35 - Career change to architect?
Discussion
Hello all,
I'm thinking about a career change in the next few years. I have a degree in engineering and over the last 13 years have become a sales engineer. Trouble is, I've kind of accidentally become one. I didn't do too well in my degree so I've always been related to the commercial/estimating/project planning and maintenance side. It's not awful, but I'm not sure I want to be one for the next 30-40 years.
It's not the company, I work for a good company with decent products, and my manager is pretty much the text book on how to be a good manager. My last manager (at another company) would chuck you under a bus to save a quid on a pastie.
Architecture looks interesting - it's got an interesting mix of creativity and technical. I think my background in engineering and estimating would help me and it seems to pay decently (mid 40k plus in my area, which is what I'm on now). It also looks like the kind of thing where if one day I wanted to start my own practice it could be done, though that's not a primary objective. It's not something I've really considered before but with a recent house move I've been looking into all sorts of permitted development rules, planning applications, layouts, etc and I've found it really interesting. I'm aware I accidentally used the word "interesting" 3 times in that paragraph. I think that says a lot
I appreciate I'd probably have to study for a few years part-time (can't quit my job - mortgage, wife and all that) and initially there may be a dip in salary for a couple of years.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has either done a mid-life change (from/to anything) or actually works in the field. I'm not about to jack it all in, but it'd be nice to know in the first instance whether I'm being realistic.
Cheers.
I'm thinking about a career change in the next few years. I have a degree in engineering and over the last 13 years have become a sales engineer. Trouble is, I've kind of accidentally become one. I didn't do too well in my degree so I've always been related to the commercial/estimating/project planning and maintenance side. It's not awful, but I'm not sure I want to be one for the next 30-40 years.
It's not the company, I work for a good company with decent products, and my manager is pretty much the text book on how to be a good manager. My last manager (at another company) would chuck you under a bus to save a quid on a pastie.
Architecture looks interesting - it's got an interesting mix of creativity and technical. I think my background in engineering and estimating would help me and it seems to pay decently (mid 40k plus in my area, which is what I'm on now). It also looks like the kind of thing where if one day I wanted to start my own practice it could be done, though that's not a primary objective. It's not something I've really considered before but with a recent house move I've been looking into all sorts of permitted development rules, planning applications, layouts, etc and I've found it really interesting. I'm aware I accidentally used the word "interesting" 3 times in that paragraph. I think that says a lot
I appreciate I'd probably have to study for a few years part-time (can't quit my job - mortgage, wife and all that) and initially there may be a dip in salary for a couple of years.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has either done a mid-life change (from/to anything) or actually works in the field. I'm not about to jack it all in, but it'd be nice to know in the first instance whether I'm being realistic.
Cheers.
You'll get a few authoritative replies soon but heres a quick view from a non-architect although I have several non-practicing and retired in my family and my daughter is just finishing her part 1.
First off you need to do your part 1, thats 3 years full time. Then your Masters whilst working in practice, another few years. Then you need more experience and finally do your part 3. Total 7 years actual study plus several years in practice.
Then you are an Architect, up to that point you are whatever you want to call yourself (and several do) but you cannot call yourself an actual "Architect".
It's not an easy career path.
First off you need to do your part 1, thats 3 years full time. Then your Masters whilst working in practice, another few years. Then you need more experience and finally do your part 3. Total 7 years actual study plus several years in practice.
Then you are an Architect, up to that point you are whatever you want to call yourself (and several do) but you cannot call yourself an actual "Architect".
It's not an easy career path.
I studied architecture straight after school. Quite a few on the course were mature students who were re-training, most in their 30s/40s. As stated above, to use the title of "architect" takes seven years minimum; the first 3 year degree was (when I did it many years ago) relaxed in its intensity but was a full-time course. Worth asking, as times have changed so it may be possible to do this on a part-time basis. Maybe look into architectural technician/technologist too if you have a technical background - I'm not sure how qualification for this works but we have in the past employed school leavers wo get their training on the job and day release to college 1 or 2 days a week. I don't see why you couldn't do the same later in life if you can get someone to give you a job.
21TonyK said:
You'll get a few authoritative replies soon but heres a quick view from a non-architect although I have several non-practicing and retired in my family and my daughter is just finishing her part 1.
First off you need to do your part 1, thats 3 years full time. Then your Masters whilst working in practice, another few years. Then you need more experience and finally do your part 3. Total 7 years actual study plus several years in practice.
