Planning or Conservation. Check out some of Ireland’s award-winning architectural projects here.
Career Paths
To register as an Architect in Ireland you first need to graduate from a 5 year RIAI accredited programme in Architecture. Atlantic Technical University is the latest university to offer an accredited Architecture programme, bringing the number of available courses to six.
Successful completion of two years approved Post Graduate professional training and the examination in professional practice will admit you to the Register of Architects and qualify you to practice as an architect. Information on other admission routes is available from The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).
As an Architectural Technologist you are an essential part of an Architect’s team. Your role would involve producing drawings and technical specifications, carrying out site surveys and overseeing administrative procedures in areas such as planning applications, fire certificates and building regulations to name but a few. The role would suit someone who has mechanical aptitude, can think in 3D, is interested in the built environment and enjoys working as part of a team.
The RIAI offers a number of accredited 3-4 year programmes to qualify as an Architectural Technologist. You are then eligible to apply to register after a period of supervised practical training. A number of colleges offer 1 year QQI Level 5 courses in Architectural Technology and Design, some of which link to higher education. Check with educational institutions for further information.
