Typical Career Progression in a large organisation
| Classification |
Annual Pay |
| Level 1 - Graduate of Architecture - entry |
$39,600 |
| Level 1 - Graduate of Architecture - 1st increment |
$41,500 |
| Level 1 - Graduate of Architecture - 2nd increment |
$43,500 |
| Level 2(a) Experienced Graduate of Architecture |
$45,500 |
| Level 2(b) Registered Architect |
$47,500 |
| Level 2(b) Registered Architect - 1st increment |
$49,400 |
| Level 2(b) Registered Architect - 2nd increment |
$51,400 |
This is a guide. A senior architect earns between $100,000 and $140,000 and if you are in demand you can earn well in excess of this.
Typical Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Registered architects must take out life time insurance for their practice and their projects. This includes professional indemnity and public liability. You are held responsible for your work and can be sued over a range of issues by clients and many years after a building has been completed.
It is however common for architects to work in design firms and not to be a registered' architect. This is typical for recent graduates, and means that the architect is covered under the umbrella of the practice, and does not require any type of insurance.
| Graduate Architect |
Involved in all areas of a variety of projects including having an influence on concept design, preparation of all relevant documentation and assisting with contract administration. |
| Architect 3 years |
Responsible for all stages of a project from schematic design to design development and construction documentation as well as assisting on site; would be overseen by a senior architect. |
| Senior Architect |
Coordinates all aspects of projects from inception to completion including client contact, determination of client needs, preliminary design and design development, design coordination, concept & detail design. |
| Chief Architect |
Responsible for all stages of a project from schematic design to design development and construction documentation as well as assisting on site; would be overseen bA Chief architect will oversee all aspects of projects from inception to completion including client contact, determination of client needs, preliminary design and design development, design concept & detail design. May also be involved in the management of the firm so involved in the business side such as hiring and financial mattersy a senior architect. |
Career Options available
You are most likely to work in an architectural firm, for businesses that have large construction programs or for the governments departments. Many start their own practice after a few years of experience.
Architectural training includes the ability to combine arts, science and technology. Therefore, architects increasingly find work in areas outside of architecture such as urban planning and design, property development, construction management, interior design, industrial design, teaching, research and journalism.
About the Author
Len Chapman
Director of Slap Architects
Slap Architects is a recognised architectural practice offering architectural and interior design services. They supply customers with consultancy services, design excellence, innovation and environmental responsibility. Slap Architects are currently involved in commercial, residential, education, health and tourism projects. They have a strong focus on buildings which improve lives, optimise energy efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
Did you know that the longest bridge in the world over a body of water is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, New Orleans, USA, measuring 38.6km?