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Anyone here an architect? or work in a related field?
Jumpy Guy - 3/10/05 at 11:26 AM

I need to pick an archtiects brain for five minutes or so..

I'm thinking of re-training, and moving into this field, and it would be really usefull if i could have a word.

anyone?

Russ-Turner - 3/10/05 at 11:31 AM

I used to be a labourer

[Edited on 3/10/05 by Russ-Turner]

Avoneer - 3/10/05 at 11:34 AM

Mi Dad used to be in charge at Manchester Polly if I can help, but he retired 10 years ago.

Pat...

David Jenkins - 3/10/05 at 11:40 AM

My dad was an architect, and my son looked into the training - to be a fully-trained and chartered architect you're talking about 6 or 7 year course!

It's 3 or 4 years in uni, with time out in the middle for compulsory on-the-job training in an architect's firm, then a couple of year's 'apprenticeship' before you get chartered status. You may think it doesn't sound too bad - but getting a place in a firm as a mid-course student is almost impossible unless you know someone in the business.

You could go as an architect's draughtsman (don't know the exact term) but they're slave labour in many firms, and you'll still not be allowed to put your own name to any work.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but getting into architecture is as bad as becoming a lawyer, or a vet.

cheers,
David

Guinness - 3/10/05 at 11:52 AM

David is right about the length of time in takes to qualify as a professional. I used to be an architectural technician (bloke who actually does the drawings) rather than an architect (wanders round discussing concepts and theories with the clients).

I then moved into interior design, which is much easier to get into, no formal qualification needed, but as such very lowly paid at junior levels. Not bad once you get to a senior position (you just stand around drinking coffee with clients talking about concepts and theories whilst some poor joe in the office actually does the drawing!).

It can be good fun though and very rewarding to see something you have designed and created made into a building that might still be standing in 300 years!


HTH Mike

Aboardman - 3/10/05 at 11:55 AM

I work as an Architectural Technologist at a small Architects in Blackburn,

we do every thing from small domestic house extenstion to car showrooms, factorys, new house developments etc....

regards

Andrew

Jumpy Guy - 3/10/05 at 11:57 AM

i know about the length of time, but there is the possibility of part-time study since i work in a related discipline already...

i suppose the main question is the likelyhood of a mid-study job....

im not sure what kind of salary bracket a fully registered archtitect gets either?

David Jenkins - 3/10/05 at 12:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jumpy Guy
im not sure what kind of salary bracket a fully registered archtitect gets either?


It's firmly in the "how long's a piece of string" category! It depends on whether you're a partner in the firm, what sort of reputation the firm's got, and what field they work in (literally as well as figuratively!). If you're trying to work independently then reputation is everything.

At a rough guess you're talking about similar sort of money to legal people - you'll start with the same sort of money as a jobbing solicitor (i.e. not a great deal) and work up to the equivalent to a lawyer (serious money).

This is one field where you get paid according to your ability and reputation for good work!

Why dont you get in touch with the Royal Institute of British Architects - they set the standard for qualifications anyway. They may suggest a fast-track route for people in associated 'trades', just like my lot (British Computer Society).

David

zilspeed - 3/10/05 at 12:23 PM

I'm a building Surveyor which is a related discipline. Our degree course also involved a mid course 'sandwich' placement. It still does.
Whilst I don't know what things are like 'down there', I do know that up here in Scotland the construction industry is currently on fire. So, there would be no problem getting a placement at the moment.

Jumpy Guy - 3/10/05 at 12:31 PM

i looked at the RIBA website, but the helpline is £1 a minute!!


thanks for the opinions so far- anyone else help ??

Hellfire - 3/10/05 at 03:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Jumpy Guy
i looked at the RIBA website, but the helpline is £1 a minute!!


thanks for the opinions so far- anyone else help ??


That's because it's for THEIR help (beertokens, xmas party!) - not your's

jamesg20 - 3/10/05 at 06:26 PM

that'll be me then....
pm if you want a chat
james.

steve_gus - 3/10/05 at 07:44 PM

Dave Ashhurst (member search) designs bridges for a living.... perhaps hes in the right field for you to ask him a q or two....

atb

steve

redeye - 4/10/05 at 12:07 PM

Im currently in 3rd year studying Architecture in aberdeen

7 year course including work placement in 4th year.

patrick