What jobs can I get with an architecture degree?
You might be surprised to find out there are plenty of career opportunities available for fresh graduates with an architecture degree. But first, it helps to understand that the role of an architect does not end with the design of the building. It continues through the construction and maintenance phases of a building project.
A quick search on Jobstreet for “architecture jobs” will return many results. Some of the common roles include:
- Senior Design Engineer
- AutoCAD Drafter
- Interior Designer
- Architectural Co-ordinator
- Project Co-ordinator
- BIM Co-ordinator
Apart from “Interior Designer” or “Architectural Co-ordinator”, some of these roles may sound unfamiliar. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
The traditional tasks of an architect
Here is a typical job description for an Architectural Engineer role:
Responsibilities
Prepare and monitor shop drawing and material submission schedules
Review drawings, solve technical issues, highlight design improvements and perform design verification on site
Liaise with the BIM team to produce Revit and AutoCAD drawings
Conduct technical meetings with consultants and the project team on drawing issues
Review and approve materials and finishes for submission
Requirements
Minimum Diploma in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
Minimum 2 years of relevant working experience in building projects
Proficient with BIM and Revit
If we break down an entire building project, the architect’s role at each stage would look something like this:
- Design conceptualisation
- Architectural detailing
- Tender process
- Contract and construction management
- Certification of statutory completion
At every stage of the project, the architect co-ordinates with clients and sub-contractors to ensure that the design intent is fulfilled.
What are the key tasks involved?
You might think the role of an architect revolves mainly around design conceptualisation or drafting shop drawings.
In practice, an architect also prepares work schedules, comes up with bills of materials and inspects work on site to make sure the design requirements are met. In Singapore, the architect also needs to ensure that all drawings in the project comply with regulatory requirements.
Getting the details right can be the difference between your firm winning or losing a tender.
How can I secure such a job?
AutoCAD is still a core skill, as many roles require you to draft shop drawings.
But another requirement you will notice in almost every job description is familiarity with BIM. BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a way of creating and managing a digital representation of a building throughout its lifecycle, and Revit is one of the most widely used software tools for it today.
Most of these roles also ask for a few years of experience managing projects, which can be hard to get while you are still studying. Employers look for people who understand documentation processes and regulatory requirements well enough to deliver on live projects.
AcePLP’s Trainee BIM Engineers Programme helps you bridge that experience gap. We provide training in AutoCAD and Revit, and rotate you across a wide variety of projects so you can build up your experience and portfolio. You also earn a full-time salary, with in-house support from our trainers throughout your projects.
We hope this helps you get started on your career search. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can I get with an architecture degree in Singapore?
Common roles for architecture graduates include Architectural Co-ordinator, Project Co-ordinator, BIM Co-ordinator, AutoCAD Drafter, Interior Designer and Design Engineer. Many of these roles involve work beyond design, including documentation, co-ordination and construction-stage support.
What does an architect do beyond designing buildings?
Architects are involved across the project, from design conceptualisation and detailing to the tender process, construction management and statutory completion. They prepare schedules and bills of materials, inspect work on site and ensure drawings meet regulatory requirements.
Do I need to know BIM and Revit to get an architecture job?
Increasingly, yes. Many job descriptions now list BIM and Revit as requirements, alongside AutoCAD. Being familiar with BIM makes you more competitive for co-ordination, design and project roles.
How can a fresh graduate gain experience for architecture and BIM roles?
Structured trainee programmes are one of the most direct ways. AcePLP’s Trainee BIM Engineers Programme provides AutoCAD and Revit training, rotates trainees across live projects to build experience and a portfolio, and pays a full-time salary.
