What can you do with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture?

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11 Nov 2019

Once you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, the next step to becoming a fully-fledged Architect is to complete a Master’s programme so you can get your license – the most obvious path for one who holds this degree.

But what are some alternative careers you qualify for with this degree?

Due to the transferable skills you learn during your course, there are a number of options for you to consider if you want to stray off the beaten path or boost your employability factor.

For example, critical thinking and problem-solving are skills that are highly sought-after by employers. As architecture students engage in plenty of practical and hands-on training during their degree, they quickly develop these skills.

According to DesignIntelligence, “The Big 6 firms like Andersen Consulting, Ernst & Young, Booz Allen Hamilton, McKinsey, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the like are, with a shortage of B-School graduates, finding the creative-thinking mentality fostered by top design schools a suitable substitute.

“According to one representative from Arthur Andersen, “We love these guys – they’re great problem solvers, they listen and communicate well, and they’re quick studies. Much of what we do in the management consulting world is what they call ‘programming’ – asking clients ‘what do you do every day,’ ‘what tools do you need,’ ‘where do you go in the course of a day,’ ‘who do you meet with?’

“Understanding these issues helps us make people’s work environment and work process more efficient and ultimately more profitable. Architects are just terrific at this!”

Here are four jobs you can pursue with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture that have excellent prospects.

Architectural Technologist

Career facts: Architecture. What does an architectural technologist do? Well, they provide architectural design services, negotiate construction projects and manage the development of projects from conception to completion: https://t.co/zBj0Azg6So pic.twitter.com/vA9Nx3R13A

— Fife College (@fifecollege) February 1, 2019

This is a field of architecture where architectural technologists’ work focuses mostly on the technical side and software such as computer-aided design (CAD).

According to Target Jobs UK, “While architects are responsible for coming up with initial concepts and designs, architectural technologists are more concerned with the technical side of construction. They work closely with architects and other building professionals to resolve any potential design problems before construction starts.”

Interior/Spatial Designer

My name is Ifeoma Nduka, I am an Architectural & Graphic Designer based in Abuja.

– Architectural Design Drafting and Detailing.
– 3D Visualisation
– Remodelling & Spatial redesign of spaces pic.twitter.com/fhl1Aldii5

— iffff (@__iffff) September 10, 2019

Interior designers work with space and layout to develop efficient designs. If you’ve got an interest in designing beautiful interiors, whether for commercial buildings or for residences, you can apply the skills learned during your architecture degree well in an interior or spatial design career.

According to QS Top Universities, “Interior and spatial designers design or renovate internal spaces, fixtures and fittings, using their architectural, creative design and project management skills to ensure that spaces are both attractive and efficient.”

Production designer

Bong Joon Ho and production designer Lee Ha Jun reveal the meticulous process behind building #Parasite‘s layered house from scratch: https://t.co/1ZX9Dfeaop pic.twitter.com/T3ksyOB5bA

— IndieWire (@IndieWire) November 3, 2019

Got an interest in the entertainment or film industry? You can apply your creative thinking and architectural design skills to production or set design, which is a booming field.

This career requires plenty of innovative thinking and imagination, as the world of entertainment is boundless. This is a good choice for those who may feel stifled working in the traditional architecture discipline and want to do something more exciting with their skills.

Last year, according to Core77, “Canadian production designer Paul Austerberry, who holds a degree in architecture from Carleton University, took home Best Production Design for his work on Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.”

Urban Planner

Hi, I’m Maha, an architect/urban planner and a closet artist. I love sketching in public spaces, capturing the hustle bustle in ink.#SouthAsianArtists pic.twitter.com/o3L9fMMNhN

— Maha Aslam Raja (@MahaAslamRaja) October 13, 2019

An urban or town planner is someone who designs and develops plans in a particular town, city, country or other form of land mass.

They use their skills to build efficient designs for communities, making use of the space available to accommodate the growth of new neighbourhoods, or rejuvenate old towns and cities.

This career can be a lucrative choice for those who work in newly-built cities or developing countries where there’s plenty of room for growth.

According to QS Top Universities, “Working on behalf of everyone in the area and alongside other professionals such as architects, you will aim to balance the conflicting needs of the local environment, population and economy and think of innovative, sustainable solutions for developments.

“To become a town planner, you’ll need strong multitasking skills, commercial awareness, attention to detail, and be confident in listening to and negotiating with a diverse range of people.”