What skills does a architect need?

A architect needs 43 essential skills including airtight construction, sustainable building design, envelope systems for buildings, urban planning, architectural design. Core competencies include Self Management, Creative Thinking, Decision Making.

Will AI replace architect jobs?

The AI disruption score for architect is 24/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 2161

architect

Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects.

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

Core competency requirements inferred from the occupation's skill profile. Take the free assessment to see how you match.

Must-Have Skills (Advanced)

Self ManagementAdvanced

Creative ThinkingAdvanced

Decision MakingAdvanced

Developing PeopleAdvanced

Problem SolvingAdvanced

CollaborationAdvanced

Transdisciplinary ThinkingAdvanced

Supporting Skills

CommunicationIntermediate

Sense MakingIntermediate

Global PerspectiveIntermediate

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (43)

airtight constructionairtight constructionAirtight construction makes sure that there are no unintended gaps in the building envelope that allow air to leak in or out of the building and contributes to energy performance.sustainable building designsustainable building designThe process of creating buildings with the lowest possible impact on the environment. It also aims to improve the health of the occupants of a building.envelope systems for buildingsenvelope systems for buildingsThe physical characteristics of envelope systems for buildings and their limitations. The heat transfer principle in the envelope systems.urban planningurban planningPolitical and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.architectural designarchitectural designThe branch of architecture that strives for balance and harmony in the elements of a construction or architectural project.architecture regulationsarchitecture regulationsThe regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.architectural theoryarchitectural theoryThe principles underlying the various theories pertaining to architecture. The relationship between buildings and society, and the relationship between art and architecture. The theories surrounding t...green building practicesgreen building practicesThe practices involved in the design and creation of building structures in an environmentally responsible, cost effective and resource-effective way. Green building practices such as using eco-friend...environmental designenvironmental designThe approach that is used to face environmental problems related to buildings, plans, and products in various fields such as engineering, interior design and architecture.sustainable building materialssustainable building materialsThe types of building material which minimize the negative impact of the building on the external environment, throughout their whole life cycle.integrated designintegrated designApproach to design which includes several related disciplines, with the aim to design and build according to the Near Zero Energy Building principles. The interplay between all aspects of building des...building information modellingbuilding information modellingA software platform for integrated design, modelling, planning, and collaboration, which provides a digital representation of a building's characteristics in its whole lifecycle.ensure infrastructure accessibilityensure infrastructure accessibilityConsult designers, builders, and people with disabilities to determine how best to provide accessible infrastructure.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...design spatial layout of outdoor areasdesign spatial layout of outdoor areasDesign the spatial layout and functional and architectural appearance of outdoor areas. Integrate green spaces, social spaces, and regulatory aspects in outdoor design.satisfy aesthetic requirementssatisfy aesthetic requirementsSatisfy aesthetic requirements and create a design that is in line with what is expected of you in terms of visuals and artistry.advise on building mattersadvise on building mattersProvide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.design building retrofitting solutionsdesign building retrofitting solutionsProviding something with a component or feature not fitted during manufacture or adding something that it did not have when first constructed. used in relation to the installation of new building syst...provide cost benefit analysis reportsprovide cost benefit analysis reportsPrepare, compile and communicate reports with broken down cost analysis on the proposal and budget plans of the company. Analyse the financial or social costs and benefits of a project or investment i...meet building regulationsmeet building regulationsCommunicate with construction inspection, e.g. by submitting schemes and plans, to make sure all construction regulations, laws and codes are dealt with correctly.satisfy technical requirementssatisfy technical requirementsTake into consideration technical requirements coming from the clients or from the engineers in order to integrate them into the design.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.design buildingsdesign buildingsDesign buildings and housing projects in cooperation with communities, clients, and other professionals.negotiate with stakeholdersnegotiate with stakeholdersNegotiate compromises with stakeholders and strive to reach the most beneficial agreements for the company. May involve building relationships with suppliers and customers, as well as ensuring product...integrate measures in architectural designsintegrate measures in architectural designsIntegrate measurements, taken at sites or included in the project, into the design and drafting of architectural projects. Integrate considerations such as fire safety, acoustics, and building physics...develop architectural plansdevelop architectural plansDraft a master plan for building sites and landscape plantings. Prepare detailed development plans and specifications in accordance with applicable laws. Analyse private development plans for their ac...consider building constraints in architectural designsconsider building constraints in architectural designsConceive the different types of constraints faced in architecture and building projects, including budgetary, time, labour, material, and natural constraints.perform field researchperform field researchParticipate in field research and evaluation of state and private lands and waters.identify necessary human resourcesidentify necessary human resourcesDetermine the number of employees needed for the realisation of a project and their allocation in the creation, production, communication or administration team.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.conduct field workconduct field workConducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.create architectural sketchescreate architectural sketchesCreate architectural sketches for the design and detail specifications of interiors and exteriors to scale.integrate building requirements in the architectural designintegrate building requirements in the architectural designInterpret clients’ requirements for building projects and integrate them into the design of the construction while considering feasibility and budget constraints.interpret technical requirementsinterpret technical requirementsAnalyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.draw blueprintsdraw blueprintsDraw layout specifications for machinery, equipment and building structures. Specify which materials should be used and the size of the components. Show different angles and views of the product.evaluate integrated design of buildingsevaluate integrated design of buildingsUse goals and targets as means of measuring success of design proposals. Apply, combine and evaluate advanced methods for analysis of the interplay between energy systems, architectural concepts, buil...write an architectural briefwrite an architectural briefDraft a brief that discusses the requirements of the client. This brief outlines design specifications and instructions as to what is expected of the architect such as costs, technique, aesthetic, soc...study the relationship between buildings, people and the environmentstudy the relationship between buildings, people and the environmentUnderstand the relationships and the interactions between people, buildings, and the environment in order to adapt architectural works to the human needs.design building envelope systemsdesign building envelope systemsDesign an envelope system as a part of complete building energy system, taking into account energy saving concepts.design passive energy measuresdesign passive energy measuresDesign systems that achieve energy performance using passive measures (i.e. natural light and ventilation, control of solar gains), are less prone to failures and without maintenance costs and require...execute feasibility studyexecute feasibility studyPerform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the p...design open spacesdesign open spacesDesign social areas and open spaces working in cooperation with communities, clients and other professionals.integrate engineering principles in architectural designintegrate engineering principles in architectural designIntegrate engineering principles in architectural design under the guidance of engineers from different fields. Integrate electrical, civil, etc. engineering in architectural drafting.

