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Architect

Also called architects, urban architect, building designer

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.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects40 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Science and engineering professionalsWhat does it pay?Above averageFrom about €2,000 (Bulgaria) to €7,100 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Science and engineering professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree9 in 10 have a degree.Science and engineering professionalsWill AI change it?LittleLevel 2 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Building architects · ILO

What you'd do

Building architects · ILO
  • Developing new or improved architectural theories and methods
  • Inspecting sites and consulting clients, management and other stakeholders to determine type, style and size of proposed buildings and alterations to existing buildings
  • Providing information regarding designs, materials and estimated building times
  • Preparing project documentation, including sketches and scale drawings, and integrating structural, mechanical and aesthetic elements in final designs
  • Writing specifications and contract documents for use by builders and calling tenders on behalf of clients
  • Making necessary contacts to ensure feasibility of projects regarding style, cost, timing and compliance with regulations
  • Identifying and finding best solutions for problems regarding function and quality of interior environments of buildings and making necessary designs, drawings and plans
  • Monitoring construction or rehabilitation work to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards
  • Maintaining technical liaison and consultancy with other relevant specialists
Develop architectural plansUse CAD softwareDesign spatial layout of outdoor areasIntegrate measures in architectural designsMeet building regulations+ 26 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • Sitting most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people, including the public
  • Some freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Architects, Except Landscape and Naval"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as science and engineering professionals in the EU
5.82m7.82m9.03m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
948,000 new jobs 2,300,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Science and engineering professionals40
All jobs29
Right now
2 of 27 countries report a shortage of building architects, 9 a surplus.
Building architects · EURES

What does it pay?

Above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €2,000 a month (Bulgaria) to €7,100 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among professionals in the EU, women earn 21% less per hour than men. Professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in architecture and town planning is the usual route.

Highest qualification of science and engineering professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 90%Vocational 6%General secondary 3%Basic schooling 1%
Fields that teach it
Architecture and town planning · Law
Vocational route, EU
5 in 10 trainees in this field
Engineering graduates in a matching job
73% in the EU

949 institutions in the EU offer engineering bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.37 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 9 tasks
Preparing project documentation, including sketches and scale drawings, and integrating structural, mechanical and aesthetic elements in final designs0.47
Writing specifications and contract documents for use by builders and calling tenders on behalf of clients0.46
Identifying and finding best solutions for problems regarding function and quality of interior environments of buildings and making necessary designs, drawings and plans0.41
Developing new or improved architectural theories and methods0.40
Maintaining technical liaison and consultancy with other relevant specialists0.40
Making necessary contacts to ensure feasibility of projects regarding style, cost, timing and compliance with regulations0.36
Providing information regarding designs, materials and estimated building times0.33
Inspecting sites and consulting clients, management and other stakeholders to determine type, style and size of proposed buildings and alterations to existing buildings0.29
Monitoring construction or rehabilitation work to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards0.23

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for building architects. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).