Architect Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does an Architect Do?
Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects.
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Architecture Regulations
The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.
These are common skills for this role, based on a European framework. Requirements vary between jobs, including in the UK. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box - use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Architect
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialArchitecture Regulations knowledge
The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.
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EssentialBuilding Codes knowledge
The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
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EssentialZoning Codes knowledge
The division of land into zones where various uses and activities are allowed, such as residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. These zones are regulated by legislative procedures and local authorities.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialArchitectural Design knowledge
The branch of architecture that strives for balance and harmony in the elements of a construction or architectural project.
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EssentialUrban Planning knowledge
Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.
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EssentialArchitectural Theory knowledge
The principles underlying the various theories pertaining to architecture. The relationship between buildings and society, and the relationship between art and architecture. The theories surrounding the architect's position in culture …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialRelationship Between Buildings, People And The Environment knowledge
Understand the relationships and the interactions between people, buildings, and the environment in order to adapt architectural works to the human needs.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAnalyse Problems For Opportunities skill
Identify and anticipate problems in order to choose a course of action, come up with appropriate solutions or even identify opportunities for further development.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Field Work skill
Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Architectural Sketches skill
Create architectural sketches for the design and detail specifications of interiors and exteriors to scale.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDraw Blueprints skill
Draw layout specifications for machinery, equipment and building structures. Specify which materials should be used and the size of the components. Show different angles and views of the product.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Feasibility Study skill
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify Customer's Needs skill
Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInterpret Technical Requirements skill
Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialNegotiate With Stakeholders skill
Negotiate compromises with stakeholders and strive to reach the most beneficial agreements for the company. May involve building relationships with suppliers and customers, as well as ensuring products are profitable.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Cost Benefit Analysis Reports skill
Prepare, compile and communicate reports with broken down cost analysis on the proposal and budget plans of the company. Analyse the financial or social costs and benefits of a project …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse CAD Software skill
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Building Matters skill
Provide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConsider Building Constraints In Architectural Designs skill
Conceive the different types of constraints faced in architecture and building projects, including budgetary, time, labour, material, and natural constraints.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDesign Buildings skill
Design buildings and housing projects in cooperation with communities, clients, and other professionals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDesign Open Spaces skill
Design social areas and open spaces working in cooperation with communities, clients and other professionals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDesign Spatial Layout Of Outdoor Areas skill
Design the spatial layout and functional and architectural appearance of outdoor areas. Integrate green spaces, social spaces, and regulatory aspects in outdoor design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Architectural Plans skill
Draft a master plan for building sites and landscape plantings. Prepare detailed development plans and specifications in accordance with applicable laws. Analyse private development plans for their accuracy, appropriateness, and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify Necessary Human Resources skill
Determine the number of employees needed for the realisation of a project and their allocation in the creation, production, communication or administration team.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIntegrate Building Requirements Of Clients In The Architectural Design skill
Interpret clients' requirements for building projects and integrate them into the design of the construction while considering feasibility and budget constraints.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIntegrate Engineering Principles In Architectural Design skill
Integrate engineering principles in architectural design under the guidance of engineers from different fields. Integrate electrical, civil, etc. engineering in architectural drafting.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIntegrate Measures In Architectural Designs skill
Integrate measurements, taken at sites or included in the project, into the design and drafting of architectural projects. Integrate considerations such as fire safety, acoustics, and building physics.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMeet Building Regulations skill
Communicate with construction inspection, e.g. by submitting schemes and plans, to make sure all construction regulations, laws and codes are dealt with correctly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Field Research skill
Participate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSatisfy Aesthetic Requirements skill
Satisfy aesthetic requirements and create a design that is in line with what is expected of you in terms of visuals and artistry.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSatisfy Technical Requirements skill
Take into consideration technical requirements coming from the clients or from the engineers in order to integrate them into the design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite An Architectural Brief skill
Draft a brief that discusses the requirements of the client. This brief outlines design specifications and instructions as to what is expected of the architect such as costs, technique, aesthetic, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 41 displayed)
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OptionalProject Management knowledge
Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalZero-energy Building Design knowledge
The design and building principle whereby the net amount of energy used by the building equals the amount of renewable energy created by the building itself. The concept refers to …
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OptionalArchitectural Conservation knowledge
The practice of recreating forms, features, shapes, compositions, and architectural techniques of past constructions in order to preserve them.
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OptionalEnergy Performance Of Buildings knowledge
Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.
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OptionalHistoric Architecture knowledge
The techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalEngineering Principles knowledge
The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFurniture Trends knowledge
The latest trends and manfacturers in the furniture industry.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalEnergy Efficiency knowledge
Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging …
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OptionalCartography knowledge
The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalLandscape Architecture knowledge
The principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalBuilding Materials Industry knowledge
Supplier, brands and types of products and goods available on the market of building materials.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMathematics knowledge
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPhysics knowledge
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTopography knowledge
Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalConstruction Legal Systems knowledge
The different legal systems and regulations governing construction activities across Europe.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalFine Arts knowledge
The theory and techniques required to compose, produce and perform works of visual arts as drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFurniture Wood Types knowledge
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdapt Existing Designs To Changed Circumstances skill
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise Legislators skill
Give advice on various government and legislative duties, such as policy creation and the inner workings of a governmental department, to government officials in legislative positions, such as members of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Environmental Impact skill
Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Tendering skill
Place the request for a quotation to the organisation requesting a tender, then perform the work or supply the goods agreed with them during the tendering process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Professional Network skill
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Construction Project Deadline skill
Plan, schedule and monitor the building processes in order to ensure completion of the project by the set deadline.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFinish Project Within Budget skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow Work Schedule skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLiaise With Local Authorities skill
Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Contracts skill
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Lesson Content skill
Prepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Lesson Materials skill
Ensure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Technical Expertise skill
Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Specialised Design Software skill
Developing new designs mastering specialised software.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise Customers On Building Materials skill
Provide customers with detailed advice on various building materials; recommend sustainable development and promote the use of green materials such as wood, straw and bamboo; promote recycling and the use …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate With Construction Crews skill
Exchange information with the construction crews or supervisors to ensure smooth progress of the construction project. Obtain updates on the progress and any obstacles, and inform the crews of any …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate With Local Residents skill
Explain building and landscaping projects to local residents in order to obtain their approval and co-operation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop A Specific Interior Design skill
Develop a conceptual interior design fitting the global mood the room(s) must convey, according to the quality standards agreed on. Adhere to the order of a client for a domestic …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMake Architectural Mock-ups skill
Make a scale model that represents the vision and specifications of the construction project to allow the design team to review details such as colour and materials selection, and to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Parameters' Compliance In Construction Projects skill
Monitors progress in construction sites and the compliance of various parameters outlined in the design phase such as quality, costs, timeline, and contractors' responsibilities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOversee Construction Project skill
Make sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalParticipate In Governmental Tenders skill
Filling out documentation, guarantees for participation in govenmental tenders.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Building Permit Applications skill
Fill in the forms and prepare any additional documentation needed to file an application to receive the construction permit required for erecting, renovating, and modifying buildings.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalStrive For Harmonious Architectural Constructions skill
Design and develop constructions that keep the balance between nature and buildings. Ensure that the incorporation of buildings in a site preserves the harmony of the place.
Course recommendations coming soon.