Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

The Work

Architects are involved in the whole construction process from the planning and design of buildings through to their completion. They may work on a wide variety of projects, ranging from making changes to existing buildings to creating housing estates. Architects can also be involved in the design and construction of roads and other means of public transport such as Luas. Another area is in the planning of towns and public amenities.  
 
The construction process begins with a brief, which the customer and the architect decide together. The brief indicates the type of building required, what it will be used for and the amount it is expected to cost. Before design work begins, the architect may organise research work to obtain information on the needs and opinions of those people who will work in, live in or use the building. They also examine similar buildings and inspect the site of the development.  
 
Most buildings are the result of a team effort and the experienced architect often acts as project leader, discussing ideas with a group of professionals and co-ordinating their work. This may involve the architect in talks with:  
 civil engineers regarding road or sewerage systems

•  structural engineers regarding the design of the structure
•  surveyors regarding the choice of site and the cost of materials
•  landscape architects regarding the outdoor environment
•  architectural technologists regarding technical design and detailing

Once ideas have been established, the architect produces sketches and plans of the exterior and interior, which show the sise that the building needs to be and the materials that are appropriate for use. In some cases, the architect co-ordinates the construction of a model to illustrate the proposals. After the client accepts the design for a building, the architect produces detailed technical drawings for use by the building contractor. In some cases, architectural technicians may do this. At this stage, the architect may be involved in talks with town planners and building control officers regarding planning permission and aspects of health and safety. After contracts are agreed with the building contractor, the architect draws up a specific programme of work.  
 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
• Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
• Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
• Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
• Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
• Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
• Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
• Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
• Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
• Prepare contract documents for building contractors.

Further Information

• Architect - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Architect - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

The designation of the term 'Architect', like that of 'Doctor', is protected - it cannot be used by anyone who does not have specific qualifications and accreditation.

In Ireland, to become an architect you must first get a degree from a recognised school of Architecture, followed by two years of approved practical experience and successfully pass an accredited professional practice examination. Accredited professional practice examinations are currently provided around Ireland.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre PLC Courses: Architectural Design & Technology, Pre University Architecture, Interior Architecture & Design NFQ level 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses 

Higher Education CAO Entry: Architecture & Architectural Technology, Interior Architecture 7 design NFQ level 7-8 Search CAO Courses  

Recognised degree courses in architecture take five years of full-time study. Many students take a year out for practical experience between the third and fourth years. Achieving full professional qualification as an architect can therefore take seven to nine years.

Five-year degree programmes may be split into a three-year course followed by a two-year course, or a four-year course followed by a one-year course. Graduates of the initial three-year or four-year Architecture courses are eligible for RIAI student membership.

On completion of your 5 year qualification in architecture with a recognised college, you are eligible for architectural graduate membership of the RIAI Accredited RIAI Training

Professional Development 

Once you have achieved a minimum of two years approved post graduate experience you can take a professional practice examination provided by TU Dublin or UCD. On passing your professional practice examination you become eligible to apply for admission to the Register for Architects and full membership of the RIAI. RIAI Accreditation is recognised by the Irish Government and EU legislation. You can explore ongoing CPD for continuous professional development in your career. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €105k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Clark / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed/ Talent

Last Updated: June, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

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