Northern Impact’s Post

If you are looking for your next role in architecture, there are a few things to keep in mind ☝️ ⌛ Don't wait for opportunities to come your way, be proactive. 🚩 Never start a job without signing a contract. 📑 Don’t accept the job without having seen the contract first. 🕵️♀️ Read your contract before signing it, checking details such as job title, start date, notice period, working arrangements, benefits, and working hours. 📝 If you have discussed any specific terms during your interview (e.g., flexible working), make sure they are written in the contract. 💷 If you’re joining a RIBA Chartered Practice, ensure they’re paying you the Living Wage, which is different to the National Minimum Wage. ---- Do you have any additional advice for our graduates as they search for their next architectural role? 🌱 Any things you wish you knew before accepting a position? 💡 Or perhaps you have any questions? Just drop them in the comment section below, and I'll do my best to answer them. 👇 Jason Boyle FRSA FRIBA #Graduate #Architecture #JobSearch #Careers

Architecture is still a great industry to get into. Despite the bad press. And constant news about low salaries. To all the young people studying the course, here is some sound advice from someone who has been in your shoes. 1) Have a plan. If you are taking your Part 1, try and seek a year in industry post Bachelors. This will give you a realistic understanding of the industry/market/sectors and provide you with a year or two to leverage when applying for a Part 2 role. It also looks good on your CV. 2) Yes, initially the salaries would be low - but that’s something (on average) with most other industries. Do not expect an Associate/Partner salary as a fresh graduate - that’s ridiculous. 3) Purpose. If money is the only driver then move client side. In my personal opinion- forget about doing Part 2 - try to seek PM or Consultant role within the built environment. There are countless opportunities with developers/consultant firms/marketing. But, If you enjoy design/construction then pursue your Part 2 / 3. Get qualified. 4) Confidence. It’s the most important part of job hunting because everyone’s got the same degree, so how do u stand out? Especially in the architecture industry. Market yourself, build your brand and work smart. Work on your professional skills, mannerisms and tone of voice. 5) Seek advice. Approach recruiters/mentors/teachers/experts, pick their brains. This’ll give you an understanding of current trends but more importantly where things might be heading. 6) Swallow that bitter pill. Working hard (and sometimes overtime) is part of success! Rome was not built in a day - it takes time / years on your portfolio to move up the ranks - to earn too. And that’s fine. 7) Avoid bad press - seek advice. I see so many repeated posts vilifying the architecture industry (and frankly it's just hurting our industry at this stage) - some cases rightly so but the truth is that there is work for everyone, money is being pumped in numerous sectors and if it’s not directly studying to be chartered, this industry has numerous pathways. My personal story, I did my Part 1, then moved into property and now I’m helping the growth of a AJ100 & WA100 practice - I’m not qualified or doing any drawings but there is still a seat for me in the architecture industry. I’m also not the only one! My inbox is always open. I am happy to mentor or talk you through my journey.

I had a fascinating call last week with a client who is setting up a new office in New York. There are so many things to consider when starting a new venture! We talked at length on what makes a competitive benefits package. Here's a breakdown of some key considerations: 1. Health & Wellness: ✔ Comprehensive health insurance: Offer plans with low deductibles and strong provider networks. Consider vision and dental coverage as well. ✔ Mental health resources: Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or health plans with strong mental health coverage. ✔ Wellness programs: Consider gym memberships, on-site fitness classes, or wellness stipends to encourage healthy habits. 2. Financial Security & Flexibility: ✔ Competitive salaries: Research NYC salary trends for architects and designers at various experience levels. Don't underestimate the power of a competitive base salary. ✔ Retirement savings plans: Offer a 401(k) with employer matching contributions to incentivize saving for the future. ✔ Student loan repayment assistance: This is a major perk for young architects and designers burdened by student loans. 3. Work-Life Balance & Well-Being: ✔ Paid time off (PTO): Offer a generous amount of PTO, including vacation days, sick leave, and personal days. ✔ Flexible work arrangements: Consider remote work options, compressed workweeks, or flexible start and end times to cater to diverse needs. ✔ Parental leave: Offer paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers, exceeding the minimum required by law. 4. Professional Development & Growth: ✔ Continuing education programs: Provide financial support or time off for employees to pursue relevant certifications or attend industry conferences. ✔ Mentorship programs: Pair experienced architects with junior staff to foster knowledge sharing and career development. For more insight into benchmarking your benefits, refer to our salary guide which includes a breakdown of benefits! https://lnkd.in/eWvFqSad #employerbenefits #hiring

Architects need to get their own house in order before they can design their clients’….especially when it comes to salaries Architects, get with the programme and share the salary in your job adverts (even if it’s a range). Without this key element you are expecting candidates to; 👉 Think about leaving their current job 👉 Create or Update their CV and Portfolio 👉 Research your firm and write a convincing cover letter 👉 Submit the information and wait for a response 👉 Arrange an interview taking annual leave from current job 👉 Travel to your offices 👉 Sit in a meeting, present their work and answer your probing questions (pressure and stress) …..only to be told at the end of it that you offer a Salary that is less than their current job. We criticise open design competitions for the amount of work we Architects have to give upfront with little guarantee of work or fee but this is exactly what you are embracing by not being clear on salaries. With the pressures on the cost of living there will come a time soon when candidates won't come knocking without this level of clarity so why not be part of the vanguard and share the salary —— ♻️ If you found this helpful, repost it so others can make this positive shift too P.S. What do you think about sharing salaries, does it put you off about applying to jobs without this information? ___ For more actionable advice to have a happy, healthy and well-paid career in Architecture sign up to the Architects Instruction Newsletter. #architect #architecture #architecturestudent #architecturestudents #career #coach #mentor

