Architecture
Combine creative, conceptual and scientific thinking in a profession that designs our modern world.
A career in architecture
If you’re able to think both creatively and scientifically, a career in architecture might be for you. Architects excel at expressing their ideas visually, combining skills in numeracy, art, design and planning.
The School of Architecture and Planning maintains close ties to the industry. Our Open Desk programme allows students to spend time with architecture firms in town, while practitioners contribute to all aspects of our programmes.
We also foster a studio culture, where students are interact with each other and develop additional skills to be successful, such as the ability to work in teams.
We offer programmes with a high degree of interdisciplinarity, allowing you to choose the career that’s right for you. One of our alumni has even won an Oscar for his design work on a Hollywood blockbuster!
Sector outlook
New Zealand’s architecture industry consists mainly of private practices, with public sector work less common.
There is also the opportunity to be self-employed and specialise in certain areas -design, technology, heritage conservation and urban design, just to name a few.
Internationally, each country has their own professional accreditation, but many are similar to New Zealand. New Zealand qualified architects can find international employment with relative ease in Australia, Asia, the US and Europe.
Becoming a registered architect
To become a professional architect, you need to complete the Master of Architecture (Professional) programme or one of our combined masters programmes, and also be registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board.
To learn more, view our professional programme pages:
Anya’s story
Discover how the Bachelor of Architectural Studies empowered Anya Bell to turn her love of arts and graphics into a fulfilling career working on projects and designs at a distinguished New Zealand architecture firm.
Job options
University of Auckland graduates have found employment in leading firms around the country such as Jasmax, Cheshire, Moller, Architectus, Warren & Mahoney and Mitchell and Stout, as well as in smaller boutique firms.
Our graduates also find jobs overseas, with alumni employed in the People’s Republic of China, the Cook Islands, Hong Kong, Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and throughout Europe.
There are several career directions you can go in architecture, including:
- Architect
- Architecture firm founder
- Architectural historian
- Building technologist
- Computer aided design specialist
- Interior designer
- Furniture designer
- Heritage conservationist
- Urban designer
- Project manager
- Tertiary educator