Pathways to
Architecture
Pathways to ARCHITECTURE
GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO BECOME A REGISTERED ARCHITECT
Architects hold one of the most influential professions in society. They constantly push boundaries and help ensure that we build a sustainable built environment.
Take your first step towards becoming a successful architect.
BECOMING AN ARCHITECT
THE ESSENTIAL STEPS IN YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
1. Secondary Education
Completion of Year 12 is the first step to enable you to enter into a degree program in architecture.
We recommend that students contact architecture schools to verify any prerequisites prior to selecting their Year 11 subjects and applying to a program. Students interested in a career in architecture are also encouraged to develop broad interests in many areas.
2. Tertiary Education
Next step is to enrol in an accredited architecture program. Talk with your careers advisor to get more information on how to enrol at your preferred university. The Institute’s office in your state/territory can also help you get in touch with architecture students who can give you an overview of what it is like to study architecture.
In Australia, the accredited qualification is normally the Master of Architecture degree. Bachelor-level degrees are not accredited. In practice, most students first complete the provider’s designated pathway qualification at Bachelor level. This Bachelor level qualification is specifically intended to dovetail with the provider’s Masters degree and to expose students progressively to the required concepts and skills for entry to the Master of Architecture. Providers may also accept students into their Masters degree from a variety of prior education experiences, in accordance with the provider’s policies.
See here for the list of accredited Architecture Qualifications accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
3. Post-tertiary training and registration
It is a legal requirement across Australia for every individual offering services to the public as an architect or using the title “architect” to be registered with the Architects’ Board in the jurisdiction they practice.
To apply for registration, architecture graduates are required to complete two years of practical experience. Contact your local Architect Registration Board for further registration information.
Download our Becoming an Architect brochure for a more detailed guide on the application process, and a discussion on the required skills and various roles of an architect.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Architecture Practice
Architecture is one of the most influential professions in our global society. A career in architecture offers opportunities to shape, perhaps even transform the environment in which we live. Architecture brings together the arts, environmental awareness, sciences and technology. The profession of architecture involves everything that influences the way in which the built environment is planned, designed, made, used and maintained. Architects combine creative design with technical knowledge to provide integrated solutions for built and natural environments.
Many graduates of architecture will take up a career in private practice or government and many go on to specialise in areas such as:
- heritage
- sustainability
- restoration and adaptive reuse
- residential
- commercial.
Alternative Careers
Utilising highly valued skills and training, graduates of architecture have access to numerous opportunities outside of mainstream architecture practice.
- asset management
- conservation
- construction law
- construction management
- disaster relief
- furniture design
- industrial design
- interior design
- project management
- property development
- research
- teaching
- theatre design
- urban design and planning.
More infomation
Salary and Awards
Visit the Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman Award Finder for information about the Architects Award governing the salaries and employment conditions of students and recent graduates of architecture.
Registered or studies overseas?
If you are a registered architect in another country or you have studied architecture overseas and want to practice in Australia, visit the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia website for more information on pathways to registration in Australia.
Graduates – practical experience
For more information about practical experience for graduates of architecture, view our Acumen note Graduates – practical experience.
ARCHITECT REGISTRATION BOARDS
Architect registration boards determine specific requirements and administer the legislation controlling the registration of architects.
Australian Capital Territory Architects Board
GPO Box 1908
CANBERRA ACT 2601
t: +61 2 6207 6288
e: architectsboard@act.gov.au
w: planning.act.gov.au
NSW Architects Registration Board
Level 2, 156 Gloucester St
SYDNEY NSW 2000
t: +61 2 9241 4033
e: mail@architects.nsw.gov.au
w: architects.nsw.gov.au
Northern Territory Architects Board
PO Box 1680
DARWIN NT 0801
t: +61 8 8999 8905
e: ntab@nt.gov.au
w: architects.nt.gov.au
Board of Architects of Queensland
GPO Box 316
BRISBANE QLD 4001
t: +61 7 3069 2397
e: mail@boaq.qld.gov.au
w: boaq.qld.gov.au
Architects Board of South Australia
Level 1, 28 Greenhill Road
WAYVILLE SA 5034
t: +61 8 8373 2766
e: registrar@archboardsa.org.au
w: archboardsa.org.au
Architects Registration Board of Victoria
Level 7, 372-376 Albert Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3002
t: +61 3 9417 4444
e: registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au
w: arbv.vic.gov.au
Architects Registration Board of Western Australia
33 Broadway
NEDLANDS WA 6009
t: +61 8 9287 9920
e: info@architectsboard.org.au
w: architectsboard.org.au
Board of Architects of Tasmania
GPO Box 457
HOBART TAS 7001
t: +61 3 6234 8188
e: registrar@architectsboardtas.org.au
w: architectsboardtas.org.au