what is an architectural assistant?
An architectural assistant is an entry-level employee within the architecture industry. The role allows newcomers to learn the ropes before becoming a fully fledged architect. Architectural projects often involve several moving parts that would be impossible for an architect to juggle alone. As a result, many architects employ architectural assistants to help with some tasks.
As an architectural assistant, you will support the architect with basic tasks to free up their time so they can concentrate on complex responsibilities.
For instance, you might be asked to study building designs and develop initial drawings that highlight the technical details of a project. Your work could also involve coordinating other team members to ensure their activities contribute to the project design. You will also likely be responsible for double-checking compliance, building codes and certifications.
Architectural assistants fall into two categories based on their experience.
- A) Architectural assistants who lack previous work experience but have a degree in architecture. They need more supervision and often carry out simple tasks.
- B) Architectural assistants have at least a year of experience and will have completed a Masters, Diploma or BArch course. This makes them familiar with most responsibilities. Aside from performing similar tasks as level one assistants, they are assigned more independent projects and other complex duties.
architectural assistant jobs
how much does an architectural assistant earn?
According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), in 2021, part I architectural assistants earned a median of £22,000 (£20,000 lower quartile and £24,000 upper), while part II employees earned £28,000 on average (£25,744 lower, £30,000 upper). These remained unchanged from 2020.
Architectural assistants also receive allowances depending on the company. Some provide medical insurance, house allowance and transport. You will also commonly receive paid holiday beyond the statutory amount, as well as bonuses.
what factors affect how much architectural assistants make?
The amount architectural assistants make depends on the company size and role responsibilities.
For instance, RIBA’s 2021 figures show multinational companies pay architectural assistants more since they take up many roles in the company. Part I assistants in companies with 100 or more employees earned £3,500 more in 2021 compared to those in companies with between three and five employees, with part II assistants making £3,000 more.
Large organisations may also hire assistants with some experience to take up complex responsibilities, with the compensation package reflecting the complexity of the tasks and qualification requirements. However, while smaller companies may pay less, you may also learn more working for them due to handling a wider range of duties.
Location can also affect the demand for architectural assistants and the pay structure. If you live in London or another large city, the demand for roles is high and your likely high living expenses may lead to a larger compensation package. Smaller cities have a lower demand for architectural assistants, and their lower cost of living reduces wages in kind.
types of architectural assistants
Architectural assistants can specialise in specific building types, including:
- sustainable architectural assistants: when designs call for sustainable features, green design architectural assistants help put together environmentally friendly building features and construction techniques for the property. They also find suitable materials for sustainable projects.
- commercial architectural assistants: as a commercial or industrial architectural assistant, you will help architects draw up the initial plans for structures like storefronts, hotels, skyscrapers and multi-unit apartments. You assist architects in creating an aesthetically pleasing structure that promotes good traffic.
- landscape architectural assistant: your job will be to assist architects in creating beautiful outdoor spaces for people to enjoy, like gardens and walking paths. You may also determine the plants and trees to be planted in an area.
- residential architectural assistants: as a residential architectural assistant, you will help an architect come up with designs for new residential properties or adjustments to existing homes, such as extensions or roof conversions.
what's it like working as an architectural assistant?
Architectural assistants perform vital roles in construction projects. Let's look at the tasks and duties you will undertake as an architectural assistant.
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what does an architectural assistant do
While your roles as an architectural assistant depend on the duties that an architect assigns you, some of the everyday tasks include:
- drafting initial building designs: as an architectural assistant, you work alongside architects in designing construction projects. You attend client meetings and develop ideas for the design as visualised by the client. While you will be under the guidance of an architect in the initial projects, you will prepare the final drawing designs.
- researching building regulations: as an architectural assistant, it is your job to know the construction regulations that affect projects. You need to research the building codes, styles, zoning codes, and structures permitted in the construction location.
- reviewing construction managers: most architects recommend the best construction managers or contractors to their clients. Therefore, before submitting the final plans, you will assist the architect in reviewing the best contractors for the project. Sometimes, you will need to detail the contracts with the contractors.
