Introduction
Architects in local government provide a full range of
architectural services to meet the requirements of the council and
also, on occasion, private clients. The nature of the work
varies widely and incorporates the design and procurement of new
buildings, alteration and refurbishment of existing buildings,
conservation work, survey and feasibility work, advice on
condition, use and maintenance of existing building stock, contract
administration and report writing. Local government
architects work in unitary, metropolitan, county, district and city
councils and London boroughs.
Work Environment
Most of a local government architect's working day is spent in the
office; however, there is also a requirement to make site
visits. Hours of work would usually be a standard 37 hour
week.
Daily Activities
Local government architects work with a range of council
departments as clients, such as housing, educational, recreational,
social and property services and in some instances police, fire and
judicial services. Their daily tasks might include:
- taking a brief from a client, which may also involve research
work;
- developing a brief into a building design;
- carrying out negotiations with planning and building control
officers where appropriate to enable feasibility studies to be
produced;
- developing schemes in full and preparing production
information;
- producing bills of quantities and inviting tenders from
contractors;
- supervising building contracts;
- assisting with the settling of final accounts;
- advising clients on policy;
- attending council committees to report on particular
projects;
- ensuring high quality and value for money from
contractors.
Skills & Interests
Local government architects need:
- to be excellent innovators, with high levels of
creativity;
- a good knowledge of building regulations, construction and
engineering;
- good negotiation and presentation skills;
- effective organisational and project management
skills;
- ability to keep up to date with new design, architecture, legal
and technical issues;
- good IT skills, with the ability to use Computer Aided Design
(CAD) packages.
Entry requirements
Most local government architects qualify via degrees and diplomas
from approved schools of architecture. Minimum entry
requirements to a degree course are two A-levels/Higher grades or
equivalent, plus at least five GCSE/Standard grades, including
English, maths and a double award at science, or a separate science
such as physics or chemistry. Many schools of architecture
also accept GNVQ, International Baccalaureate, BTEC National
Diploma, Access Course and other further education
qualifications.
To qualify as an architect you must train for a minimum of seven
years (or longer for part-time courses) and complete the following
three stages:
- a five year degree programme on a course validated by the Royal
Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the
Architects Registration Board (ARB);
- a minimum of two years professional experience;
- a RIBA exam in professional practice and management.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There may be opportunities to progress to management
positions. With additional training and/or experience, there
may be opportunities to move to other related departments within
the council, such as planning, building control and
regeneration.
Further Information & Services
Architects Registration Board www.arb.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists www.ciat.org.uk
Construction Skills www.citb.co.uk
Council for British Archaeology www.britarch.ac.uk
Creative & Cultural Skills www.cciskills.org.uk
Royal Institute of British Architects www.architecture.com
Careers Wales have produced Spotlight articles on careers in
construction: https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-construction/ and
the creative industires
www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-creative-industries/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.