24 Best Alternative Careers for Architects Introduction in 2024
Introduction
To be an architect is to possess a wide range of skills as architecture is a multidisciplined industry. There are many careers similar to architecture that an architect could easily adapt to, and many emerging obscure creative fields that well-skilled architects and architecture students have the opportunity to pioneer in.
This blog outlines the skills of architects and how they can be deployed in other industries, and lists the best alternative careers for architects in 2024!
Summary of Best Alternative Careers for Architects
1. Skills Architects Bring to Other Professions
2. Why Consider Alternative Careers
3. Best Alternative Careers for Architects
1. Skills Architects Bring to Other Professions
1.1 Creative Thinking
Architects can approach problems creatively and find innovative solutions. This creative thinking is valuable in many industries, enabling architects to adapt to new job roles and contribute unique strategies.
1.2 Project Management
Project coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation are skills that architects possess as architectural projects require complex project management.
construction management and property development are 2 examples where these project management skills are transferable.
1.3 Technical Proficiency
Architects develop strong technical skills by being proficient in CAD software, 3D modelling, and technical drawing.
Fields like architectural visualisation, architectural technology and digital fabrication require these technical skills.
1.4 Creative Problem Solving
Architects encounter constraints regularly during the design process and overcome these constraints by finding creative solutions to complex problems. This ability is beneficial in roles such as urban design planning, set design, and sustainability design and consultancy.
1.5 Communication and Presentation Skills
Architects are trained to communicate their ideas and projects effectively to clients, stakeholders, and team members. In any profession, these communication and presentation skills are a desired quality.
2. Why Consider Alternative Careers
2.1 Changing Industry
There are many reasons to change industry, whether desire or necessity. The architecture and construction industry is subject to economic fluctuations and shifts in client demands.
These factors can affect project availability resulting in a loss of income, prompting architects to consider alternative careers that offer greater stability and growth potential.
2.2 Work-Life Balance Considerations
Architecture can be a stressful and demanding profession, many architects seek new challenges and opportunities for a better work/life ratio and personal development. Alternative careers can provide greater job satisfaction, new skills and a fresh perspective.
2.3 Economic Factors
Architecture is an industry sensitive to economic downturns. Architects can diversify their careers to mitigate the risks associated with economic instability, ensuring a more secure financial future.
3. Best Alternative Careers for Architects
3.1 Urban Design
image courtesy of fosterandpartners
Urban design is the discipline that shares similar qualities to architecture as urban planners develop large-scale land use strategies that optimise land infrastructure, create communities, and accommodate population growth.
Urban designers require a strong understanding of design and master planning, typically requiring a degree in urban planning or a related field such as architecture.
Urban designers are in high demand due to the ongoing trend towards sustainable and smart city development.
3.2 Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
image courtesy of designboom
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are revolutionising the architectural design process and the way architects present their work. These technologies allow for immersive visualisation and interactive design experiences at a 1-1 human scale allowing for a heightened sensory experience.
3D modelling and other visualisation software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and Blender are commonly used in architecture. Therefore architects already possess the skills to make VR/AR visualisation an alternative career.
3.3 AI designed Architecture
image courtesy of parametric-architecture
Artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to change the architecture industry radically.
Artificial intelligence is being used to automate and enhance various aspects of the design process, from generating design options to optimising building sustainability.
The ability to instantly create multiple designs will change the role of an architect from a primary designer to a curator and moderator of good design. Using their knowledge of technical design, an architect will refine AI concepts into practical, deliverable projects.
An architect with a deep understanding of AI in architecture will be able to create an alternative career from the traditional architect.
3.4 Sustainable Design and Consulting
image courtesy of awards.ctbuh
Sustainable design focuses on creating buildings and architectural spaces with an environmentally friendly approach to minimise impact during construction and lower the carbon footprint within a buildings daily operations and life cycle.
Creating sustainable architecture has become increasingly important as the world seeks to address climate change. This is an alternative career that architects can adapt effortlessly as sustainable architecture concepts are something architects look to achieve in all designs
3.5 Digital Fabrication and Robotics
image courtesy of archdaily
Digital fabrication and robotics are revolutionising cutting-edge architecture. Creating faster and more efficient methods of construction, rendering radical new architectural forms. Technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and robotic construction offer new possibilities for design and construction.
Architects combine their design skills and construction with new technologies to create revolutionary architecture, making this an exciting and future-proof alternative career for architects.
3.6 Construction Management
Construction management is a popular alternative career for architects. Construction managers oversee the build-out of construction projects to completion, ensuring they are within budget, up to specifications and completed on time.
A deep understanding of the architecture process is required for this job role. Architects possess project management skills, knowledge of construction methods and materials, and the ability to read architectural diagrams.
3.7 Real Estate Development
Real estate developers oversee the development and sale of properties. Architects have a deep understanding of building design and construction, making them well-suited for real estate development with a trained eye for quality.