Architects need to get their own house in order before they can design their clients’….especially when it comes to salaries Architects, get with the programme and share the salary in your job adverts (even if it’s a range). Without this key element you are expecting candidates to; 👉 Think about leaving their current job 👉 Create or Update their CV and Portfolio 👉 Research your firm and write a convincing cover letter 👉 Submit the information and wait for a response 👉 Arrange an interview taking annual leave from current job 👉 Travel to your offices 👉 Sit in a meeting, present their work and answer your probing questions (pressure and stress) …..only to be told at the end of it that you offer a Salary that is less than their current job. We criticise open design competitions for the amount of work we Architects have to give upfront with little guarantee of work or fee but this is exactly what you are embracing by not being clear on salaries. With the pressures on the cost of living there will come a time soon when candidates won't come knocking without this level of clarity so why not be part of the vanguard and share the salary —— ♻️ If you found this helpful, repost it so others can make this positive shift too P.S. What do you think about sharing salaries, does it put you off about applying to jobs without this information? ___ For more actionable advice to have a happy, healthy and well-paid career in Architecture sign up to the Architects Instruction Newsletter. #architect #architecture #architecturestudent #architecturestudents #career #coach #mentor

🏛️ Low Architect Salaries 🏗️ I speak with Architects daily regarding salaries (as is a natural part of my job), but what comes up often is how compared to the rest of the construction industry, Architects are consistently underpaid compared to their engineering counterparts. Even against other professions with similar lengthy study requirements, Architecture lags. So what's the problem and solution? Speaking with directors in the industry and senior professionals there is a common thread that seems to reappear. I have listed a couple below that could maybe help increase salaries across the board. But it is a multi-faceted issue that isn't going to change overnight. Advocate for Better Fee Structures 📊 Architectural firms need to push for more equitable fee arrangements, ensuring architects are compensated fairly for their work and expertise. It's common for a "race to the bottom" on pricing to win work, leading to the job actually not being profitable. Collective Action 🤝 Greater collaboration among architects—whether through professional organizations like RIAI or through informal networks—can help push for better salaries and working conditions industry-wide. Government Support 🏛️ Policies that provide financial incentives or grants to firms offering higher wages, or subsidies for architectural services, could ease financial pressure and support wage growth. If you have any ideas on how to help the industry grow, or what is holding Architectural Firms back on wage growth I would welcome the discussion. #Architecture #ConstructionIndustry #ArchitectSalaries #Upskilling #FairPay #Ireland #BuiltEnvironment #Sustainability #Design

Architects Journal published today my thoughts on the profession future linked to salary rapid decrease. I do explore what can be done to reverse this trend. I would appreciate your view on it and how we act today to ensure fair pay for future generations. #architectsjournal

Do you allow your current & prospective Organization to find the real you? Selecting a job Vs making a Career choice! My daughter, a bright and eager architecture graduate seeking her first job, sought my advice this weekend on choosing among three job offers she secured. The first is a niche company specializing in lighting. She appeared quite attracted to it, however, lighting isn’t a core area of architecture —would it be the right job to start one’s career? The second is a reputed planning and design company, catering end-to-end aspects of a project from concepts, design, planning, consulting & execution. Comparable pay as above, but will require daily commuting. The third is a real estate company focused on residential projects, offering a mix of desk work, planning, and a fair share of field execution. Paying the best. Few questions to ponder and introspect in this case for my daughter to arrive at a n informed decision would be: # Long term outlook : Where will each job lead in 3–5 years?  Will the experience gained be valuable (Transferable skills) if one decides to shift paths later? # Growth potential: Does the Orgn. provide /or even have the scope to provide opportunity for new skills / experiences valuable for future goals? OR/ And Can this role offer growth, advancement, or exposure to new challenges? # Match with Skills, Passions & Values – Would the job align with what I truly enjoy / care for? Will it utilize my strengths? Is the orgn. / role align with my personal and professional values? # Work environment : Did I like the work environment of the office, Did I find the members interacting & helpful ? A job meets immediate needs, but a career aligns with passions, strengths, and values. The key is presenting your authentic self to employers, attracting opportunities that lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career. reach out for a consult. #Dyotconsulting@outlook.com

Don't forget to make the most out of our free articles and guides, all written by Aylin Round and focusing on the architectural sector. 🙌 Whether you are an Overseas Qualified Architect considering a move to the UK or seeking an overview of UK Architectural Salaries, or you're a Part 1/Part 2 Architectural Assistant looking for your next role, our detailed guides cover topics such as preparing your CV, Portfolio, and much more. 😊 ArchJobs also offers Career Coaching Sessions tailored to your needs. 👩🏫 Aylin will provide you with actionable feedback, removing all uncertainties from your job search and giving you a clear direction. 🙋♀️ ---- We leave the link to the articles and coaching sessions in the comments below 👇 P.S. We have updated all the articles, including the latest changes to the Skilled Worker Visa and National Minimum Wages. 📅 #Architecture #Articles #Guides #CareerCoaching

Is skipping college a risk? Let’s look at a career that’s worth it. Choosing not to go to college can feel risky. But retail construction is a path that’s rewarding and full of opportunity. You’re not only working a job; you’re learning skills that are in demand, and you’re paid well for it. From management roles to technical expertise, the opportunities are real, and the money is there. While others are paying off loans, you’re building a career and financial independence. Follow along to hear more about careers without college, and download my free e-book to learn about retail construction jobs. Share this if you know someone looking for a better option. #architecture #interiordesign #design #building #renovation #nodebt #nostudentloandebt #studentloans #constructionjobs #degreejobs #nocollegeneeded #nodegreeneeded #nodegree