To read this content please select one of the options below:

Architecture in the UK: a study in professional entry-routes and entry-gates

Stan Lester (Stan Lester Developments, Dulverton, UK)

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning

ISSN: 2042-3896

Article publication date: 30 April 2021

Issue publication date: 28 January 2022

207

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines architecture as an example of the evolving context of qualifying routes in UK professions.

Design/methodology/approach

The background and current state of architectural education, qualifying routes and regulatory frameworks in the UK is presented as a case-study, and compared with practices in professional education and qualifying more generally including the use of Degree Apprenticeships.

Findings

Architecture has since the 1960s maintained an entry-route that is premised on periods of full-time academic study plus full-time practice. While a minority part-time version of this route has always existed (and is now being expanded through Degree Apprenticeships), variations seen in other professions such as experienced practitioner entry and accelerated routes from cognate fields have so far been lacking. Pressures for reform are emerging both from external changes affecting the profession and from the high cost of qualifying in relation to median incomes in the sector.

Practical implications

There is a need for more flexible and less expensive routes to qualifying as an architect, with substantial scope to use practices from other professions and areas of higher education to recognise existing levels of competence and improve crossover with other design and construction fields.

Originality/value

This is the first review of architectural qualifying requirements that has been made in the context of professional entry more generally.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author has worked since 2017 with ARB as a consultant on professional standards and criteria. The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views or policy of ARB. The author is grateful to Elena Marco (University of the West of England), Emma Matthews (ARB) and David Gloster (RIBA) for their comments on various aspects of this paper.

Citation

Lester, S. (2022), "Architecture in the UK: a study in professional entry-routes and entry-gates", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-02-2021-0034

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles