What careers can you do with an architecture degree?

You may dream of designing iconic buildings, shaping cities or creating spaces that connect communities together. You may even be considering alternative creative paths that aren’t traditionally thought of as jobs for architects.  

The skills you gain through studying architecture are highly transferable and in demand across almost every industry.  

So, what can you do with an architecture degree? Let’s explore your options...

Careers directly related to architecture

If you’re passionate about designing spaces and shaping environments, there are many career paths that follow the traditional architecture route. This include:  

• Architect: design buildings and spaces that are functional, safe and inspiring. 
• Architectural technologist: focus on the technical side of building design and construction. 
• Urban planner: plan and develop towns, cities, and public spaces. 
• Landscape architect: design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens and campuses. 
• Interior and spatial designer: create interior layouts that enhance how people experience space. 
• Historic buildings inspector: conserve and restore heritage architecture. 

These roles often require further study or professional accreditation, such as RIBA Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications in the UK. At UCA we offer courses that lead to these accreditations: 

• RIBA Part 2: Master of Architecture MArch
• RIBA Part 3: Postgrad Cert Professional Practice Architecture

Creative careers for architecture graduates

As an architecture graduate, you’ll be highly creative and visually literate. This will make you well-suited to a range of design and media roles, such as: 

• Set designer: design environments for film, TV or theatre productions. 
• Exhibition designer: create immersive spaces for galleries and museums. 
• Graphic Designer: design visuals to promote ideas, products and brands. 
• Product designer: design objects that enhance everyday life. 

 These roles allow you to apply your spatial awareness, design thinking, and storytelling skills in new and exciting ways. 

Technical and analytical careers 

Architecture also develops strong analytical and project management skills, which are valuable in more technical and strategic roles: 

• Construction manager: oversee building projects from concept to completion. 
• Building surveyor: assess and manage the condition of buildings. 
• Sustainability consultant: advise on eco-friendly design and construction. 
• CAD technician: use software to produce technical drawings and models. 
• BIM coordinator: manage digital building information models. 

In these jobs you’ll be able to combine your knowledge of design with problem-solving and collaboration. 

Careers beyond architecture

You may find success in fields that aren’t directly related to design, but benefit from the skills you gain throughout your architecture degree. This could be: 

• Teaching and academia: share your knowledge with future architects, and research and develop innovative approaches to architecture and design. 
• Design journalism: write about architecture, design and culture. 
• Policy and planning: influence how cities and communities are shaped. 
• Entrepreneurship: start your own creative business or consultancy. 

Your ability to think critically, communicate ideas and manage complex projects can take you far in any industry, not just in traditional architecture roles. 

More advice for architecture applicants  

• How to write a great UCAS personal statement for an Architecture degree
• How to make a perfect architecture portfolio for university

Related courses

Undergraduate degrees 

• Architecture BA (Hons)

Postgraduate degrees 

• Architecture MA
• Master of Architecture MArch
• Postgrad Cert Professional Practice Architecture