How to become an Architect

Plans and designs residential and multi-residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Provides concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings. Negotiates with builders and consultants, and advises on the procurement of buildings.

Main tasks

• Works with clients, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders to determine their requirements and objectives for architectural projects
• Develops detailed, innovative, sustainable and functional architectural designs, taking into consideration social, environmental and economic concerns
• Conducts site inspections to assess project feasibility and submit town planning designs for permits
• Addresses requests for information as part of contract administration from consultants, engineers and other stakeholders involved in the building construction process
• Evaluates and selects appropriate building materials, finishes and systems to achieve sustainability objectives
• Completes design tasks (3D modelling) in accordance with project and client design briefs
• Utilises building information modelling (BIM), and applies relevant building regulations and codes to manage the planning and design of building projects

Ways in

• University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 24 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Building Design (CPP60421); Certificate IV in Residential Drafting (CPP40121); Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220); Graduate Diploma of Building Design (CPP80221)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $120,016 a year
• About 30,900 people work in this job group now, and about 36,900 are projected by 2035. (+19.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Landscape Architect
• Urban Designer
• Cartographer
• Engineering Surveyor
• Geospatial Specialist
• Land Surveyor

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Architect?

Ways in include: Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Advanced Diploma of Building Design; Certificate IV in Residential Drafting.

How much does an Architect earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $120,016 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Architect a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 30,900 to about 36,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Architect?

Usually. 94% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Architect?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04