Many iconic buildings stand out for their rich history and great architecture. Behind these striking structures are different types of architects who blend beauty with function. With a keen eye for design and a deep insight of a building’s purpose, they create spaces that are both visually captivating and highly functional.
In this article, we will learn about the different types of architects and what their roles are, how to be one, and salaries. Moreover, let’s discover the different design software that they use for planning and designing their projects.
What is an architect?
An architect is a professional who plans, designs, and supervises construction of buildings. Their role is to apply function, practicality, strength, and beauty in designing spaces and structures. Besides that, their plans and designs comply with the Building Regulations 2010 to ensure the safety and health of the people inside the building.
They carefully plan each space with the standard measurement of comfortable movement while keeping it beautiful. This is to ensure that each space is maximised to its use but uplifts the overall experience of the occupants. By balancing function with beauty, different types of architects create practical and inspiring spaces.
Besides designing spaces, they also design the outside of the structure. They consider the overall form, style, material, and if the design blends well with its surroundings.
7 Types of architects
Architects are grouped based on the types of buildings they design. The main types include residential, commercial, industrial, green design, conservation, landscape, urban, and interior architects. While all types of architects plan, design, and oversee construction, each type specialises in different areas. Moreover, some architects need extra training or special certificates to work in their specific field. This ensures they have the right skills to create safe, functional, and beautiful spaces.
1. Residential Architect
Residential architects design homes, apartments, and housing communities. They focus on making spaces that are comfortable, safe, and fit the needs of families.
To become a residential architect in the UK, you must finish a five-year degree approved by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), work for at least two years, and pass the Part 3 exam. After that, you must register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to work legally.
2. Commercial Architect
While residential architects design homes, commercial architects work on buildings like offices, hotels, and shopping malls. Their designs need to be functional, attractive, and good for business.
They have the same qualifications as residential architects. However, the design has much bigger spaces to accommodate a larger number of people.
3. Industrial Architect
Industrial architects design factories, warehouses, and power plants instead of homes or businesses. Their focus is on safety, efficiency, and the well-being of machines and workers in these spaces.
Although their jobs are different, industrial architects follow the same path as other architects: a five-year degree, two years of work experience, and the Part 3 exam. However, they also need to know engineering and industrial safety rules.
4. Green Design Architect
While most types of architects focus on function, green design architects specialise in making eco-friendly buildings. They design homes and offices that use less energy, less water, and environmentally safe materials.
Like other types of architects, they need a five-year degree, two years of experience, and the Part 3 exam. However, to prove they understand sustainable design, they often take extra training and earn certifications like BREEAM or LEED.
5. Conservation Architect
Instead of designing new buildings, conservation architects focus on restoring and protecting old or historic buildings. Their job is to keep the original design and history while making the building safe and usable today.
They have the same qualifications as other architects. However, they also need special training in historic building conservation and often register with the RIBA Conservation Register.
6. Landscape Architect
While other types of architects design buildings, landscape architects design outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, and public spaces. They make sure outdoor areas are beautiful, eco-friendly, and practical.
Unlike other architects, they do not need a RIBA-accredited degree. Instead, they must study a course approved by the Landscape Institute (LI), get experience, and become a chartered landscape architect (CMLI).
7. Urban Architect
Similar to landscape architects, urban architects focus on planning entire cities and towns instead of just one building. They design roads, transport systems, and public spaces to make cities organised and easy to live in.
Like most architects, they need a five-year degree, two years of experience, and the Part 3 exam. Many also study Urban Design or Town Planning, sometimes through the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Design software used by different types of architects
Before computers, architects used manual drafting to create building designs. They worked with tools like drawing boards, technical pens, t-squares, and rulers to carefully sketch floor plans and perspectives. Every line and measurement had to be precise, as even a small error could affect the final structure.
Today, technology has made designing buildings faster and easier. Different types of architects now use Computer Aided Design programs like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp to create detailed 2D and 3D models. These tools help them make changes quickly, improve accuracy, and speed up the process. However, knowing how to draw by hand is still useful, especially for quick sketches and early ideas.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is mostly used for creating detailed 2D drawings like floor plans and building layouts. Architects use it for designing houses, offices, factories, and parks. It helps them make sure every measurement is correct and that the building follows safety rules, so construction workers can build it properly.
SketchUp
Great for 3D modelling and design ideas. Architects who design cities, homes, or green spaces use it to create realistic models of their projects. It’s easy to use and allows them to add colours, textures, and lighting to show clients what the final building will look like before construction starts.
Revit
Revit is a smart design tool that helps different types of architects create 3D models with real materials and energy-saving features. It’s great for big buildings, old building restorations, and sustainable structures. Unlike other programs, Revit updates the whole design automatically when one part changes, making work faster and easier.
Each of these tools helps architects in different ways, and they often use more than one to bring their ideas to life. Let me know if you want it even simpler!
Form follows function
Form follows function is a design principle that means a building’s design should first focus on how it will be used, while still looking good. Different types of architects use this idea when creating homes, offices, or eco-friendly buildings to make sure they are both practical and beautiful. This concept ensures that function will not be compromised for beauty alone.
The College of Contract Management offers courses to teach important design software. These courses help different types of architects plan and design their projects better. With our programmes, you will learn the skills needed to turn your ideas into real buildings.
