A selected number of vacancies available for architects at the highest-grossing architecture firms in the world, according to Building Design of UK, were analyzed. These high-profile firms included the top five of each of the following regions: the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Also, vacancies from firms that did not make the list, but are well known for their prestigious nature were also analyzed.
It is important to note that the vacancies considered were for design architects only, and that other disciplines such as site, project, and landscape architecture would require additional skill sets related to the area of expertise. Although young architects are advised to work in small architecture firms and despite the fact that working in a high-profile architecture firm can come with its challenges, it is still a great experience.
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What was made certain when carrying out the analysis is that experience is the most valuable skill to add to your resume’. Without experience, a high-profile firm will not risk hiring you—the only experience in the field will prove whether you are indeed capable. The minimum requirement of years of experience varies between 3 and 4 years while higher-earning positions will ask for much more. Also, before applying to a high profile firm see what projects they are more inclined to work on, whether it’s towers, residences, commercial spaces, or infrastructure, and push to get experience in your current job on projects which your future employer will find beneficial.
Architecture Firm
While different companies ask for different skill sets, each one will ask for a portfolio. So it really is irrelevant whether you render using one program or another, or use AutoCAD or ArchiCAD to draw up your plans. Focus on the presentation, if your portfolio looks fabulous then that will get your foot in the door and not your computer literacy. Take the time to participate in architectural competitions to widen your portfolio, high-profile architecture firms will appreciate it, in fact, Zaha Hadid Architects specifically asked for this in one of their job posts.
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As already stated, the presentation is key. Most, if not all firms ask for software skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, therefore it is advantageous to get experience using Adobe Suite. Freehand sketching is also usually overlooked when compiling a resume’ when this particular skill can really set you out. With high-profile firms branching across the world, learning an additional language or two will only improve your chances of getting hired, along with any international work experience.
Freehand sketching
The essential skill sets to include in your resume’ include Revit BIM, Adobe Suite, and AutoCAD. However, different firms will also prioritize other skill sets. Top UK firms will favor experience in Microstation, while high profile Design firms will focus more on Rhino skills and parametric modeling. US firms focus a lot on LEED accreditation, while multidisciplinary firms will appreciate any onsite experience and knowledge of building codes.
Top Earning High Profile Architecture Firms:
1. N.AMERICA:
Essential skills required by all firms: LEED Accreditation, AutoCAD, Revit BIM, Adobe Suite
Essential skills required by the majority of firms: Rhino, 3Ds Max, SketchUp, Knowledge of Building Regulations, Registered Architect/Member of a Professional Body
Other skills: On-Site Experience, Freehand Sketching, Grasshopper
Gensler, Aecom, Perkins+Will, IBI Group, HOK
Workplace Interior Designer – Gensler Sydney
2. EUROPE:
Essential skills required by all firms: Adobe Suite, Revit BIM, AutoCAD
Essential skills required by the majority of firms: Microstation, 3Ds Max, SketchUp, Registered Architect/Member of a Professional Body, Knowledge of Building Regulations, Rhino
Other skills: Project Management Experience, Working in a BIM Environment, Freehand Sketching, Low Carbon Design Principles, Graphic Design Skills, Grasshopper
Foster and Partners, Atkins, GMP, Tengbom, Aedas
Foster + Partners
3. ASIA:
Essential skills required by the majority of firms: Bilingual capabilities, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, 3ds Max, Revit BIM
Nikken Sekkei, DP Architects, Samoo Architects and Engineers, P&T Architects, RSP Architects
The Nikken Sekkei headquarters are in Tokyo, Japan. Notable projects include the Tokyo Sky Tree, one of the world’s tallest structures
4. AUSTRALIA:
Essential skills required by all firms: Revit BIM, Rhino
Essential skills required by the majority of firms: Registered Architect/Member of a Professional Body, Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD
Hassel, Woods Bagot, Cox Architecture, The Buchan Group, HBO+EMTB
@HASSELL_Studio
5. Other Prestigious Firms:
BIG office, © Max Touhey
Essential skills required by all firms: AutoCAD, Adobe suite, Revit BIM, 3ds Max
Essential skills required by the majority of firms: International Design Standards, Registered Architect/Member of a professional body, SketchUp
Other Skills: MArch degree, Onsite experience, Navisworks, LEED Accreditation, Microstation, Maya, ArchiCAD, Ecotect, Grasshopper
