How to become an architect
Weave ideas into city skylines. Breathe life into buildings. Create the future. Find out how to become an architect in Australia.
Begin your architecture career
- Complete an undergraduate architecture degree, such as a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science).
- Earn a Master of Architecture.
- Gain at least two years of practical experience under the supervision of an architectural firm.
- Pass the three-part Architectural Practice Examination, which is set by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).
- Register with your state or territory’s Architects Registration Board.
Discover online architecture courses
Postgraduate CUR-MAA-MAS
Undergraduate TUA-ART-DEG
Undergraduate CUR-HAR-CTF
Postgraduate UON-DEC-GCE
Discover online architecture subjects
Undergraduate CUR-BAS130
Undergraduate TAS-KDA235
Undergraduate CUR-BAS350
Undergraduate TAS-KDA101
What does an architect do?
An architect is a licensed professional who drafts, draws and plans building structures. Your final responsibilities will depend on the type of firm you work for, your level of seniority, and your specialisation.
When you're freshly qualified, you’ll be doing most of the gritty stuff, like applying for construction permits, managing day-to-day responsibilities of projects, keeping on top of project milestones and liaising with clients. Once you’ve become a registered and more senior architect, you’ll have responsibilities such as leading a team, balancing multiple projects, understanding intricate legalities, creating project budgets and overseeing construction.
Duties and tasks
- Meet with clients to understand their needs
- Plan, develop and implement building designs using drawings, blueprints and construction documents
- Compile project feasibility reports
- Research the environmental impact of projects
- Estimate costs
- Determine timelines
- Create project proposals
- Oversee construction processes
Industry bodies
Australian Institute of Architects
As the peak body representing over 13,000 members nationally, the Australian Institute of Architects offers its members continuous career development, full access to industry resources, and access to a prestigious awards programs.
The Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACA)
To help those who own their architecture firms, the ACA provides support on employment practices and connects members with likeminded people.
Registration Boards
In order to become an architect, you must be registered with your state or territory’s Architects Registration Board. Each has its own rules and regulations around registration:
- NSW Architects Registration Board
- Australian Capital Territory
- Board of Architects Queensland
- Architects Registration Board of Victoria
- The Architectural Practice Board of South Australia
- NT Architects Board
- Architects Board of Western Australia
- Board of Architects Tasmania
Student stories and study advice
Jobs that pay 100k a year in Australia
From psych to construction to comms, there are plenty of high-paying industries out there. Here are some of your best bets if you want to make at least $100k in Australia.
If done well, you’ll hardly notice the influence of an urban planner—but their work shapes the places around us, from public parks to train stations.
Interior architecture vs interior design—what's the difference?
Into interiors but trying to distinguish the difference between interior design and interior architecture? We compare these two creative and innovative careers (and get some expert advice on the matter).
How to start an interior design business
It has everything to do with creativity, determination, choosing the right qualification and writing a sound business plan.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.