architect

Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects.

ESCO Code

2161.1

NACE Code

71.11 - Architectural activities

68.12 - Development of building projects

Alternative Labels

architectural designer

architects

residential architect

architectural planner

commercial architect

building designer

urban architect

Regulatory Aspect

This occupation is covered by the Directive 2005/36/EC (and its amendments) on the recognition of professional qualifications. Further information on free movement of professionals. To see if and how this occupation is regulated in EU Member States, EEA countries or Switzerland please consult the Regulated Professions Database of the Commission. Regulated Professions Database:

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/services/free-movement-professionals/qualifications-recognition_en

Narrower occupations

- interior architect

Skills & Competences

Essential Skills and Competences

advise on building matters conduct field work consider building constraints in architectural designs create architectural sketches create solutions to problems design building envelope systems design building retrofitting solutions design buildings design open spaces design passive energy measures design spatial layout of outdoor areas develop architectural plans draw blueprints ensure infrastructure accessibility evaluate integrated design of buildings execute feasibility study identify customer's needs identify necessary human resources integrate building requirements in the architectural design integrate engineering principles in architectural design integrate measures in architectural designs interpret technical requirements meet building regulations negotiate with stakeholders perform field research provide cost benefit analysis reports satisfy aesthetic requirements satisfy technical requirements study the relationship between buildings, people and the environment use CAD software write an architectural brief

Essential Knowledge

airtight construction architectural design architectural theory architecture regulations building codes building information modelling envelope systems for buildings environmental design green building practices integrated design sustainable building design sustainable building materials urban planning zoning codes

Optional Skills and Competences

adapt existing designs to changed circumstances advise customers on building materials advise legislators apply systemic design thinking assess environmental impact assess heating and cooling systems carry out tendering communicate with construction crews communicate with local residents design an artificial lighting system design building air tightness design harmonious architecture design microclimates in buildings design window and glazing systems develop a specific interior design develop professional network ensure compliance with construction project deadline finish project within budget follow work schedule investigate microclimates for buildings liaise with local authorities make architectural mock-ups manage contracts monitor parameters' compliance in construction projects oversee construction project participate in governmental tenders prepare building permit applications prepare lesson content provide lesson materials provide technical expertise use specialised design software

Optional Knowledge

architectural conservation building materials industry cartography construction legal systems energy efficiency energy performance of buildings engineering principles environmental indoor quality fine arts furniture trends furniture wood types historic architecture landscape architecture mathematics physics project management topography types of glazing zero-energy building design

Skills Group Share

Concept status

Concept Uri

http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/8c3f536e-ba66-4321-ba40-363dc39f129b

Status

released

Occupations

architect

Concept overview

Skills & Competences

Skills Group Share

Concept status