Architect: Amy Tyrell, of LSI Architects in Norwich, with a model of a project she is working on.

Architect

Answers supplied by Amy Tyrell, an associate with LSI Architects LLP. LSI is a medium-sized practice of 50 personnel operating out of
Norwich. Long-established as Lambert Scott
& Innes, it re-formed as an LLP with new
practice principles in 2002. The practice has a deliberate policy of working in both commercial and “former public” sectors (health, education and masterplanning), and pursues design excellence in tandem with business excellence. LSI has won many recognitions and awards in recent years for design and excellence. Local projects include work in the Castle Mall, the new Whitefriars for Jarrold, City College, UEA residences and Aviva at Broadland Business Park.

What does the job entail?
The job covers a wide range of activities across varying scales of projects, from small extensions for existing buildings, where you could detail everything from the foundations to furniture, through to masterplanning towns and cities. Currently, my job entails working with clients to agree a brief, designing and drawing the building from scheme stage through to on-site construction, and reviewing the buildings once built.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
The normal route is to complete a five-year architecture degree course at University accompanied by two years of professional experience in the workplace. A broad mix of passes on arts and science secondary school subjects is required for entry to most of the courses. A final Part 3 exam is taken at the end of the seven years that enables you to join the ARB/RIBA as an architect. In terms of practical skills, drawing, communicating and problem-solving are all part of the everyday job.

What type of person will fit in?
You need to be people-orientated and care about the environment, with a flair for design.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The job can be exciting and satisfying seeing something you have drawn and worked up with a client actually built and be used by people. However, there can be long hours and the length of the initial training can be off-putting. The profession is currently male-dominated, but there is a new emphasis to recognise and change this such as the Building Designs 50/50 Charter.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
The profession is focused on training and experience beginning with a Part 1 placement and progressing to become an architect, project architect and onwards. You will therefore be gaining practical experience while you study.

What can I expect to earn?
Part 1 placements begin from £10,000- £14,000 leading on to architects who range from £25,000 to £40,000 or more. London earnings are generally higher than those received regionally.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
It is a good idea to contact local practices, who are normally very friendly and open to discussing work experience and opportunities. Further information can be found on the following websites www.norfolkarchitects.org.uk; www.architecture.com and www.arb.org.uk