Looking for Architect jobs? Here’s what to consider before your next move

Thinking about your next move in architecture? Whether you’re actively searching for architect jobs or simply curious about what’s out there, there’s more to finding the right role than looking at a job title and salary.

Your next move is an opportunity to find a practice, team and projects that fit your ambitions. So, what should you be considering before making a change?

Are you being paid what you’re worth?

Salary isn’t always the only reason people move, but it’s certainly an important one.

Architecture salaries vary depending on experience, qualifications, location and the type of practice you work for. If you’ve been in the same role for a while, it might be worth seeing how your salary compares with the wider market.

Consider whether your responsibilities reflect your pay, what benefits are included and whether there’s room for future salary progression.

It’s worth looking beyond the headline figure, too. A higher salary might not be as attractive if it comes with longer hours or limited flexibility.

Our Architecture Salary Survey is a good place to start.

What projects do you want to work on?

The projects you work on can have a big impact on how much you enjoy your job.

Perhaps you’d like to move into a different sector, gain experience on larger schemes or work on more design-led projects. Whatever your interests, think about what you’d like more of.

When exploring architect jobs, look at the practice’s portfolio, the sectors it works across and the opportunities you’ll have to develop your experience.

A new role should offer more than a change of scenery. Ideally, it’ll give you the chance to work on projects that genuinely interest you.

What kind of practice suits you?

Not all architecture practices operate in the same way.

A smaller studio might offer a close-knit team and the chance to get involved in different aspects of a project. A larger practice could provide more structured teams, bigger projects and opportunities to specialise.

Think about the environment you’d enjoy working in, the team structure and how collaborative the practice is.

The right practice isn’t necessarily the biggest or best-known. It’s the one where you can do your best work and enjoy being part of the team.

Where could your career go next?

Whether you’re Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3 qualified, it’s worth thinking about where you want your career to go.

That might mean gaining experience, working towards Part 3, progressing into a Project Architect role or taking on more responsibility within a practice.

Consider whether your current role offers opportunities to develop and whether a potential new employer can support your ambitions.

Progression isn’t always about a new job title. It can be about gaining new skills, working on different projects or becoming more involved in client relationships.

What does work-life balance look like?

Architecture can be demanding, particularly around project deadlines, but that doesn’t mean long hours and limited flexibility should come as standard.

Before accepting a new role, find out what day-to-day working life actually looks like.

Think about working hours, hybrid arrangements, flexibility, annual leave and how additional hours are managed.

It’s easy to focus on the role itself, but the working environment around it matters just as much.

Does the opportunity fit your ambitions?

Finally, think about what you actually want from your next move.

Perhaps it’s more creative freedom, greater responsibility, exposure to different sectors or simply a better working environment.

Whatever your priorities, be clear about them before starting your search. It’ll make it easier to recognise the right opportunity when it comes along.

Finding the right architect job

There are plenty of architect jobs out there, but finding one that suits your experience, interests and ambitions takes a little more thought.

At Konker, we work closely with architecture practices across the UK, supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.

Whether you’re actively looking for your next role or simply curious about what’s available, we’re always happy to have a conversation.

Looking for your next architecture opportunity? Take a look at our latest architecture vacancies or speak to our architecture recruitment team about what you’re looking for.