Working in the British Architecture Scene
The demand for architects and architectural technicians from overseas with a work visa or EU passport is strong.
The challenge is to find opportunities that best match your experience. A few recruitment agencies are excellent at connecting the experience of job seekers from abroad with jobs. You can also apply directly to firms that align with your experience however this can be more challenging.
The Opportunity
Employment Scope
Diverse opportunities mean you can choose to balance work with travel or commit to a long-term opportunity.
Demand
Qualified architects and technicians with more than 12 months of experience will thrive.
Lifestyle
Structure your contracts to allow for travel or embrace daily life in the UK.
A Thriving Market
The British architecture scene is thriving, both locally in the UK and on international projects. There are many types of architecture vacancies available, which can either be contract or permanent roles, depending on your work visa. Jobs such as architectural technician and CAD draughtsperson are most often contract roles. Experience in REVIT, Adobe Suites, CAD, SketchUp, and BIM projects is highly desirable.
Get Hired in Easily
Architects are in high demand and low availability in the UK, in fact, it is listed on the government’s Shortage Occupation List since 2019. The demand for qualified architects is high that you can generally expect to find a job within two weeks of arriving in the UK if you are registered with an agency that helps people from overseas. Simply register with architectural recruitment agencies that can set up interviews before or immediately upon your arrival.
Travel & Lifestyle
High demand means you’ll have the opportunity to evaluate your options and tailor your position to suit your lifestyle. Find a permanent position, or travel in between contracts. Architectural firms are most commonly located in London but are also found in cities across the UK.
Handy Tip: If you are searching for work in London, consider finding housing after securing a job. Having an hour-long commute from one part of London to another is not uncommon, so basing your housing around your job can be a lifesaver.
How to Prepare
How much experience should I have before applying? What CAD skills should I know? And how should I format my CV? We’ve got you covered with the answers laid out below.
Past Experience
As a foreign architect, you will need to pass the Architects Registration Board (ARB) exam before registering. The title Architect is legally protected in the UK. You are not entitled to use ‘Architect’ unless you are registered with ARB.
In general, to get a position in architecture you will need:
- ARB qualification
- RIBA certifications
- A detailed portfolio of work, showing work in practice and a summary of university project work
- Software and drawing skills (Revit, 3Ds Max, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino)
Tip: If you have experience on projects using the BIM (Building Information Management) process, be sure to highlight this.
Technical Skills
CAD skills can make it easy to get employed, particularly in small to medium enterprises in the UK! Jobs requiring REVIT experience are popular among big firms. Even if you have more senior experience, it is important to brush up on or highlight technical skills on your CV. If design roles are scarce, having the option to take CAD or technician roles can be beneficial. Often, even design architect positions will require excellent CAD skills.
Key Software Packages:
- REVIT
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
- Rhino 3D
Formatting Your CV
- Include all relevant information, but be sure to write in a concise and readable.
- Start with a to-the-point profile that includes your area of expertise and goals.
- Using bullet points is recommended.
- List your most recent project first, followed by past experiences.
- Project information should include your role and duties, as well as the type, scope and cost of each project.
- Do not go into extreme detail when describing your oldest jobs.
Table of Contents
FAQs
Answers to some questions you might have
What are the grades or levels of Architecture in Britain?
British Architects must pass through three levels of qualification before applying for registration as a Chartered Architect.
Part 1 is typically obtained after completing a first degree in architecture.
Part 2 is reached through either a second degree or diploma with a year of experience or by completing two years of practical experience directly. Usually, additional experience is required after Part 2 before taking the Part 3 professional practice exam.
Part 3, after passing the exam, you can apply for registration as a Chartered Architect with RIBA.
For a more detailed description please visit www.arb.org.uk under ‘Students’ then ‘Practical Training Requirement’.
Do you need insurance to practice as an Architect?
Yes, if you intend to practice as an Architect you do need to be covered by professional indemnity insurance (PII). Even if you are an employee you need to be sure that you are fully covered for PII under your employer’s policy, if necessary make sure this is clearly stated in your contract!
Do you need to register with RIBA to practise?
To practice as a Chartered Architect using your international RIBA membership and the title “Chartered Architect,” you must register and be accepted by the Architect’s Registration Board. However, this is not required to get employed in the UK. Employers are more interested in your experience in getting jobs done. Other registered architects can sign off on the work you are involved with. While becoming registered is a good long-term goal, it is not necessary for initial employment.
Should you include images in your resume?
Consider not including pictures and images in your CV or resume. That is what your portfolio is great at showcasing. An excellent resume will often be sufficient to get you an interview through an agency – your portfolio will be needed at your actual job interview at the firm hiring. It is also an advantage to send your resume in Word format rather than pdf. Recruitment consultants represent you to their clients and need to adjust your CV to the style expected by their clients.
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