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Architecture still an attractive career in medium-term to long-term
Posted: Thu, January 14, 2010 |
School leavers , mature students and young graduates of other courses considering study options are being urged not to overlook a professional career in architecture because of concerns about the impact of the current recession on employment across the construction sector. If you are interested in design and the societal importance of architecture then this might be the programme for you.
Speaking as the first cohort to successfully complete the Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) programme at Waterford Institute of Technology graduated, Máire Henry, Head of the Institute’s Department of Architecture encouraged potential future architects to remain upbeat.
The BArch (Hons) at Waterford is the first new professional programme in architecture outside of Dublin to have full accreditation from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. The first graduate architects from the programme were conferred in the same week that the world’s tallest man-made structure, the Skidmore Owings & Merrill-designed 828 metre tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and the new Daniel Libeskind theatre in the Dublin docklands were officially opened.
While acknowledging that opportunities to work in architecture practices in Ireland at present are “incredibly scarce” for those starting their careers, Ms Henry said there were more encouraging trends beginning to emerge in key overseas labour markets where many Irish architecture graduates are building their early professional experience.
“Figures published last month by the UK’s Office for National Statistics revealed that the number of unemployed architects there fell for a third consecutive month in November having grown steadily for 16 months up until August last.
“Likewise, 39 per cent of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) members foresee an increase in their workloads this year. Indeed, architects in most regions of the UK expect work to increase across the board this year, with forecasts of growth in the private residential, commercial and public sectors. This confidence increases in larger practices with 50 staff or more. Optimism is highest in London and the south of England where the 2012 Olympics are helping generate additional construction activity and confidence.”
Ms Henry said that opportunities for graduate architects also exist in certain other key overseas markets including north America and southeast Asia. “There is no denying that it is now massively more competitive than at the height of the boom but the situation is not entirely without hope for those who are flexible and willing and able to temporarily relocate if the right opportunities exist elsewhere.
At WIT we prepare students for the possibility of working internationally. Our staff have impressive international experience. We offer electives in foreign languages and have successful work placements and exchange programmes in France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Mexico.
“Similarly, we can’t overstate the cyclical nature of construction activity in Ireland and globally. This means that those now considering their study and career options should not be put off by short-term indicators. By the time they emerge having completed their RIAI-accredited degrees, there is very likely to be a raft of fresh opportunities opening out for professional architects. The content of our architecture programmes also reflects the sectors in which future opportunities are likely to arise and fully take on board the drive towards greater sustainability in the built environment. There are also a growing number of research areas open to graduates here at WIT ”
• Further information on architecture courses at Waterford Institute of Technology is available at www.wit.ie/wd144; www.wit.ie/wd092 and www.wit.ie/wd094
