Finding a job
There are many different areas within Architecture and work can be varied. You could work in a range of establishments and sectors, perhaps producing a set of detailed plans to restore an existing building or design a more environmentally friendly working space using CAD; either way some thought as to which area(s) you are particularly interested in, and the experience and skills required, will help you to target your job search. Joining one of the professional bodies, which usually offer free student membership, provides access to professional journals and information about vacancies.
Who recruits architecture graduates?
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Local or central government (employ a significant proportion of the profession)
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Private-sector housing and housing associations
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Commercial and industrial organisations in areas such as retail, leisure, tourism and banking may have in-house architectural teams
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Architectural practices and construction consultancies
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Major engineering consultants
Where to find architecture jobs
When searching for architecture roles, you have the option of online jobs boards, specialist recruitment aagencies or becoming self-employed.
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Architecturejobs - Features vacancies for architects, CAD technicians, architectural technologists/technicians and assistants.
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bdonline.co.uk - UK magazine Building Design's online, providing news for architects. Includes information about events, people as well as a searchable jobs board.
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Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists - the qualifying body for architectural technologists and technicians. Website includes a careers and jobs section
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Riba Appointments - The Royal Institute of British Architects jobs board. Search and apply for architect and architecture jobs.
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Building4jobs.com - Building's official recruitment website. Use searchable database for current architecture vacancies.
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Career Structure - Advice and jobs for the construction industry with searchable jobs board which includes architecture vacancies.
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Local government jobs - Architectural jobs with local government.
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Creativepool - Online networking site for people working within the creative industries. Allows you to set up a personal profile with which to network online, as well as listing advertised vacancies in architecture and design.
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Dexigner - online portal for designers, architects, illustrators, engineers, artists, and creatives of all kinds. Useful searchable directory listing architecture firms, studios, museums
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MyCareer - Here you will be able to find graduate jobs across different sectors and locations.
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Argent Recruitment - Specialising in placements in the Construction Consultancy Sector including Architecture
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Bespoke - Recruitment agency specialising in architecture and design.
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Hays - Recruitment agency jobs across all civil engineering, property and construction
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Hunter Dunning - Architectural recruitment specialists providing architecture jobs for architects, technicians, and assistants at all levels across the UK
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Mustard - Specialist recruitment agency working across the design sector in the UK and Internationally
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Careers and Employability - Register with the University of Portsmouth's very own on-campus Graduate Recruitment Consultancy (exclusively for students and graduates of the University).
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EdenBrown - Technical recruitment agency for jobs in architecture, interior design, building services, engineering, town planning, charities, construction, education, housing and social care.
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Stock Harvard - Specialises in Architecture and Interior Design jobs. Cover London, the South East and East Anglia.
Freelancers use a variety of means to generate work: some rely on their portfolio, self-promotion and a good contact network, while others use a professional agent.
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Dexigner - Example architecture portfolios
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The University of Portsmouth's student startup support – exclusively for students and graduates of the University (within the last 5 years). The team provides advice and support to help develop enterprising skills and set up your own business.
Useful X (Twitter) feeds
Check out the following X (Twitter) feeds for news and information about current architecture projects and to tap into the hidden jobs market.
Tips for finding a job
Many jobs are not advertised in the traditional way, so be proactive with your search and apply speculatively. Here are some tips to gain access to the hidden jobs market:
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Keep up to date with architectural news and trends by following the professional bodies on X (Twitter), this information might help you identify opportunities to network and tap into the hidden job market.
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Keep your online job search flexible as some employers might use different titles to describe the same job role.
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If you are keen to focus on a specific sector within architecture check out the specialist websites for these areas for current vacancies
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Most companies have an X (Twitter), LinkedIn and/or Facebook account. Follow practices and architects that interest you, and register with them as this is often a place where new opportunities are posted and where you can keep in touch with their current activities.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
