what is an architectural assistant?
An architectural assistant is an entry-level employee within the architecture industry. The role allows newcomers to learn the ropes before becoming fully-fledged architects. Architectural projects often involve several moving parts, which would be impossible for an architect to juggle alone. As a result, many architects employ architectural assistants to help with some of their tasks.
As an architectural assistant, you support architects with basic tasks to free up their time, enabling them to concentrate on more complex responsibilities. For instance, you study building designs and develop initial drawings to highlight a project's technical details. Your work also involves coordinating other team members to ensure their activities contribute to the project design. You'll likely be responsible for double-checking compliance, building codes and certifications.
Architectural assistants who lack previous work experience but have a degree in architecture need more supervision and often carry out simple tasks. Architectural assistants have at least a year of experience and will have completed a master's, diploma or BArch course. This makes you qualified to take on most responsibilities. Aside from performing similar tasks as level one assistants, you are assigned more independent projects and other complex duties.
find your jobaverage architectural assistant salary
According to Payscale, architectural assistants take home an average salary of ₹240,000 annually. In an entry-level position, you take home ₹180,000 per year. With experience, you earn over ₹300,000 annually. The pay scale depends on diverse factors, including work experience, qualifications and project types.
how to increase your salary as an architectural assistant
As an architectural assistant, you work on diverse projects with an architect. Working on large and complex projects increases your earnings. Large projects demand certain skills and competencies that warrant higher earnings. Working in a large company increases earning potential since they have more resources and can afford to pay higher salaries.
The location also influences your earnings. When you work in metropolitan areas, you will likely earn more due to the high demand for architectural assistants.
types of architectural assistants
Architectural assistants can specialise in specific building types, including:
- sustainable architectural assistants: when designs call for sustainable features, green design architectural assistants help put together environmentally friendly building features and construction techniques for the property. They also find suitable materials for sustainable projects.
- commercial architectural assistants: as a commercial or industrial architectural assistant, you help architects draw up the initial plans for structures like storefronts, hotels, skyscrapers and multi-unit apartments. You assist architects in creating an aesthetically pleasing structure that promotes good traffic.
- landscape architectural assistant: your job is to assist architects in creating beautiful outdoor spaces for people to enjoy, like gardens and walking paths. You may also determine the plants and trees to be planted in an area.
- residential architectural assistants: as a residential architectural assistant, you help an architect develop designs for new residential properties or adjustments to existing homes, such as extensions or roof conversions.
working as an architectural assistant
Architectural assistants perform vital roles in construction projects. Let's look at the tasks and duties you will undertake as an architectural assistant.
-
architectural assistant job description
While your roles as an architectural assistant depend on the duties that the architect assigns you, some of the everyday tasks include:
- drafting initial building designs: as an architectural assistant, you work alongside architects in designing construction projects. You attend client meetings and develop ideas for the design as visualised by the client. While you are under the guidance of an architect in the initial projects, you prepare the final drawing designs.
- researching building regulations: as an architectural assistant, it is important to know the construction regulations that affect projects. You research the building codes, styles, zoning codes, and structures permitted in the construction location.
- reviewing construction managers: most architects recommend the best construction managers or contractors to their clients. Therefore, before submitting the final plans, you assist the architect in reviewing the best contractors for the project. Sometimes, you detail the contracts with the contractors.
- creating digital designs: after sketching a building design, you create a detailed digital design for the client to review. Your knowledge of architectural computer-aided design (CAD) software can speed up the process.
- inspecting sites: architectural assistants evaluate the construction site and recommend adjustments to the architectural team based on the findings. For instance, sometimes, you work alongside land surveyors to determine if the foundations need groundwork before construction.
- writing reports: your primary responsibility is to free the architect's time from minor yet time-consuming tasks, including writing reports and attending meetings. You keep the architect updated on the conclusions of meetings you attend, providing them with detailed reports.
-
work environment
As an architectural assistant, you work on and off-site for construction companies or architectural and engineering firms. Your job is to shadow the architect wherever they go and support their functions. You may visit construction sites during the research stages. However, you spend most of the time drawing at the office during the design stage. When the project commences, you visit the site and report to the architect.
-
who are your colleagues?
