Top 20 Alternative Career Paths for Architecture Graduates: How to Get Started, Salaries & Insights

The five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program promises a plethora of career opportunities for graduates. However, many find themselves at a crossroads upon graduation, unsure of where to start or considering different paths altogether. The skills developed during an architecture degree—creative, visual, practical, and design-oriented—are highly transferable and can be applied in numerous fields.

1. Urban Planner (M.Arch UD)

Average Salary: $75,950 Urban planners address the challenges of rapid urbanization, ensuring the quality of life in growing cities. They update and improve urban plans to meet the dynamic needs of urban environments, requiring problem-solving skills and creativity on a large scale. Pursuing a Master’s in Urban Design (M.Arch UD) is a common pathway.

2. Landscape Architect

Average Salary: $70,630 Those interested in environmental restoration, recreational areas, stormwater management, and environmental conservation can opt for a career as a landscape architect. This role involves designing outdoor landscapes, infrastructure, public areas, agriculture, and forestry, creating a bond between urban and rural spaces while addressing globalization and climate change. A degree in landscape architecture and obtaining licensure are essential steps.

3. Restoration Architect

Average Salary: $67,520 For those passionate about the history of architecture and heritage preservation, becoming a restoration architect is an ideal career. This role focuses on conserving and restoring monuments and historical structures, maintaining their original essence while ensuring they are preserved for future generations. Specialized courses in historic preservation and conservation are beneficial.

4. Town Planner (M.Plan)

Average Salary: $75,950 Town planners play a crucial role in development, regeneration, and sustainability. This career requires strong social connections, as it involves working with diverse populations and addressing economic and emotional aspects of urban development. A Master’s in Planning (M.Plan) is typically required.

5. Interior Designer

Average Salary: $60,990 With a keen sense of design, architects can seamlessly transition into interior design. This field involves creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces, requiring organized planning and a comprehensive understanding of the construction process. Certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is often needed.

6. Artist

Average Salary: Varies widely, typically around $50,000 for established artists Architecture and art have always been intertwined. Many architects become artists, focusing on sculpture, spatial experiences, and artistic expression rather than functionality. Building a portfolio and exhibiting work are key steps.

7. Research Architect

Average Salary: $82,320 Advancements in technology have revolutionized architecture. Research architects explore new tools and methods, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and computational design, enhancing architectural practice and offering innovative design solutions. Pursuing advanced studies in computational design or related fields is recommended.

8. Building Surveyor

Average Salary: $63,420 Building surveyors specialize in conserving, modifying, fixing, and renovating existing structures. This career demands extensive experience and material knowledge to apply appropriate methods for each project. Certification from organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can be advantageous.

9. Structural Engineer

Average Salary: $88,570 Combining problem-solving skills with aesthetic sensibilities, structural engineers design and analyze building structures. A background in architecture and a master's degree in structural engineering are highly valued in this field. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is typically required.

10. Extreme Architect

Average Salary: $78,470 With climate change and global warming posing new challenges, extreme architects design for extreme weather conditions. This emerging field requires innovative solutions to address unpredictable and harsh environments. Specialized training in sustainable and resilient design is beneficial.

11. Industrial/Product Designer

Average Salary: $71,640 Industrial and product designers focus on creating mass-produced products, from household items to toys. This career involves innovative thinking and an understanding of manufacturing processes. A degree in industrial design and building a strong portfolio are crucial.

12. Furniture Designer

Average Salary: $60,000 Furniture design, though sometimes underrated, meets a significant market demand. Many architects design furniture for their projects, and some even pursue it full-time. A background in industrial or interior design and practical experience are essential.

13. Graphic Designer

Average Salary: $53,380 Architects' creative minds are well-suited for graphic design. This field involves infographics, visual communication, and related works, offering wide opportunities in the digital age. Proficiency in graphic design software and building a portfolio are important steps.

14. Fashion Designer

Average Salary: $75,810 Institutions like NIFT offer master's courses in fashion design, which can be pursued after a degree in architecture. This career requires a sense of color, construction, patterns, and forms, similar to architectural design. Formal training in fashion design and building a portfolio are necessary.

15. Video Game Designer

Average Salary: $66,700 Architecture skills are valuable in game design, where creating virtual worlds allows for expansive imagination. This career is both fun and interesting, often not bound by physical constraints. A degree in game design or computer graphics and proficiency in relevant software are recommended.

16. Photographer

Average Salary: $42,770 Architecture photography is gaining popularity, and architects have a keen eye for capturing aesthetically pleasing images. With many workshops and online classes available, becoming a professional photographer is a viable option. Building a portfolio and gaining experience are key steps.

17. Production Designer

Average Salary: $54,000 Production designers work in television, film, and theatre, designing and managing stage sets. This career requires creativity, project management skills, and a strong sense of budgeting. Formal training in set design or production and practical experience are beneficial.

18. Professor

Average Salary: $80,790 Teaching is an increasingly popular choice among young architects. Many take up part-time or visiting faculty positions, allowing them to practice architecture while sharing their knowledge and learning from students. Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in architecture or a related field is often necessary.

19. Entrepreneur

Average Salary: Varies widely Architects possess problem-solving, creative thinking, persuasion, and communication skills, making them successful entrepreneurs. Notable examples include Ratan Tata, who holds a degree in architecture. Building business acumen and gaining practical experience are crucial.

20. Writer

Average Salary: $69,510 Those with strong language and communication skills can pursue writing and journalism. Architects can influence readers through blogs, books, and journals, sharing their unique perspectives on design and architecture. Building a writing portfolio and gaining experience in journalism or publishing are recommended.

Conclusion

The versatility of an architecture degree opens up a wide array of career paths beyond traditional architectural practice. Whether it's urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, or even game design and politics, the skills acquired during an architecture degree can be applied in numerous fields, offering diverse and fulfilling career opportunities. Pursuing additional education, certifications, and practical experience are key steps in transitioning to these alternative careers.