Pathways to
Architecture

The 2019 Award for Educational Architecture | Braemar College Stage 1, Middle School | Hayball | Vic| Photographer: Emily Bartlett

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.

Northcote High School Performing Arts and VCE Centre | Kerstin Thompson Architects | Photographer: Kerstin Thompson
Monash University Caulfield Library Refurbishment | John Wardle Architects | Photographer: Dianna Snape

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.

Check our list of Australasian Schools of Architecture recognised by the Institute and 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.

Download Becoming an Architect
B:Hive, Smales Farm | BVN in association with Jasmax | Photographer: John Gollings

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.

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.

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

REGISTERED OR STUDIED 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.