As an architectural assistant, you work alongside architectural technologists, architects and project managers. You also interact with civil engineers, structural engineers and CAD designers. Other professionals you work with include site supervisors and site administrators.
-
work schedule
Architectural assistants tend to work 40 hours a week. Most days, your work routine runs from 9 am to 5 pm, but you may be asked to work some overtime to catch up on various tasks. Weekend and evening work is expected when you have deadlines to meet. An architectural assistant is a full-time position, but you can also find part-time jobs. Your work involves travelling to visit clients or going from the office to the construction site during site evaluations and inspections.
-
job outlook
Becoming an architectural assistant is the first step to a successful career. After a few years of experience, you can become a junior or senior architect. Some architectural assistants focus on specific designs and become building scientists or sustainable construction supervisors. Regardless of your specialism, improve your experience and educational qualifications to become a consultant or construction manager. Alternatively, some architectural assistants become lecturers in universities. Freelance opportunities are sometimes available for architectural assistants.
-
advantages of finding an architectural assistant job through randstad
Finding your architectural assistant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an architectural assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To work as an architectural assistant in India, you should enrol for a formal education or training program. You are expected to complete a 10+2 in physics, mathematics and chemistry, as well as relevant entrance examinations, like the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) and Joint Entrance Examination-Main (JEE Main).
You can pursue a bachelor of architecture or a bachelor of planning to gain the relevant skills required to accomplish your duties. For advanced qualifications, pursue a master’s degree in planning or architecture.
architectural assistant skills and competencies
Some of the skills that are useful to architectural assistants include:
- numerical skills: as an architectural assistant, you need mathematical skills to design buildings, especially geometry and advanced algebra. Numerical principles help you with designing buildings and drawing blueprints.
- creativity: buildings should be aesthetically pleasing and functional to enhance performance. You design eye-catching buildings with a flow to improve functionality with your innovativeness. Your creativity comes in handy when developing exterior and interior designs for residential and commercial buildings.
- drawing skills: while most architects adopt digital drawings, architectural assistants need exceptional drawing skills for sketching building ideas. Before digitising a design, you draw its schematics on paper and make the necessary adjustments.
- legal knowledge: the client's specification isn't the only thing to adhere to during building design. You need knowledge of building codes and regulations for the construction site. Incorporating the legislation into the design plans is crucial to avoid legal problems or non-compliance. You may work with a legal secretary to accomplish this task.
- communication skills: your job is to work alongside the architectural team and other construction professionals. Communication skills promote teamwork and ensure all the members are on the same page.
- organisational skills: as an architectural assistant, you manage the work schedule of an architect. You need organisational skills to keep up with all tasks and meet deadlines.
FAQs about working as an architectural assistant
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an architectural assistant.
-
what are the duties of an architectural assistant?
As an architectural assistant, you are an entry-level worker in the architectural industry. You work alongside an architect to learn basic techniques and the architectural procedures required for becoming a qualified architect. You also assist senior architects with designing the blueprints of projects they oversee.
-
what is the salary of an architectural assistant in India?
As an architectural assistant, your earnings depend on various factors. The average salary of an architectural assistant is ₹240,000 per year. In an entry-level position, most employers pay less than ₹180,000 annually. The amount gradually increases with experience, and you can earn over ₹300,000 per year. Your earnings also increase when working on large, complex projects.
-
what qualifications do you need to be an architectural assistant?
To work as an architectural assistant, you require a bachelor's degree in architecture or planning. You should also consider pursuing a master of architecture or planning to improve your expertise.
-
what is the difference between a junior architect and an architectural assistant?
The difference between an architectural assistant and a junior architect is their experience and qualifications. An architectural assistant shadows an architect and assists them in their duties. They may not have the qualifications for becoming an architect, but they can perform some tasks on behalf of an architect. A junior architect is a qualified architect with minimal experience. They work independently with minimal supervision from architects.
-
what skills are needed in architecture?
As an architectural assistant, you require exceptional design skills and knowledge in building and construction to assist with the design and documentation process. Being thorough and attentive to details also helps avoid making mistakes in architectural plans.
-
how do I apply for an architectural assistant vacancy?
Applying for an architectural assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
