Architecture Graduates are ready, so where are the jobs?

You spend years studying architecture.  

You get through Part 1. Then Part 2. And start building a portfolio, learning the software, completing the projects, and finally reach the point where you’re ready to start your career.  

Then comes the difficult bit… 

Getting through the door.  

For many architecture graduates, that first step into practice is becoming increasingly difficult. And that’s the problem behind Studio to Practice, an independent pilot created by Architect and Urban Designer, Oriana Fernandez.  

The idea is simple. Give architecture graduates the support, preparation and connections they need to move from education into practice.  

The gap  

Since launching, Studio to Practice has supported 29 people, most of them Part 1 and Part 2 graduates looking for a route into practice.  

Nine mentors are currently giving their time to provide CV and portfolio feedback, career guidance and interview preparation.  

But preparing people is only half the challenge.  

There are currently four candidates in the placement pipeline, and for much of the pilot, practices weren’t coming forward with opportunities.  

That’s the gap Studio to Practice is trying to close. Connecting talented, prepared candidates with practices that have the capacity to bring them in.  

Where Konker comes in 

That’s where Konker came in. Tom, Director at Konker offered to share candidates across Konker’s architecture network, promote the initiative to our client base and look directly at two Part 2 candidates for a live opportunity.  

For us, it felt like a practical way to support something that addresses a very real issue in the architecture market.  

We’re not going to solve the graduate jobs market overnight. But if more practices, recruiters and industry professionals open their networks, offer their time or create opportunities, we can start making that first step into practice a little easier. 

Why it matters  

This isn’t just about graduates finding a job.  

Architecture needs new talent coming through. Graduates bring fresh ideas, new skills and different perspectives, but they need the opportunity to turn what they’ve learned into real experience.  

If talented people can’t get that first opportunity, the whole profession loses out.  

And getting that opportunity doesn’t necessarily mean a huge graduate programme or a long-term commitment. It could be a paid Part 1 placement, a part 2 role, a short-term opportunity, or an hour spent reviewing someone’s portfolio and giving them some honest advice.  

Could your practice help?  

Studio to Practice is looking for practices that can offer paid placements, as well as professionals willing to mentor candidates.  

If you work in architecture and have the capacity to offer an opportunity, your involvement could make a real difference to someone trying to take that first step.  

To find out more about Studio to Practice and how you can get involved, reach out to Oriana Fernandez through LinkedIn or email: orianafernandezstudio@gmail.com