Then you are an Architect, up to that point you are whatever you want to call yourself (and several do) but you cannot call yourself an actual "Architect".
It's not an easy career path.
Wow, 7 years training for a mid £40K job? Got to really like designing buildingsFirst off you need to do your part 1, thats 3 years full time. Then your Masters whilst working in practice, another few years. Then you need more experience and finally do your part 3. Total 7 years actual study plus several years in practice.
Then you are an Architect, up to that point you are whatever you want to call yourself (and several do) but you cannot call yourself an actual "Architect".
It's not an easy career path.
Scabutz said:
Wow, 7 years training for a mid £40K job? Got to really like designing buildings
It's not as well paid as some people might think, though if you build up your own practice, then opportunity to earn grows.... my old boss in a smallish Birmingham practice 20+ years ago was taking more than £120k pa, so there is scope. You can also work for yourself from home which offers some a better and more flexible lifestyle.There is a lot of exploitation in the industry too, where some companies expect you to work 60 or 70+ hours a week for a 40 hour salary. Many students on their year out are forced to work for no money at all in order to get the experience to carry on their career. Luckily I have found a place to work where the balance is right. I often sit at home (or more often I the pub) sketching ideas and thinking about space planning etc, which is unpaid but by the same token is not expected of me.
As you suggest you do really have to like the job.
Having completed my Part 3 at the ripe old age of 30 last year, I don't honestly know if I'd start the course again if I had my time again, I certainly have reservations about starting the course at this point in life..
That said, a couple of points. The *title* is protected, not the role or function, you come across lots of self-trained, or people with a technical drawing background practising on their own, so with less formal training, you could get into it, with enough enthusiasm and self-motivation. Salary prospects are probably higher for 'fully qualified/chartered' professionals, but working for yourself still opens up other options.
They've also recently introduced an apprentice programme, rather than the requirement for two degrees, so there is the option to study & earn at the same time. But I suspect "apprentice" wages aren't super high..! (Standard Part 1/2 post-degree placement wages were bad enough for me!)
https://www.architecture.com/campaign/apprenticesh...
I'd look into associated construction industry jobs, project management etc as a starter, rather than Architect tbh!
That said, a couple of points. The *title* is protected, not the role or function, you come across lots of self-trained, or people with a technical drawing background practising on their own, so with less formal training, you could get into it, with enough enthusiasm and self-motivation. Salary prospects are probably higher for 'fully qualified/chartered' professionals, but working for yourself still opens up other options.
They've also recently introduced an apprentice programme, rather than the requirement for two degrees, so there is the option to study & earn at the same time. But I suspect "apprentice" wages aren't super high..! (Standard Part 1/2 post-degree placement wages were bad enough for me!)
https://www.architecture.com/campaign/apprenticesh...
I'd look into associated construction industry jobs, project management etc as a starter, rather than Architect tbh!
Have you considered becoming a Technical Manager for a Developer / Construction company? They take those with Engineering and Architectural backgrounds, pay you more and put you in charge of managing the Design Teams they use (Architect/M&E/Engineer).
I moved from Architectural Practice to Technical/Design Management when I moved to the UK 19 years ago. Even today, the role is highly sought-after and, in my experience, always pays better and, for me, was just as rewarding but also more interesting.
I moved from Architectural Practice to Technical/Design Management when I moved to the UK 19 years ago. Even today, the role is highly sought-after and, in my experience, always pays better and, for me, was just as rewarding but also more interesting.
Coolbanana said:
Have you considered becoming a Technical Manager for a Developer / Construction company? They take those with Engineering and Architectural backgrounds, pay you more and put you in charge of managing the Design Teams they use (Architect/M&E/Engineer).
I moved from Architectural Practice to Technical/Design Management when I moved to the UK 19 years ago. Even today, the role is highly sought-after and, in my experience, always pays better and, for me, was just as rewarding but also more interesting.
I’m a Design Manager and often wonder why more architects don’t become DMs as the pay is better. I’m from a site engineering background, not architectural.I moved from Architectural Practice to Technical/Design Management when I moved to the UK 19 years ago. Even today, the role is highly sought-after and, in my experience, always pays better and, for me, was just as rewarding but also more interesting.
