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 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.

Estimated salary range

£25,000 – £35,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to read about more occupations building your community.

Further Information & Services

Royal Institute of British Architects www.architecture.com

Construction Skills www.citb.co.uk

Shape East www.shape-east.org.uk/index.html

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under BA.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Architect vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.