Architect (integrated degree)

This apprenticeship is in the process of being revised or adjusted. In the meantime, the version below remains approved for delivery. Further details of this and other apprenticeships being revised or adjusted are available in the revisions status report.

Overview of the role

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

Architect (integrated degree)

Reference Number: ST0533

Details of standard

 Occupation Profile

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).

An Architect’s work includes:

  • Brief analysis and project set-up: Leading on brief analysis, researching city planning, negotiating Architect’s appointments, setting sustainability goals, advising clients on procurement routes and potentially assembling the design team.
  • Design: Generating design proposals in a variety of contexts and applying knowledge of architectural issues to satisfy aesthetic, technical and functional requirements. This involves an in-depth understanding of design theory to create and find innovative solutions.
  • Project delivery: Leading projects or parts of projects, identifying risks and delivering services in a manner which prioritises the interest of the client and within the framework of relevant legal standards. This includes the production of submissions and coordination of design tasks and teams.
  • Construction and building procurement: Inspecting building construction on site and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors’ work against architectural drawings, and offering impartial advice on construction related procurement methods and contractor selection processes.
  • Leadership and practice management: Business administration, including developing or contributing to the strategic vision of a practice. Overseeing the work of junior staff including Architectural Assistants.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

The following knowledge, skills and behaviours relate to the ARB and RIBA shared Criteria for the Prescription of Qualifications at Part 2 and Part 3.

 

Knowledge

Skills
1. Design
  • 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
  • Generate architectural design proposals
  • Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals  
  • Produce drawings and 3D models using relevant software including Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

2. History and Theory
  • History of architecture and its impact on architectural practice
  •  The cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings
  • Apply understanding of current architectural debate to produce innovative solutions
  • Produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design
3. Fine Arts
  • How the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design and their creative application in design projects
  • Apply fine art theories in a creative way that acknowledges their conceptualisation and representation
4. Urban Design and Planning
  • Urban design and town planning strategies and regulations
  • Process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application)
  • Comply with relevant town planning policy throughout design and construction phases to obtain planning permission (e.g. submitting planning application)

5. People and Environment
  • 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
  • Identify end user needs, local and the social context in which the project is developed
  • Lead design development in respect of environmental context and sustainability

6. Role of Architect
  • The range of services offered by Architects
  • The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities and the related planning legislation
  • The context of the Architect and the construction industry, including the Architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production
  • The role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry
  • Lead projects or parts of projects, taking into consideration business priorities and practice management
  • Deliver services in a responsible manner, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders 
  • Problem-solve and use professional judgment to take initiative and make appropriate decisions in situations with multiple constraints
7. Brief Analysis
  • The client and design team briefing process, forms and terms of appointment
  • Methods of investigation and preparation of briefs for the design projects (e.g. review of relevant precedent)
  • Critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of a design proposals
  • Prepare and develop a project brief (e.g. by referring to RIBA Plan of Work)

8. Structure, Construction and Engineering
  • Structural, constructional and engineering considerations within building design, such as physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems
  • Integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques with building design

9. Technologies
  • Principles, systems and strategies for environmental comfort and building services including sustainability principles
  • Alternative construction materials, processes and techniques that apply to design and construction, including the impact of materials on the environment
  • The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), computational design and other relevant technologies used in the design process
  • 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
  • Apply various technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment
10. Finance and Regulations
  • Process of controlling building cost
  • Approved Documents for building regulations
  • Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations and building regulations
11. Industry Context and Project Delivery
  • Industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning
  • 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
12. Professionalism
  • The nature of professionalism and the responsibilities of Architects to clients, building users, constructors, professionals and the wider society
  • Act professionally when working independently and as part of a team, including communicating clearly with all stakeholders
13. Clients, Users and Delivery of Services
  • The obligations of Architects to clients, stakeholders, warranties and third-parties
  • Client needs, appropriate communication methods, programming, coordination and competent delivery
  • Offer impartial advice on construction related issues, relevant legislation and risks
  • Identify and describe client and end user requirements, priorities and objectives

14. Legal Framework and Processes
  • The statutory legal context within which an Architect must operate and what is required to ensure compliance with legal requirements or standards
  • 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
15. Practice and Management
  • Business priorities, required management processes and risks of running an architecture practice

  • Engage in business development and administration including contributing to business strategy development, evaluating resources, planning, implementing and recording projects tasks
  • Supervise the work of junior staff including Architectural Assistants
16. Building Procurement
  • UK construction and contract law, and construction procurement processes
  • The relationship between Architects and other built environment professionals
  • Contractual relationships and the obligations of an Architect acting as a contract administrator
  • Coordinate and engage in design team interaction
  • Resolve construction related challenges and disputes, where appropriate
  • Undertake construction inspection responsibilities, including completing site visits and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors work in relation to architectural drawings
 

Behaviours

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

 

Entry Requirements

Any entry requirements will be set by individual employers in conjunction with the relevant university, but these must include a requirement for the minimum of a ARB-prescribed Part 1 qualification or Part 1 equivalent as prescribed by the ARB.

Duration

The duration of this apprenticeship is typically 48 months. Timescales may vary depending on prior relevant qualifications/experience and assessment of prior learning and knowledge (APL) opportunities.

Qualifications

Successful apprentices will gain the following qualifications:

  • A post graduate level qualification in architecture (Part 2) that must be prescribed by the ARB
  • A post graduate level qualification in architecture (Part 3) that must be prescribed by the ARB

Apprentices without English and Maths at Level 2 on entry will need to achieve that level before taking their end-point assessment.

For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

Statutory and Professional Recognition

In order to become an architect in the UK, individuals must hold ARB-prescribed qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 levels and register with the ARB.  Only ARB-prescribed qualifications meet the standards that lead to registration as an architect in the UK.  The Part 2 and Part 3 level qualifications which are mandated on the apprenticeship must be separately prescribed by the ARB.

Completing this apprenticeship will also give access to Chartered Membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects, following successful registration with the ARB.

Level

This is a Level 7 apprenticeship.

Review Date

This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after 3 years.

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Status: Approved for delivery
Level: 7
Degree: integrated degree
Reference: ST0533
Version: 1.1
Date updated: 09/11/2023
Approved for delivery: 27 June 2018
Route: Construction and the built environment
Typical duration to gateway : 48 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £21000
LARS Code: 300
EQA Provider: Office for Students

Architect assessment plan

File size: 487.8 KB
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

Print the occupational standard (including PDF)

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.1 End-point assessment plan revised. 09/11/2023 Not set
1.0 Approved for delivery 27/06/2018 08/11/2023

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