Didn't spot this first time around, but just to add a couple of comments:
You can also do the initial Degree part time, but again it takes twice as long (and restricts your earning potential while you're doing it), so to do the whole lot part time you'd potentially be looking at 12 years instead of 7.
And probably worth pointing out the obvious - that you don't walk out the door with your Part III and start earning proper money... at that level, you're one up on the office junior, but you're still very much a novice. There's a lot to learn before you can consider yourself experienced in actual practice, and it takes several more years before you'll be treated as a fully experienced and competent Project Architect.
Bluntly, if you're starting at age 35, you'll be late 40's/early 50's before you have the experience to be taken properly seriously, and by then you'll be too old to be considered a prime candidate for most jobs.
I started off in private practice architecture, then 'accidentally' became a Design & Technical Manager and ultimately Design and Technical Director, before deciding that while, yes, the pay is better, it's really not worth the s
t that goes with it unless you're particularly into that role - as the title suggests, it's a management job, not a creative one, and most Architects don't become Architects to spend their life sitting in management meetings, shuffling paperwork, answering emails and wiping the noses of more junior staff and other members of the design team.
I stuck it for about 8 years in total - most of which I spent desperately trying to maintain at least a little hands-on design - before going back to architecture (running my own practice).
21TonyK said:
...3 years full time. Then your Masters whilst working in practice, another few years.
It's not normal to do your Masters while working in practice: you do your degree, then do at least a year out in Practice, then go back to do your Masters full time (2 years). You can do it part time, , but it takes twice as long and restricts your salary and career progression.You can also do the initial Degree part time, but again it takes twice as long (and restricts your earning potential while you're doing it), so to do the whole lot part time you'd potentially be looking at 12 years instead of 7.
And probably worth pointing out the obvious - that you don't walk out the door with your Part III and start earning proper money... at that level, you're one up on the office junior, but you're still very much a novice. There's a lot to learn before you can consider yourself experienced in actual practice, and it takes several more years before you'll be treated as a fully experienced and competent Project Architect.
Bluntly, if you're starting at age 35, you'll be late 40's/early 50's before you have the experience to be taken properly seriously, and by then you'll be too old to be considered a prime candidate for most jobs.
RammyMP said:
I’m a Design Manager and often wonder why more architects don’t become DMs as the pay is better.
Simple answer is that people don't become Architects for the pay - they mainly do so because they are interested in design and/or building technology.I started off in private practice architecture, then 'accidentally' became a Design & Technical Manager and ultimately Design and Technical Director, before deciding that while, yes, the pay is better, it's really not worth the s
t that goes with it unless you're particularly into that role - as the title suggests, it's a management job, not a creative one, and most Architects don't become Architects to spend their life sitting in management meetings, shuffling paperwork, answering emails and wiping the noses of more junior staff and other members of the design team.I stuck it for about 8 years in total - most of which I spent desperately trying to maintain at least a little hands-on design - before going back to architecture (running my own practice).
Evening,
New to the forums so Hi! Just came across this post; for what it is worth, I am 35, just changed career path drastically, and theoretically starting at the 'bottom' again. Does it hurt the confidence? A little, I have an awful lot to bring to the party, however like starting at a new school as a youngster, you have to find where you fit in.
The career change happened for a number of reasons, but ultimately I was not happy and after 18 years, I took a leap of faith and despite the 15k a year pay drop, I am significantly less stressed.
Do not let anybody tell you that you are too old or to just play the safe card. You do exactly what you want. Best of luck.
New to the forums so Hi! Just came across this post; for what it is worth, I am 35, just changed career path drastically, and theoretically starting at the 'bottom' again. Does it hurt the confidence? A little, I have an awful lot to bring to the party, however like starting at a new school as a youngster, you have to find where you fit in.
The career change happened for a number of reasons, but ultimately I was not happy and after 18 years, I took a leap of faith and despite the 15k a year pay drop, I am significantly less stressed.
Do not let anybody tell you that you are too old or to just play the safe card. You do exactly what you want. Best of luck.
I made quite a drastic change at 31 because I’d had enough of working at a desk and dealing with the nonsense that comes with corporate life.
35 is not old or even mid career... The best bit of advice I got was fix your mortgage for as long as is sensibly possible and just go for it!
35 is not old or even mid career... The best bit of advice I got was fix your mortgage for as long as is sensibly possible and just go for it!
