This document explains what an architect is and does, what training and personal qualities are required to become an architect, and the employment prospects of architects. An architect is a design professional who uses creativity and a practical understanding of structures and materials to provide for people's living and working environments. Architects are not just concerned with buildings, but with improving the built environment. They have a role to play in social and environmental change, and they must balance the needs of the client whom they serve with the public interest and the needs of the wider community.
Architects are professionals, like doctors, dentists, lawyers and engineers.
They are professionally qualified, legally registered and bound by a code of ethics. The role of the architect is as varied as the people practising the profession and it has changed dramatically over the centuries. More recently, this role has changed owing to the increasing complexity of property development, construction techniques etc., so that, on very large projects, the architect's role in project management is increasingly important. Many functions of the nineteenth century architect have now been separated into new design professions, including planning, urban design, landscape architecture and interior design. Architects may also use their skills for employment in other industries such as furniture design and manufacture, computer programming, etc.