The Future that awaits Architecture Students after Studying Abroad

Posted On January 25, 2025

After pursuing a B.Arch or M.Arch from abroad, the only thing you return with isn’t a degree, what you automatically gain is a competitive edge over the students in your home country. Frank Lloyd Wright once rightly said, “The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization.” A perquisite about Architecture is that it opens a spectrum of  possibilities. You get to try your hand in all sorts of disciplines from construction, designing interiors to engineering and landscaping.

Those with an international degree and experience bring in better design sensibilities. The vantage point of graduating from an international architecture program is undeniable. Students gain exposure to global design standards, latest tech, equipment, sustainable practices and also knowledge of materials such as recycled steel, polyurethane, mud brick, hempcrete etc.

Moreover an international graduation program, also means a certain standardized pay scale, compared to one’s native country. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median wage for architects in the USA in 2024, was around $85,000 (approx.). Whereas in the UK, starting salaries ranged from £25,000 – £35,000, with experienced professionals fetching upto £60,000. Those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can negotiate and command for even higher wages, owed to their international degree. So it’d be fair to say the future would only look more brighter and promising.

Global cities like New York, London and Dubai provide handsome pay packages but it somewhat still depends on factors like location, experience and specialization. One might wonder what sort of career prospects, roles await them, so here’s a rough breakdown of what are the most sought after jobs and how the financial aspects weigh in :-

1. Architectural Designer

Responsible for the design of a construction project. They use their knowledge of maths, science, construction and design to create designs that both look good and are efficient to build. They collaborate with clients to confirm the project requirements, budget and schedule.

Salary 

• Entry level : $50,000 – $65,000 per annum 
• Senior level: $80,000 – $ 120,000 per annum 

2. Urban Planner 

Helps with the city review, proposed developments, planning codes or help designing city plans. They dictate where specific types of development can be built. Concerned with the whole neighborhood, city, or even region. Responsible for helping design roads, how traffic is controlled, how areas should be zoned (for homes, retail shopping, etc.), what sort of restrictions should be in place for construction, etc.

Salary 

• Entry level : $55,000 – $70,000 per annum 
• Senior level: $90,000 – $ 130,000 per annum

3. Interior Designer

Specify finishes, furniture, floor patterns, feature walls, and design the interior of buildings to make them look aesthetically pleasing.

Salary 

• Entry level : $55,000 – $70,000 per annum 
• Senior level: $90,000 – $ 130,000 per annum

4. Sustainable Design Consultant 

Primarily advises clients on how to make their building projects more environmentally friendly by analyzing factors like energy consumption, material usage, waste management, and overall design choices, often aiming to achieve green building certifications like LEED while considering the project’s life cycle impact.

Salary 

• Entry level : $55,000 – $70,000 per annum 
• Senior level: $90,000 – $ 140,000 per annum

5. Project Manager

Responsible for overseeing the entire process of an architectural project, from design to construction, ensuring it’s completed on time, within budget, and meets all required standards by managing communication between OPM’s, design team members, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders, anyone else who may be involved in a project beyond just the firm.

Salary

• Entry level : $60,000 – $80,000 per annum 
• Senior level: $100,000 – $ 150,000 per annum

6. Restoration Specialist / Conservation Architect

Works on the renovation and maintenance of old buildings. Their job is to ensure that any renovations or modifications are done in a way that respects the original characteristics of the building and preserves its historic value.

Salary 

• Entry level : $50,000 – $70,000 per annum 
• Senior level: $90,000 – $ 120,000 per annum

While an international degree does open doors, it does come with some challenges. Securing work permits or internships in the host country can be somewhat complex. It’s therefore essential to understand the nitty gritties like varying certificate requirements, local regulations before joining the workforce. The field being saturated also requires consistent upskilling, be it by staying updated and proficient in using  design tools like BIM & CAD or being aware about stuff like biophilic design. Rigorous networking is also very important to stand out. While the degree later offers great remunerative returns, the initial years may involve repayments of hefty student loans and settling costs. Henceforth, your success depends highly on proactive planning and of course building an excellent Portfolio.

On that note, predict your future by designing it yourself by starting with headstart, via an international degree in Architecture. Working in a foreign land may require you to mend your ways, complying with their social norms, language, work cultures, but once you acquire hands on knowledge about emerging trends like 3D printing, parametric design and so on, these skills are highly regarded back home also, making you a competent candidate with lucrative opportunities ahead.