Have you always had a fascination for the shape and designs of buildings you see? Do you like the idea of working on new designs and creating beautiful spaces? Do you have a creative but also analytical mind?
If yes, architecture is definitely a career pathway for you to consider.
Architecture is known to be the art of designing and constructing to fulfill both practical and expressive desires. An architect’s main role and responsibility include: planning and creating designs for new construction projects, alterations and redevelopments. They are well knowledgeable on both art and science of building design as they are not only incharge of the external aesthetic but also the internal functionality and safety of their buildings’ occupants.
Different Specialization of Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture focuses on outdoor spaces such as neighbourhood, parks, gardens and public spaces. Landscape architects engage in core ecological, cultural and social issues faced in the society when designing spaces to ensure efficiency and engagement with the environment. They are also in charge of deciding locations for buildings, walkways and parks in building a community. Examples of responsibilities of landscape architects: deciding types of trees in areas and types of material used for walls and walkways.
- Interior Architecture
Interior Architecture is known as a combination between two fields of study: interior designing and architecture. It focuses on the interior of a space and its human functionality. Interior architects are usually involved in the building or rebuilding of interior environments, taking building structure and building codes into account to create a safe and habitable living space. Examples of responsibilities of interior architects: ensuring proper plumbing, electrical system as well as including sustainable designs.
- Urban Planning
Urban Planning focuses on the study of how cities grow, change and the policies that guide towards a better quality of life through a resilient and healthy future. Urban Planning learns about the historical evolution of cities and of the discipline in a global perspective; the responsibilities of the profession, and how cities are planned and governed. Examples of responsibilities of urban planners: plan making, policy analysis, and technical writing in both urban and regional contexts.
Skills Needed to Study Architecture
- Creative and Design Skills
If you’re going to be spending the rest of your career designing cutting-edge buildings that push the boundaries of aesthetics, then you’re going to need a flair for the imaginative. It is important for you to have creativity to visualize design and concepts to bring new ideas to life as well as to keep up with the constantly evolving society. However, it is also important for you to create ideas that are practical and suitable for the needs of your clients. A good architect needs to be able to combine visuals with functionality to bring a design to life.
- Attention to Detail
Architectural drawings are known to be really detailed pieces of work that work as a guide for construction workers to rely on as a guide in constructing the building. You would need to acquire the skills in paying attention to detail as you cant afford to go wrong with any details as even a single misplaced window or faulty plumbing arrangements can affect the outcome of the entire building.
- Computer Software Skills
To become an architect, it is important for you to be tech-savvy. Many drafting of construction plans and designs have moved into the world of digital technology. Be sure to familiarise yourself with computer software such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Teamwork
As an architect, you will have to work closely with numerous parties such as lawyers, construction managers, surveyors, local government officials and even structural engineers in the process of bringing your design to life. It is important to be able to communicate effectively with all these parties, work together with them to ensure the needs of your clients are met in completing a design successfully.
4 Famous Australian Architecture
#1 Sydney Opera House
In 1959, the Sydney Opera House is known as one of the most iconic architectural pieces in the country built by Jørn Utzon where it has since been a home to many of the world’s greatest artists and performances, and a meeting place for matters of local and international significance.
#2 Buildings Spanning The Olderfleet to Rialto
Constructed back in 1888 by Architect William Pit- these are a collection of five buildings of different styles that are considered essential pieces of Australian architecture on Collins Street in Melbourne
#3 Boyd Baker House
Arguably the most influential architect in Australia, Robin Boyd constructed about 100 houses that demonstrate his ideas about architecture. Boyd’s most significant designs brought to life include Blott House, Stone House, Lyons House, King House & Studios. Image above shows Blott House constructed back in 1956 by Robin Boyd.
#4 Lobster Bay House
Designer Ian Mckay designed this house back in 1971 in New South Wales, incorporating a series of geometrically shed-like forms that turned into a beautiful piece of landscape by the sea.
Pathway of Becoming an Architect in Australia
To become an architect, you would need to complete a Year 12 equivalent qualification (eg: A Levels, STPM, Matriculation, IB Diploma) along with an English Language Requirement (eg: IELTS, TOEFL PCE). Then, you have to complete an accredited degree in architecture. At this stage, you would have the option of pursuing a Degree in Arts/Design with a major in Architecture OR a direct Degree in Architecture, depending on the availability of courses based on your university of choice. Upon graduation, you can option to pursue a Master’s Degree followed by a phD in Architecture. If you intend to practise, it is important to note that you must complete an accredited architecture degree, have 2 years monitored experience with an architectural firm followed by the completion of an examination in architectural practice set by Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) to be registered with the Architects Registration Board state specific.
General Entry Requirements to Study Architecture in Australia
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Qualification | Scores |
A-Levels | Min. 1A 2B |
STPM | Min. 3B’s |
Malaysian Matriculation | Min. GPA 2.6 |
Australian Matriculation | Min. ATAR 80 |
UEC | Min. A2 , average of 5 subjects |
*NOTE : Different universities have different entry requirements. Contact us for more information.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Qualification | Scores |
IELTS | Min. 7.0 |
TOEFL (IBT) | Min. 96 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Min. 68 |
*NOTE : Different universities have different entry requirements. Contact us for more information.
Top 5 Universities to Study Architecture in Australia
#1 University of Sydney
Program Offered | I. Bachelor of Architecture and Environments II. Bachelor of Design in Architecture |
Program Duration | 3 years (Full time) |
Intake | March |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
#2 University of Melbourne
Program Offered | Bachelor of Design Major in: I. Architecture II. Landscape Architecture III. Urban Planning |
Program Duration | 3 years (Full time) |
Intake | March and July |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
#3 RMIT University
Program Offered | I. Bachelor of Architectural Design II. Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design III. Bachelor of Interior Design (Hons) IV. Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years (Full time) |
Intake | February and July |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
#4 University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Program Offered | I. Bachelor of Architectural Studies II. Bachelor of Industrial Design III. Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) IV. Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years (Full time) |
Intake | February and July |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
#5 Curtin University
Program Offered | I. Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) II. Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) IV. Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning |
Program Duration | 3 years (Full time) |
Intake | February and July |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
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About the Author
Raveena Rakni Suresh Raj
Leo baby & a psych major
