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Occupation Details

Architect



Fact Sheet

Assessing site development

Architects use creativity and a practical understanding of structures and materials to develop concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings for buildings and other structures. They negotiate with builders and planning authorities, administer building contracts and inspect the work carried out.

Duties and Tasks

Architects may perform the following tasks:

  • discuss requirements of clients or builders (to design a new structure or modify an existing one) and prepare a brief
  • prepare sketch drawings, production drawings and detailed drawings by hand or using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) equipment
  • combine structural, mechanical and artistic elements into the building design, such as decks and atriums, lifts and air-conditioning systems, and decorative finishes
  • discuss designs and cost estimates with clients and others involved in the project, including engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape architects and town planners
  • obtain necessary approvals from authorities
  • prepare specifications and contract documents specifying building materials, construction equipment and, in some cases, the interior furnishings, for builders, tradespeople and legal advisers
  • observe, inspect and monitor building work, to make sure that it is progressing according to the contract and specifications
  • evaluate projects once they are completed and occupied

Specialisations

Architects often specialise in particular types of work, for example, domestic, low-rise commercial, high-rise commercial, industrial, conservation and heritage buildings. Architects need to keep up with changing trends in the construction industry and the community. They have considerable contact with the public.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of geography provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a geography-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in architecture, building design, surveying, urban and regional planning and construction.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Architects may also be involved in project feasibility studies, strategic asset investigations, heritage studies, urban planning, interior design or landscape design.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy design
  • creative flair
  • able to analyse problems logically
  • good communication skills

Related Courses

Queensland
Victoria

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Occupation Video - Architect