Architecture
A professional Architecture qualification allows you to be part of creating diverse built environments and shared spaces.
The art and science of designing the built environment is a rigorous and multi-disciplinary profession. Architecture has an effect on the environment, on the light, wind, views, noise level, history and the ecology of a place. Landscape architecture is concerned with the design, planning and maintenance of enclosed and open public spaces and interior architecture the shared inside spaces, including urban spaces, film sets, games and other digital spaces.The discipline brings together the arts and humanities, sciences, technology and environmental awareness. Architecture graduates have a unique mix of creative, problem solving, interpersonal and technical skills.
Roles and career pathways
To become a registered architect, Architecture students complete the Master of Architecture (Professional), Master of Interior Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture following their Bachelor’s degree. Graduates must complete two to three years of on-the-job practical work experience, usually supervised by a registered architect, before they can apply to become a registered architect. Many will begin as a graduate architect then progress to registered architect. Other architecture graduates may work as spatial designers, media or web designers, content creators, gallery designers, researchers or curators. Others may work as project managers or consultants, or go on to specialise in areas such as sustainable design and construction, heritage building conservation, surveying, acoustics or lighting. Graduates may also move into areas such as arbitration and mediation, housing policy, building performance and regulatory advice.They can also progress on to practicing as architects or consultants with international development programmes.
Where Architecture graduates work
Graduate architects can work in private architectural practices, with engineering firms, consultancies, local, regional or central government agencies. They may also work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in New Zealand and overseas. A number will go on to be self-employed, building up a client base to eventually establish their own practices.
Recent Architecture graduates have worked for organisations such as:
- Athfield Architects
- Solari Architects
- Helfen
- WSP (previously Opus International)
- Summerset Group Holdings Ltd
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Build relevant skills and experience
Through integrated design project courses in their final undergraduate year and final year of the Master of Architectural Studies (Professional) programme, students gain experience using state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to develop architectural proposals in response to real-world problems. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.
Make career connections
Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career and networking opportunities.
STUDiO, the Design and Architecture student association, holds regular social events such as talks by invited lecturers, design competitions, and workshops.
The NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora provide professional training, policies, and guidelines to promote high quality architectural practice, events ,and general support for architects and landscape architects. NZIA student members also become part of the Student Architecture Network of NZ (SANNZ) that provides a forum to extend, engage, and support Architecture students. This includes holding design challenges and critique sessions with experts from industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a voluntary, non-profit association of women who work either in the construction industry or for business organisations who provide services to the construction industry. They have student membership and regular networking events. Portico is an online space created for students by students with graduate stories and advice and support for transitioning to the workplace.The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.
Graduate career stories
Alana Campbell (née Inglis)
Interior Architecture studies have led Alana to work in commercial spatial and exhibition design while maintaining a passion for public art and sculpture.
Esekia Faiga
An interest in communicating ideas through images and visualisation led Esekia to study Architecture and then work in the field.
Shane Annabell
Studying the software and technologies of Architecture paved the way for Shane’s career trajectory through several positions in analytics and optimisation.