RammyMP said:
Coolbanana said:
Have you considered becoming a Technical Manager for a Developer / Construction company? They take those with Engineering and Architectural backgrounds, pay you more and put you in charge of managing the Design Teams they use (Architect/M&E/Engineer).
I moved from Architectural Practice to Technical/Design Management when I moved to the UK 19 years ago. Even today, the role is highly sought-after and, in my experience, always pays better and, for me, was just as rewarding but also more interesting.
I’m a Design Manager and often wonder why more architects don’t become DMs as the pay is better. I’m from a site engineering background, not architectural.I moved from Architectural Practice to Technical/Design Management when I moved to the UK 19 years ago. Even today, the role is highly sought-after and, in my experience, always pays better and, for me, was just as rewarding but also more interesting.
I imagine you'd be able to get an assistant technical co-coordinator / assistant development engineer job at a house builder. Give it a couple of 2 or 3 years and you'll be able to get on to a similar salary that you're on now.
Can you use cad?
I think architecture is one of those jobs that many go into with high expectations of something really quite glamorous & exciting, when the reality for many is anything but. I wanted to be an architect, but leaving aside the facts I had little by way of creative flair & even less ability to draw, I spent a summer vacation working in a practice whilst in 6th form. I realized that much of the work was mundane & anything but what I thought. Put me off totally.
I changed career 18 months ago at 35. I have an engineering degree from years ago but I've worked as an office manager in a pharmaceutical company before setting up my own building company doing refurbs and extensions etc.
I decided that was enough for me and wanted to get into engineering and put my degree to good use. My degree was in Aeronautical Engineering. With my construction experience, Structural Engineering was the logical choice for me. It felt a bit strange starting at the bottom and being at the same level as other graduates straight out of university. However, my construction experience has shone through (and possibly the fact I'm more mature) and I'm now worlds ahead of the other graduates I was originally on the same level as. I've had 2 pay rises in the 18 months. I run my own jobs, manage people and resources and price jobs. I am loving it, sleeping better and progressing really well. I have started my route to chartership and hope to become chartered in the next 2 years.
It is not impossible to completely change careers at 35+ years but my advice would be to choose the career wisely. Good luck.
I decided that was enough for me and wanted to get into engineering and put my degree to good use. My degree was in Aeronautical Engineering. With my construction experience, Structural Engineering was the logical choice for me. It felt a bit strange starting at the bottom and being at the same level as other graduates straight out of university. However, my construction experience has shone through (and possibly the fact I'm more mature) and I'm now worlds ahead of the other graduates I was originally on the same level as. I've had 2 pay rises in the 18 months. I run my own jobs, manage people and resources and price jobs. I am loving it, sleeping better and progressing really well. I have started my route to chartership and hope to become chartered in the next 2 years.
It is not impossible to completely change careers at 35+ years but my advice would be to choose the career wisely. Good luck.
simoncrowe said:
I changed career 18 months ago at 35. I have an engineering degree from years ago but I've worked as an office manager in a pharmaceutical company before setting up my own building company doing refurbs and extensions etc.
I decided that was enough for me and wanted to get into engineering and put my degree to good use. My degree was in Aeronautical Engineering. With my construction experience, Structural Engineering was the logical choice for me. It felt a bit strange starting at the bottom and being at the same level as other graduates straight out of university. However, my construction experience has shone through (and possibly the fact I'm more mature) and I'm now worlds ahead of the other graduates I was originally on the same level as. I've had 2 pay rises in the 18 months. I run my own jobs, manage people and resources and price jobs. I am loving it, sleeping better and progressing really well. I have started my route to chartership and hope to become chartered in the next 2 years.
It is not impossible to completely change careers at 35+ years but my advice would be to choose the career wisely. Good luck.
Why did you close the building company?I decided that was enough for me and wanted to get into engineering and put my degree to good use. My degree was in Aeronautical Engineering. With my construction experience, Structural Engineering was the logical choice for me. It felt a bit strange starting at the bottom and being at the same level as other graduates straight out of university. However, my construction experience has shone through (and possibly the fact I'm more mature) and I'm now worlds ahead of the other graduates I was originally on the same level as. I've had 2 pay rises in the 18 months. I run my own jobs, manage people and resources and price jobs. I am loving it, sleeping better and progressing really well. I have started my route to chartership and hope to become chartered in the next 2 years.
It is not impossible to completely change careers at 35+ years but my advice would be to choose the career wisely. Good luck.
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