Happy

Customers

"Grant has been working on several of our development schemes across the region and has provided very high quality layouts and images for the presentation of the sites we are promoting through the planning system. All projects have been delivered on time and within budget. We will continue to work with Grant on future projects."

“What impressed me most about Grant Erskine Architects is the professionalism, knowledge, experience, unbeatable pricing and the communication throughout. I know their services are endless, but importantly they return calls, provide free initial advice and deliver what they agree to do. I would not hesitate in recommending them where the opportunity should arise.

Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, On Time”

“I would describe Grant Erskine Architects as extremely professional, but personable and approachable at the same time and as people who "think outside the box" and really go that extra step to delivery results with quality. In all honesty I would recommend them to anybody including friends and family and we are extremely happy about the project that they recently completed for our business.

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

Methodist Church to Nursery Conversion in Diggle, Oldham. Accomodation for children of all ages, as well as a multi-purpose space. more

This House Extension in Bramhall, Stockport compliments the traditional house, with glazing and retractable doors that take full advantage of the view and morning sun. more

A cost effective refit of a 4th floor office in an old mill in Bolton, providing a range of accommodation between 200 and 1000 square feet.. more

How long does it take to become an Architect?

We are often asked questions such as "my daughter / son would like to be an Architect, how would she / he go about it?" For the purposes of answering this, we will consider the question for individuals who have studied or are studying in the UK. There are two routes by which you can become an Architect, traditional and alternative.

Traditional Route

This is the route that most individuals follow and takes at least seven years. Prior to this a student must achieve sufficient grades to apply to University. There is no set requirements for subjects or grades, some universities may insist on Art, others may not, some may ask for 3 A’s at A level, others might accept 3 C’s. Also, some universities will accept a relevant HND instead of A Levels.

Part I

Your first degree or undergraduate degree, this normally takes the form of a 3 year BA(Hons) or BSc at university, where you learn the theory of architecture, design skills, construction methods and the built environment. Different universities will teach you these skills in different ways, but the end outcome should be similar.

Part I Assistant / 1st Year Out

Your first year out is where you work under the supervision of an architect, a position which is normally paid, and learn a more ‘hands-on’ approach to architecture. You are also expected to keep Professional Education Development Records (PEDR's or log books). Due to the economic climate, attaining this position is not necessarily a certainty, however most universities are offering allowances to overcome this.

Part II

An additional two years of advanced study, known as a BArch or an MA, where you build on what you have learnt in the past four years and evolve your theoretical position in the world of architecture. Again different universities teach this in different ways.

Part II Assistant / 2nd Year Out

At this stage you can now call yourself an ‘Architectural Assistant’. Once again you work under the mentored supervision for a period of at least 12 months, keeping PEDR’s. Often many individuals take longer than 12 months at this stage, waiting for the ideal project to come along to use as their case study for their Part III.

Part III

For entry onto the Part III, on this route you must have completed RIBA accredited Part I and Part II courses, with a minimum of 24 months PEDR’s. This is the professional exam you must take in order to call yourself an Architect. Different universities carry it out in different ways, but the output normally includes a project review, an exam and a final oral exam. The emphasis on the course is on management and professionalism. If you pass, you then become a member of the Architects Registration Board and you can finally call yourself an Architect. This title, the word Architect, is protected by law, so using it will let the public know you are fully qualified.

The Non-traditional or Alternative Route

Some universities run part-time courses, which allow you to work while you study. Also, you can apply for accreditation of prior learning in other courses. Finally, there if you have been working for a long period in practice, some universities will assess you and your portfolio for to allow you access on to the Part III course.

If you know a young person who is thinking of becoming an Architect and they have any questions, tell them to drop us an email or give us a call.

See more of our advice and blogs here