What is Architecture?

Architecture has been practiced for thousands of years, influenced over time by religion, politics and society, art, science and technology and responding to landscape, geology and climate. Architecture explores new ways of living, investigates new technologies and materials and ensures that new buildings, towns and landscapes are environmentally sustainable.

Architecture combines art, science and technology in the designing and building of structures and their surroundings within the context set by a variety of conditions and influences.

Architects engage themselves in all aspects and stages of the architectural process from design through planning to construction and management. They are involved in projects of a diverse nature, including the design of domestic, retail, leisure, health, commercial, industrial and educational buildings and larger towns and urban landscapes.

Career Opportunities

Architecture provides exciting career opportunities with a wide variety of work available. You may specialise in certain types of buildings or concentrate on a particular area such as, for example, design, technology, architectural conservation or project management. You may work as part of a team in private practice, in the architectural section of a commercial organisation, a government department or local authority.