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Architecture
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Architects & designers collaborate to find creative solutions for refurbishing, retrofitting and constructing buildings.
In This Article
Role Overview
Organisation Type
Medium Practice
Role Type
Professional & Student
Starting Salary
£27,500
(+16 hours paid overtime per month if used)
Av. Weekly Hours
40
Organisation Type
Medium Practice
Role Type
Professional & Student
Starting Salary
£27,500
(+16 hours paid overtime per month if used)
Av. Weekly Hours
40
About the Author
Role Requirements
Role Name:
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Time in Role:
10 months
Degree:
- BArch (Hons) Architecture – 2:1
- MArchD Applied Design in Architecture – Distinction (1st)
A-Levels:
Chemistry (B), Product Design (B), History of Art (C)
- Creative
- Innovative
- Team player
- Time-efficient
- Willingness to learn new software
About the Author
Role Name:
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Time in Role:
10 months
Degree:
- BArch (Hons) Architecture – 2:1
- MArchD Applied Design in Architecture – Distinction (1st)
A-Levels:
Chemistry (B), Product Design (B), History of Art (C)
Role Requirements
- Creative
- Innovative
- Team player
- Time-efficient
- Willingness to learn new software
Key Responsibilities
- Contributing at all stages, including feasibility, concept, planning, technical and construction
Delivering drawings using BIM software across all stages – this includes general arrangement drawings sets to concept diagrams for Design & Access Statements (DAS)
Key contact with clients for your projects, ensuring all design items have been reviewed and signed off
Liaising with consultants for coordinating drawings and key information, i.e. structural engineer, mechanical, plumbing, fire, building control, planning officers etc.
Communications with specialist consultants depending on the nature of a project, i.e. heritage, daylight/sunlight, transport, landscape etc., and translating all information to drawings and the DAS.
Producing technical details with help from a supervisor, ensuring all items specified are compliant with building regulations
A Day in the Life
I actually do what is set out in the key responsibilities above. A typical day will also include internal design reviews of your work, completing your timesheets, checking and replying to your emails every day and finally, making coffee.
Additional Details
Working from home vs in the office
Normally the office works off a 1 day WFH and 4 in the office, however they are very flexible and are happy to work with your needs – for example, I have 2 days WFH as I am studying, and a colleague does every other week WFH as she travels to and from Spain.
Do you have flexi working?
Not particularly, however they are happy to work with unique cases.
How is your work assigned?
Work is assigned through our teams, which are each run by an associate. The associates are assigned the projects, and they resource our time across the project lengths – this allows them to see who is over-resourced and under-resourced, therefore available for other projects. If we are assigned as Project Lead, then we are responsible for all communications and requirements for that project under the supervision of the Senior Lead (Associate).
Is your role client-focussed?
The role is a mix, and it depends on your role in the project – if you are the project lead, then you will be client facing, ensuring they are kept up to speed with the progress of the projects and design specifications are signed off. However, if you are only a design team member, you will not have much interaction with the client and will instead liaise with the Project Lead, aiding them on the project deliverables.
Is your role commission-based?
No, the role is not commission based, however the company are aware of your performance on the projects you are part of, and if your performance is excellent, this can lead to a salary increase or a team reward.
Do you need to meet certain targets?
Yes, you do – every 6 months you go through an appraisal form, where you set targets, discuss targets set previously, where you think you are in your career progression and where you would like to be.
Do you complete professional exams?
Yes – after completing your Masters and 24 months of architectural employment, you will begin studying for part 3. Depending on which institution you join, this could include: 2-3 exams, case study (8000 words), self evaluation (3,500 words) and an interview. After you have completed this, you will be a registered architect.
Career progression
Career progression is very clear to begin, starting as a Part 1, Part 2 and then a Part 3. Once qualified, you can then work your way up to project manager, associate, associate director and then director. As mentioned above, this career progression is set out through appraisal forms during your 6 month review.
Author's Opinion
- The projects that I have been involved in have been incredible – to watch them develop from concept to competition is an amazing feeling.
- Sometimes there is a blur between working hours – they say this becomes clearer the further you progress. However, I totally understand that where I am now, it is about gaining as much knowledge as I can.
- Juggling Part 3 with a full-time job is HARD – but you can do it, you just have to prioritise! Remember it is only for 1 year.
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