3.8 Building Inspection and Compliance
Architects can provide their technical knowledge for construction, building codes and safety regulations to ensure that construction projects comply with building regulations. Building inspectors inspect projects at various stages of construction to verify that safety standards are met.
3.9 Academic and Research Positions
Architects can pursue careers in academia, tutoring or lecturing architecture theory, history or practice at universities and colleges. This role allows them to share their knowledge and inspire future generations of architects. Not to mention the long summer breaks too.
3.10 Product Designer
Think of product design as miniature architecture. A product designer creates aesthetically beautiful forms that are functional and focus on user experience. Sound familiar? thought so, it's a similar methodology to architecture design. The skills architects have in 3D software and presentation will also aid in designing products and packaging.
3.11 Building Surveyor
Building surveyors are a necessary part of the development process without the pressures of the design responsibility of an architect. they are frequently employed to accurately survey and draw detailed plans of an existing building or landscape, particularly in larger scale commercial and residential projects. A good alternative career for an architect who wants to remain directly in the architecture industry.
3.12 Lighting Designer
image courtesy of archdaily
An excellent lighting designer can aesthetically enhance any space with clever lighting. Offen employed by architects or clients to design detailed lighting schemes. The role is technically demanding as lighting designers are expected to know the science of lighting and operating lighting design software.
3.13 Graphic Designer
While studying architecture you would have spent hours creating tech and design books filled with infographics and your portfolio.
By doing this you have developed a keen design eye refining layouts, graphic styles and mastering Adobe software, could be the start of a shining graphic design career.
3.14 Interior Design
If the construction side of architecture is not for you, interior architecture could fulfil your architecture design itch with none of the technical aspects. The work of an interior designer is very visual and works closely with a brief and client. There are numerous interior projects out there as every space in a new build requires an interior design.
3.15 Landscape Architect
image courtesy of worldlandscapearchitect
A great alternative career for any green-fingered architect who has a passion for horticulture. Landscaping is a very important design element for a space or building's overall feel. A design-heavy alternative career with an impact on creating sustainability and longevity.
3.16 Video Game Designer
It is a necessity for a video game to have rich spatial qualities and architectural detail. Skills you already possess as an architect Those who may also have experience with the right 3D software or from your CAD training can learn it in no time.
3.17 Project Manager
Project managers oversee projects from conception to handover. This job role bares a lot of responsibility as a project manager oversees all operations of a build. Regularly liaising with consultants and clients.
3.18 CGI artist
High-quality CGIs are often requested by clients as a visual aid or used to supplement planning applications. Many architecture firms outsource CGI work as they may not be able to produce professional renders in-house.
A CGI artist can be a lucrative career however the standard of quality is extremely high and competitive. Requires high skill and access to professional rendering software such as 3DS Max.
3.19 Writer
Journalist, historian, copywriter or author are achievable alternative careers for architects. Architects know how to properly research, structure and articulate a piece of writing. Plus, your design skills will help you form valid and educated opinions.
3.20 BIM technician
The role of a BIM technician is to produce accurate 3D modelling and drawings that are specified with materiality, construction detailing and performance information. A medium or large architecture firm may have this position.
3.21 Historic Preservation
Preserving architectural history is vital. Architects can specialise in historic preservation, working to conserve and restore culturally and historically significant buildings.
3.22 Architectural photography
Architects have a good eye for composition and space. A professional architectural photographer will have the skills to capture dynamic architectural scenes focusing on building exterior and interior spaces. Architectural photographers are mainly employed for publications and marketing.
3.23 Set Designer
Architecture design is partly about the movement of people and how they interact with space, the element integral to set design. How light and dark enter and occupy space are techniques used to create mystery and depth on sets. Architects can bring the practical skills required for this alternative career.
3.24 Jewellery Maker
You probably walked past the jewellery department on campus and saw that the jewellery designs by students were wild. Maximised expression and intricate joinery. Similar output to studying architecture where you’re encouraged to be as creative as possible. Real-world architecture like real-world jewellery is much more refined and practical. Your model making skills and knowledge of materials mixed with an architectural eye could make for some interesting jewellery.
Popular FAQs relating to Alternative careers for architects.
What alternative careers are suitable for architects?
Architects and architecture graduates can explore various career options, including graphic design, interior design, project management, set design, architectural photography, and much more.
Is it common for architects to transition into different careers?
Yes, there are many alternative careers for architects as their skills and interest often align with other professions.
How can I decide which alternative career is right for me?
Consider the skills you have developed as an architect or architecture student and see what other profession would play to your strengths.
What can I do instead of architecture?
Job options that architects or architecture students can consider. Graphic Designer, Photographs. Fabricators. Interior designers. architectural writers. Technical. Prof. Communication experts. Animated graphics. Photographs. Fabricators.