- creating digital designs: after sketching a building design, you need to create a detailed digital design for the client to review. Your knowledge of architectural computer-aided design (CAD) software can speed up the process.
- site inspection: architectural assistants evaluate the construction site and recommend adjustments to the architectural team based on the findings. For instance, sometimes you will work alongside land surveyors to determine if the foundations need groundwork before construction.
- report writing: your primary responsibility will be to free the architect’s time from minor yet time-consuming tasks, including writing reports and attending meetings. You will keep the architect updated on the conclusions of meetings you attend, providing reports.
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what is the work environment like?
As an architectural assistant, you will be based in construction companies or architectural and engineering firms, working on and off-site.
Your job is to shadow the architect wherever they go and support their functions. You may visit construction sites during the research stages. However, during the design stage, you spend most of the time drawing at the office. When the project commences, you will also likely visit the site and report to the architect.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues might include junior architects, senior architects and managers. You might also be working close to civil engineers and planners, as well as other specialists including drafters, landscape architects and construction managers.
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architectural assistant work schedule
Architectural assistants tend to work 40 hours a week. Most days, your work routine runs from 9am to 5pm, but sometimes you may be asked to work overtime to catch up on various tasks.
Weekend and evening work is to be expected when you have deadlines to meet. Being an architectural assistant is a full-time position, but you can also find part-time jobs. Your work involves travelling from the office to the construction site during site evaluation and inspection or visiting clients.
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what is the career outlook for architectural assistants?
Becoming an architectural assistant is the first step to a successful career in the construction industry. After a few years of experience, you can become a junior architect or senior architect.
Some architectural assistants focus on specific designs and become building scientists or sustainable construction supervisors. Regardless of your specialism, improve your experience and educational qualifications to become a consultant or construction manager. Alternatively, some architectural assistants become lecturers in universities. Freelance opportunities are sometimes available for architectural assistants.
education and skills
You need educational qualifications to gain skills and become an architectural assistant. Some academic requirements include:
- university degree: as an architectural assistant, you need to complete a degree course in architecture or a related subject. It is essential to complete the degree in an institution recognised by Architects Registration Board (ARB). Course providers often require candidates to complete a year of practical work experience. The entry requirements for the degree are 2 to 3 A-Levels, while the Higher National Diploma requires 4 or 5 GCSEs.
- apprenticeship: you can become an architectural assistant through an apprenticeship programme that takes 48 months. You attend college training and work for 30 hours a week during the programme. You need 4 or 5 GCSEs and A levels for the higher degree apprenticeship.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills that are useful to architectural assistants include:
- numerical skills: as an architectural assistant, you need mathematical skills, especially in geometry and advanced algebra, to design buildings. Numerical principles help you with designing buildings and drawing blueprints.
- creativity: buildings need to be aesthetically pleasing and functional to enhance performance. You can design eye-catching buildings with a flow to improve functionality with your innovativeness. Your creativity comes in handy when developing residential and commercial buildings' exterior and interior designs.
- drawing skills: while many architects adopt digital drawings, architectural assistants need exceptional drawing skills for sketching building ideas. Before digitising a design, you need to draw its schematics on paper and make the necessary adjustments.
- legal knowledge: the client's specification isn't the only thing to adhere to during building design. You need knowledge of building codes and regulations for the construction site. Incorporating the legislation into the design plans is crucial to avoid legal problems or non-compliance. You may work with your legal secretary with this one.
- communication skills: your job is to work alongside the architectural team and other construction professions. Communication skills promote teamwork and ensure all the members are on the same page.
- organisational skills: as an architectural assistant, you manage the work schedule of an architect. You need organisational skills to keep up with all tasks and meet deadlines.
why find an architectural assistant job through Randstad?
Find an architectural assistant job through Randstad and get:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the role
- access to both temporary and permanent contracts
Applying for an architectural assistant job is easy. Simply create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips or get in touch with our experts.
