Architecture work experience
Who is architecture work experience for?
Your school, parents, or guardians might suggest exploring this path, but they may not have direct experience with the industry. This is Green Mat Workshop’s complete guide to architecture work experience, based on our perspective as both students who have completed placements and professionals who have designed and supported work experience programmes.
A career in architecture
A career in architecture is incredibly diverse. You might design homes in your community or skyscrapers in a far-off city.
However, architectural education is often quite different from the day-to-day life of a qualified architect. We highly recommend learning about the life of an architecture student in addition to gaining architecture work experience. It’s worth noting that as a job, you get paid; as a student, you are paying!
Many students who study architecture at university ultimately move into other industries, but architecture is an excellent foundation for many careers. Even if you're unsure about becoming an architect, studying architecture can still be valuable.
What happens during architecture work experience?
There is no strict format for architecture work experience. Every firm will have a unique plan for their work experience students, but here are some typical tasks you might encounter:
Measured survey
Use a tape or laser measure to draw a sketch with the dimensions of a room, building, or site.
Site visit
Accompany an architect to a building site. You should be given protective equipment like a hard hat, boots, and a high-visibility jacket.
Design task
Work on a design based on a brief. This includes understanding who the design is for and its requirements.
Client meetings
Attend meetings where architects discuss design proposals, construction plans, or client needs.
Physical model making
Create physical models of designs, either your own or someone else’s.
CAD drawing
Learn to create precise digital drawings, focusing on plans, sections, and elevations.
Digital 3D modelling
Convert sketches into 3D models using software like Revit, SketchUp, or Rhino3D.
CPDs (Continuing Professional Development)
Attend presentations from material suppliers or consultants who educate architects about their products.
School tasks
If your work experience is linked to school, you may need to complete specific tasks set by your teachers.
This list isn’t exhaustive, as the role of an architect is very varied!
Architecture work experience vs. architecture internships
In the UK, work experience refers to an unpaid placement, typically lasting one week, often integrated into the school curriculum for students aged 14–18 in years 10, 11, 12 and 13.
For adults or those studying architecture at university, internships or placements are more appropriate terms. Internships usually last 1–6 months and are short-term jobs, though they are sometimes unpaid, which has been damaging to the industry. In the UK, RIBA Chartered Architecture Practices are not allowed to offer unpaid internships.
How long does architecture work experience last?
Architecture work experience typically lasts between 1 day and 1 week, with most schools expecting students to complete 1 week (5 days). Working hours might be shorter for students, for example, 9:30 am–5:00 pm instead of the usual 9:00 am–6:00 pm business hours.
If possible, try to split your time between two different architecture practices to gain varied experience. For instance, instead of spending two weeks at one firm, you could arrange a week at two different firms. This can provide insight into how different practices operate.
How do you find architecture work experience?
Finding an architecture placement can be challenging, but architects are usually happy to support students. However, architecture practices can be busy, so planning ahead is important. Here are a few ways to find work experience:
Ask your school
They may already have connections with local architecture firms for work experience.
Email local architects
Send a well-written email to local architects, even if their website doesn’t mention work experience opportunities.
Search for advertised opportunities
If you can travel, consider looking for placements across the UK to broaden your options.
Green Mat Workshop
We offer online architecture courses, which, while different from traditional placements, provide valuable insights into architecture.
Architecture work experience with British architects
Publicised architecture work experience programmes in the UK updated for 2025.
- John Robertson Architects
- Scott Brownrigg
- D5 Architects
- Walters & Cohen
- Hoskins Architects
- Avanti Architects
- Edge Design Workshop
- Foster + Partners
However, many practice won’t advertise. You can use the RIBA directory to find local practices, and kindly ask if they are able to arrange work experience.
Architecture summer schools
There are many excellent free and paid learning opportunities for young people, which are not traditional architecture work experience but give valuable insight into being an architect.
- Open City Accelerate
- Open City Young City Makers
- MATT + FIONA
- UCL Bartlett Summer Schools
- UAL Short Courses
- Beyond the Box
- Blueprint for All
- LSA Part 0
- Store Projects
- Placed Academy
How do you apply for architecture work experience?
If an architecture practice doesn’t have special instructions for applying, the best way is to send an email. Most firms find phone calls distracting, so email is preferred.
Here’s what to include in your email:
- Your name, age, school, and any relevant details
- A clear indication of the dates you’re available (check with your school if these are flexible)
- A short explanation of why you’re interested in architecture
- A personal touch—mention a specific project from the firm’s website that you like
Before sending, ask your school or parents to review the email for spelling and grammar.
Benefits of architecture work experience
Work experience helps you learn about the professional world and gives you a glimpse into the life of an architect. It encourages independent learning, and a workplace environment is very different from school—sometimes you’ll need to work things out on your own.
Adding architecture work experience to your CV can enhance your university applications. You might even create work during your placement that could be included in your portfolio when applying to architecture schools.
Online architecture courses for school students
At Green Mat Workshop, we offer online courses and architecture tutoring ideal for aspiring architects. These cover topics often found in first-year architecture degree, allowing you to start learning skills like design, drawing, and model making. We also offer one-on-one tutoring for university applicants, including portfolio reviews and UCAS application support.
FAQ
What will you learn during architecture work experience?
You’ll gain insight into various aspects of the profession, from design tasks to site visits and client meetings.
What do you need to apply for architecture work experience?
Most practices will require a well-written email expressing your interest in architecture.
Do I need a CV for work experience?
It’s not essential but creating and updating a CV is good practice and will be useful for future job applications.
Architecture work experience in Year 10 or Year 12?
Are you 14 or 17? Architecture practices may offer work experience to a particular student age group; however, it’s common for them not to mind which year the student is in. So give it a shot!
How to find architecture work experience in London?
London has the highest density of architectural practices, big and small. If you are able to travel for your work experience or already live in London, this gives you a better chance of finding a placement.