Optional (48)

fine artsfine artsThe theory and techniques required to compose, produce and perform works of visual arts as drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms.construction legal systemsconstruction legal systemsThe different legal systems and regulations governing construction activities across Europe.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.furniture trendsfurniture trendsThe latest trends and manfacturers in the furniture industry.cartographycartographyThe study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...zero-energy building designzero-energy building designThe design and building principle whereby the net amount of energy used by the building equals the amount of renewable energy created by the building itself. The concept refers to self-sustaining cons...landscape architecturelandscape architectureThe principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.energy performance of buildingsenergy performance of buildingsFactors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.project managementproject managementThe discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.historic architecturehistoric architectureThe techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.topographytopographyGraphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.energy efficiencyenergy efficiencyField of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the dem...furniture wood typesfurniture wood typesTypes of wood used in the manufacturing of wooden furniture and their characteristics.building materials industrybuilding materials industrySupplier, brands and types of products and goods available on the market of building materials.environmental indoor qualityenvironmental indoor qualityThe consequences on indoor environmental quality of every choice made in the design process.architectural conservationarchitectural conservationThe practice of recreating forms, features, shapes, compositions, and architectural techniques of past constructions in order to preserve them.types of glazingtypes of glazingVarious types of glass, insulating glazing and mirror glass and their contribution to energy performance. Their usage cases, advantages and disadvantages, and price points.participate in governmental tendersparticipate in governmental tendersFilling out documentation, guarantees for participation in govenmental tenders.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.oversee construction projectoversee construction projectMake sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.assess heating and cooling systemsassess heating and cooling systemsSelect heating and cooling systems, specifically in relation with the buildings' architectural design and building functions. Discuss the relation between architectural design and selection of heating...advise legislatorsadvise legislatorsGive advice on various government and legislative duties, such as policy creation and the inner workings of a governmental department, to government officials in legislative positions, such as members...liaise with local authoritiesliaise with local authoritiesMaintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.carry out tenderingcarry out tenderingPlace the request for a quotation to the organisation requesting a tender, then perform the work or supply the goods agreed with them during the tendering process.design building air tightnessdesign building air tightnessAddress the air tightness of the building as a part of energy conservation concept. Guide the design on air tightness towards the desired level of air tightness.communicate with construction crewscommunicate with construction crewsExchange information with the construction crews or supervisors to ensure smooth progress of the construction project. Obtain updates on the progress and any obstacles, and inform the crews of any cha...design harmonious architecturedesign harmonious architectureDesign and develop constructions that keep the balance between nature and buildings. Ensure that the incorporation of buildings in a site preserves the harmony of the place.use specialised design softwareuse specialised design softwareDeveloping new designs mastering specialised software.monitor parameters' compliance in construction projectsmonitor parameters' compliance in construction projectsMonitors progress in construction sites and the compliance of various parameters outlined in the design phase such as quality, costs, timeline, and contractors' responsibilities.apply systemic design thinkingapply systemic design thinkingApply the process of combining systems thinking methodologies with human-centred design in order to solve complex societal challenges in an innovative and sustainable way. This is most often applied i...investigate microclimates for buildingsinvestigate microclimates for buildingsInvestigate appropriate solutions concerning microclimate conditions for buildings to ensure responsible energy consumption and thermal comfort. Consider passive design strategies such as daylight, pa...communicate with local residentscommunicate with local residentsExplain building and landscaping projects to local residents in order to obtain their approval and co-operation.make architectural mock-upsmake architectural mock-upsMake a scale model that represents the vision and specifications of the construction project to allow the design team to review details such as colour and materials selection, and to show and discuss ...finish project within budgetfinish project within budgetMake sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.manage contractsmanage contractsNegotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, ...design window and glazing systemsdesign window and glazing systemsDesign window/glazing system for optimal comfort and energy performance. Evaluate and design optimal shading system and its control strategy.design microclimates in buildingsdesign microclimates in buildingsDiscuss and evaluate climatic and local conditions on the site for application of optimal passive strategies (micro and macro climate). Combine several design strategies, including the main passive de...prepare building permit applicationsprepare building permit applicationsFill in the forms and prepare any additional documentation needed to file an application to receive the construction permit required for erecting, renovating, and modifying buildings.develop a specific interior designdevelop a specific interior designDevelop a conceptual interior design fitting the global mood the room(s) must convey, according to the quality standards agreed on. Adhere to the order of a client for a domestic area or to the concep...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...adapt existing designs to changed circumstancesadapt existing designs to changed circumstancesAdapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.design an artificial lighting systemdesign an artificial lighting systemInvestigate and design an artificial lighting system based on daylight, timer, or occupation of spaces, taking into account any technical specifications and restrictions, such as power quality and ene...