Each week we explain the ins and outs of a job area. Today, architecture
What are my options?You can become an architect or an architectural technician. Architects design buildings. This could mean anything from designing an extension for an existing building to creating the plans for a new set of buildings.
Architectural technicians work as part of an architect's team. They prepare production information, such as working drawings, schedules and specifications, and work on administrative procedures, such as planning applications and building contracts.
What Leaving Cert subjects should I be thinking about?Construction studies or technical graphics are not required, but they will certainly help if you enjoy them. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) recommends that anyone interested in architecture should also consider taking art and physics. Maths is an important subject in architecture, so consider whether it is a strong or a weak subject for you.
What sort of talents and qualities will I need?An architect must be creative and organised. A talent for sketching and drawing is essential, as is an aptitude for maths. Much of the job involves teamwork, so an ability to get on with people is useful. Good presentational skills always come in handy. An understanding of building technology will be given during training, but an interest in that area will help.
What courses are available?Bear in mind that becoming an architect is a long process. You will probably need upwards of 500 points for entry. Courses are demanding, and often students take a year out after third year, to gain experience in an architectural firm. They complete two more years in college after that. You can take a degree at UCD school of architecture (http://architecture.ucd.ie), DIT school of architecture (www.dit.ie), UL school of architecture (www.ul.ie/architecture), WIT department of architecture (www.wit.ie), UCC/CIT school of building and civil engineering (www.cit.ie), Queen's University Belfast school of planning, architecture and civil engineering (www.qub.ac.uk) and University of Ulster school of art and design (www.arts.ulster.ac.uk). Graduates of three- or four-year courses are not eligible for RIAI membership. To reach this level you must complete the final year or two of a five-year full-time approved course.
If you would like to become an architectural technician, three-year courses in architectural technology are available at DIT, WIT, CIT, GMIT, Carlow IT and the University of Ulster. The courses, which mostly needed 350 or above last year, lead to an ordinary degree. WIT and CIT offer a one-year course to graduates of this degree that leads to a BSc (Hons) in architectural technology. DIT has plans to offer this option as well.
What sort of work experience might help?Try to get work experience in an architect's office. Even a day or two will help. A list of architects is available on the RIAI website, so you can find a firm in your area.
More information about architecture as a course and as a career is available on www.riai.ie, the website of the RIAI. It has an excellent careers and education section. Do contact colleges individually for course content and requirements.
If you would like to see a career area covered, e-mail gfaller@irish-times.ie
