The task of architects is to plan buildings and urban development activities and to monitor the related construction processes. Their area of responsibility comprises both residential buildings and commercial properties. The architect’s profession covers a very broad range of tasks and has many facets. Find out more about the different areas of tasks, the salary and the career opportunities of architects.
Architects are highly sought-after. Due to the ever-changing construction requirements and social environment, their profession is subject to constant change. Currently, for example, the demand for experts in green building is growing. Besides, social aspects are also becoming more and more important. Thus, architects are required to design buildings which are both functional and comfortable. Architects who are specialised in a certain area, such as building design, site supervision or construction planning, have the best career prospects.
Generally, architects are responsible for the planning of buildings, which includes – amongst others – functional, design-specific, technical, social and economic aspects.
Architects have to meet a comprehensive range of requirements. Thus, a basic and postgraduate academic degree is essential. They must possess artistic design skills, which are also a requirement for the admission to start the relevant studies.
On average, the starting annual salary of architects is between EUR 35,000 and EUR 40,000 gross. Employed senior architects may earn between EUR 60,000 and EUR 70,000, depending on their professional experience. Self-employed architects usually earn between EUR 50 and EUR 60 per hour at the beginning of their career. Later on, their hourly wage may rise to EUR 90.
