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Architecture

Architecture is a creative and dynamic sector that shapes the spaces where people live, work, and interact.

Architecture combines art, science, and technology to design environments that are functional, sustainable, and inspiring. Careers in this sector are varied, ranging from sustainable design, urban planning, and historic conservation to digital modelling, project management, and architectural visualisation.

A key consideration for anyone entering the sector is whether they want to focus on design, technical expertise, or project management. Each path requires different skills and training, but all demand creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of how people use and experience spaces.

Architecture careers often involve collaboration with engineers, planners, and clients, so strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. Graduates from a variety of degree disciplines, not just architecture, can find opportunities in the sector, particularly in related fields such as landscape design, interior design, and construction management.

Find out about Architecture

Key resources

 

AI in the architecture sector

AI is starting to influence how buildings are designed, visualised, and delivered — and it’s something future architects need to be aware of.

You might come across:

  • Generative design tools that create design options based on rules you set
  •  AI-powered modelling and rendering for faster, more realistic visuals
  • Site analysis tools using data to inform decisions on layout, light, and materials
  • Project planning software that predicts costs, timelines, and risks
  • Sustainability modelling to test a building’s energy performance before it's built

As with any emerging technology, questions around ethics, creativity, and authorship are growing. Staying curious and building your digital skills can help you adapt and contribute to the profession as it evolves.

What skills do I need?

There are many different jobs in this sector, but these skills are common requirements:

  • Communication – Presenting ideas, collaborating with clients and colleagues
  • Attention to detail – Ensuring accuracy in design and construction plans
  • Problem-solving – Adapting designs to meet practical, budgetary, or regulatory constraints
  • Time management – Meeting project deadlines and managing multiple workflows
  • Organisation – Coordinating plans, documents, and approvals
  • Creativity and innovation – Designing spaces that are both functional and inspiring
  • Technical and IT skills – Proficiency in CAD, 3D modelling, BIM tools and visualisation software
  • Numeracy – Calculating materials, scale, and budgets accurately
  • Commercial awareness – Understanding client needs and the business context of design work

For more information about professional skills and how to develop them, see the York Strengths Professional Skills page.

Work experience

Gaining practical experience is crucial for architecture students — it builds your portfolio and helps you explore areas of interest that align with your career goals.

Ways to gain experience include:

  • Summer internships – Larger firms may offer formal schemes in design, planning, or sustainability
  • Placement year – Spend a year in practice to develop real-world skills
  • Speculative applications – Smaller firms may offer experience if you send a tailored CV and portfolio
  • Volunteering – Support local design or planning projects, or get involved with community architecture initiatives
  • Design competitions – Platforms like ArchDaily and RIBA host competitions that help build your portfolio and problem-solving skills
Find jobs

Where to find opportunities:

  • RIBA Jobs, Dezeen Jobs, Archinect Jobs – the world's top architecture jobs and career resource
  • Networking – many roles are filled informally, so make connections through alumni, events, or LinkedIn. See Careers and Placements Networking resources
  • Firm websites – many list current vacancies and student opportunities

You will find major graduate schemes advertised on Handshake and other graduate job websites like Target Jobs and Prospects Jobs.Local architectural firms to explore

If you’re looking to gain work experience or placements in the York area, starting with local firms can be a great way to build connections and learn about different architectural approaches.

This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to research other local practices as well.

  • Purcell – award-winning heritage specialists with offices in York and nationwide
  • Native Architects – chartered architects focused on sustainable and low-energy design
  • Townscape Architects – experts in integrating modern design within historic environments
  • CSP Architects – established practice with historical links to York University
  • Brierley Groom Architects – Longstanding, award-winning firm with broad local experience
  • Mass Architecture – known for contemporary and historic building projects in York
  • StudioDH – residential and commercial architecture based in York

Explore each firm’s website to learn more about their work and any opportunities they may offer.

What can I do at York?

There are lots of ways to grow your experience and build a career in architecture while studying:

  • Apply for internships via Handshake – while architecture-specific roles may be limited, internships through York Internships can still help you build valuable professional skills and experience
  • Join or start a society – get involved in groups linked to design, planning or sustainability to grow your creativity and teamwork skills
  • Attend careers events – look out for sector talks and employer events run by Careers and Placements, and employability events hosted by your department.
  • Develop a portfolio and profile – showcase your projects, drawings, and models; keep it updated and ready to share
  • Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, follow firms, and share your academic work online
  • Get a free student RIBA membership – gain access to events, talks, and networking opportunities. Find out more about membership on the RIBA website
  • Build your software skills – learn industry tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe software through LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
  • Check out the Creativity Lab, York’s state-of-the-art facility for technology workshops, events and training sessions.
More resources: people to follow, podcasts, blogs

Connect with York graduates

While Architecture is a new programme at York, we’ll be adding examples of York graduates working in architecture and related sectors as the course develops.

In the meantime, join York for Life to connect with our global network of alumni. Start building your own network - find people from your course, look at different careers, ask questions and request a mentor.

Use LinkedIn to make connections, follow organisations of interest, and find out what York graduates are doing. Find out more about using LinkedIn and networking. 

Podcasts

Podcasts can help deepen your understanding of the architecture sector and its future direction: