Architecture vs Building surveying

Hello all

I'm looking to retrain (currently an accountant, 25 years old, 27 once I've done my training contract) and I really want to work in the residential property industry.

I've always been passionate about residential property, and used to work as an estate agent. My absolute dream would be to run my own practice (I could even do the accounts!) that would specialise in refurbishments of residential buildings, mostly things like extensions.

My question is, would I need to become an architect to do this?

I have looked up doing a conversion MSc in Building surveying. A lot of these courses have a 'design and refurbishment' module, which interests me, and I know the course would take a lot less time than to become an architect (3 yrs vs 7).

However, is this something that Building Surveyors actually do in the 'real world'? Or is it just something they need to have knowledge of but don't really get involved in?

I ask because though I think architecture would be an interesting 7 years, I don't know whether it's worth going through that if I only use a small part of those skills later on (a bit of a sledgehammer to crack a nut situation).

More background on me: my first degree was in Maths, so I'm not too worried about the technical aspects of either degree, but must say that I'm not an art history buff, and didn't take Art for A level (and wasn't great at it before then). I did do Graphics for GCSE, and designed an attic conversion.

Any thoughts would be really really appreciated!

Thanks!

You certainly don't need to be an architect to design residential buildings and extensions. I'm an assistant building surveyor and use AutoCAD and Sketchup regularly. I think this would be enough for what you need.

Hi Maukho,

We offer a range of Architecture and Built Environment courses here at Huddersfield. I think Architecture is an amazing route to travel down, but it is a huge commitment. Obviously it's a real interest of yours and you're thinking a lot about it. I think what you're looking to get into doesn't require 7 years worth of study, but if this is an interest of yours there's no reason not to do it.

Building surveying or something of that ilk may be more appropriate for the task in hand. To use your analogy: hammer for a nut rather than a sledge hammer.

We also offer Construction Project Management which looks at taking designs and turning them in to practical projects. Maybe something along this line of study may be appropriate.

Best of luck with your decision, and the launch of your new business when you make it happen

Kerr
Art, Design and Architecture

Thank you, I think I needed to her that from someone actually working in the industry to know that it is an actual part of the building surveying career. About how much of your job would you do is design?