Are you a creative thinker with a passion for the built environment? If you’re fascinated by function, form and the interplay between urban and natural landscapes, then architecture might just be for you.
Architecture is more than just about designing buildings; it's about shaping the future spaces in which we live, work and play. So, how do you become an architect in Australia? Follow these five steps to success.
Five steps towards an architecture career
1. Complete a bachelor’s degree
The first step is completing an accredited degree sequence — and that means starting with an undergraduate architecture degree. Enrol in a Bachelor of Design in Architecture or a similar qualification and gain the foundational knowledge you need to design and create functional spaces.
At UTS, our technology-embedded Bachelor of Design in Architecture is built on the concept of giving space to your imagination. Not only will you explore the foundations of architectural practice, but you’ll become proficient in digital design and fabrication techniques, work on real-world briefs, and collaborate with leading design and architecture firms. You can even take your studies overseas — think Berlin, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo, to name a few — with our Global Studio program.
2. Complete a master’s degree
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, the next step is to enrol in an accredited Master of Architecture program, which takes around 2 years to complete. In this advanced program, you’ll build on your existing knowledge to unearth your architectural voice and refine your professional practice.
At UTS, our acclaimed Master of Architecture will prepare you for the challenges architects face today, including urbanisation, sustainability, and technological advancements. What’s more, the degree’s commitment to decarbonisation, decolonisation, and urban equity will challenge you to think about architecture as a tool for social and environmental change.
3. Gain practical architecture experience
Studying architecture is important, but practical application is where your learning comes to life. After completing your master’s degree, you’ll need to spend at least 2 years working in an architectural firm. This stage is called monitored experience. It will equip you with hands-on skills in design, project management and working with clients.
4. Sit the Architectural Practice Examination
While you’re completing your monitored experience, you’ll also prepare for and sit the Architectural Practice Examination (APE). This exam, which is administered by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, assesses your understanding of architectural practice, ethics and the technical side of the profession.
5. Register with the Architects Registration Board
The final step is to register with the Architects Registration Board in your state or territory. Registration matters because:
- it legally qualifies you to practice as an architect in Australia
- it ensures you meet the required competency standards
- it allows you to manage your own projects and clients
Once you’ve met the requirements of your monitored experience and passed your APE, you’ll officially be a practising architect.
Ready to get started? Discover more about UTS’s architecture degrees and take the first step towards a career in architecture.
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Tyler Smith grew up on the land, growing and creating things out of the earth and out of leftover materials.
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Master of Architecture student Katherine Turk shares what it’s like to study – and travel – as part of her degree.
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Tyler Smith grew up on the land, growing and creating things out of the earth and out of leftover materials.
Webpage
Master of Architecture student Katherine Turk shares what it’s like to study – and travel – as part of her degree.
Webpage
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