Architect Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary
An architect designs buildings and spaces, balancing a client's goals with building codes, budget, structural reality and the way people will actually use the space. The work ranges from early concept sketches through detailed construction drawings, and includes coordinating with engineers, contractors and planning authorities.
Architects work in firms of all sizes on residential, commercial, institutional or mixed-use projects, and licensure (passing the ARE after required experience hours) marks the shift from supervised designer to someone who can stamp drawings and take legal responsibility for them.
Architect job description template
Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.
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Architect
[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]
About [Company]
[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]
About the role
[Company] is hiring an architect to design [project types] for [clients]. You'll develop concepts into buildable drawings, coordinate with engineers and consultants, and keep projects on code and on budget.
What you'll do
- Develop design concepts from client briefs through schematic and design development phases.
- Produce construction drawings and specifications in [Revit / AutoCAD].
- Ensure designs comply with building codes, zoning and accessibility requirements.
- Coordinate with structural, mechanical and electrical engineers on building systems.
- Present design options and progress to clients, incorporating their feedback.
- Review contractor submittals and respond to RFIs during construction.
- Visit job sites to confirm the work matches the drawings and specifications.
- Prepare or support permit applications with local planning and building departments.
What you'll bring
- Professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
- [X]+ years of experience in architectural design and documentation.
- Proficiency in Revit or AutoCAD, plus a rendering tool such as SketchUp or Enscape.
- Working knowledge of building codes, zoning and accessibility standards.
- Strong visual and verbal communication of design ideas to clients and consultants.
- Licensure (or active progress toward it) where required for the role.
Nice to have
- LEED or other sustainability credential.
- Experience with [project type, e.g. multifamily, healthcare or K-12 schools].
- Familiarity with BIM coordination across disciplines.
- Construction administration experience on site.
What we offer
- [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
- [Support for ARE exam fees and study materials, flexible hours, professional membership dues covered]
- [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
- [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]
[Our process: a recruiter call, a portfolio review with the design team, a technical interview on codes and documentation, and a meeting with firm leadership.]
[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]
Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.
Architect duties by seniority
What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.
Junior
- Produces drawings and models under the direction of a project architect.
- Researches codes and precedents for a design problem.
- Attends client meetings and site visits to learn the process.
Mid-level
- Owns design development and documentation for a project.
- Coordinates directly with engineers, consultants and contractors.
- Works toward or holds licensure and stamps drawings where authorized.
Senior
- Leads design on major projects and manages client relationships.
- Oversees junior architects and reviews drawings for code and quality.
- Shapes the firm's design standards and may hold partner or principal title.
Architect career path
- Architectural Designer
- Architect
- Senior Architect / Project Architect
- Associate or Principal
Architects enter through a professional degree followed by several years of supervised experience hours (AXP) before sitting the ARE for licensure. From there, paths lead to project architect, senior design roles, or ownership as an associate or principal at a firm.
Similar roles
- Structural Engineer job description
Designs the building's structural system rather than its spaces and aesthetics.
- Civil Engineer job description
Handles site infrastructure such as grading, drainage and roads.
- Interior Designer job description
Focuses on interior finishes, furniture and layout rather than the building envelope.
- Construction Manager job description
Manages the build process on site rather than the design itself.
Architect job description FAQ
What does an architect do?
Designs buildings and spaces, from early concepts through detailed construction drawings, while ensuring the design meets codes, budget and the client's needs. Architects also coordinate with engineers and contractors through construction.
What skills should an architect job description require?
A professional architecture degree, proficiency in Revit or AutoCAD, knowledge of building codes and zoning, and strong client communication. Licensure requirements and sustainability credentials vary by role and location.
Is architect an entry-level job?
Entry-level architectural designers work under licensed architects while completing required experience hours toward the ARE. State whether the role requires active licensure so candidates understand where they fit.