If you have a particular interest in buildings and their designs, hear us out: You should get an architecture degree.

One of the best parts of being an architect is the freedom to unleash your creativity. Every architect has their own style that adds a flair to their works.

Take Norman Foster for example. The British architect designed the commercial skyscraper, 30 St Mary Axe with the Arup Group and it became an international icon.

The building was nicknamed ‘the Gherkin’ due to its resemblance to a baby pickle. That is certainly an idea that’s out-of-the-box!

30 St Mary Axe, informally known as the Gherkin.

Famous architectures in Malaysia

Malaysia has its own impressive skyscrapers and buildings, and many of them were designed by locals! Do you know that these were designed by local architects?

Telekom Tower by Hijjas Kasturi

 

MBF Tower by Ken Yeang

 

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka by Lee Yoon Thim

Here’s why a career in architecture will suit you

1. You genuinely enjoy learning about architecture

There’s no escape from learning in the architecture industry.

Each project is different. From new technology and methods of construction to working with people of different expertise, you are bound to learn endlessly in your job. Staying updated with the latest developments and trends will keep you going forward.

2. You love to witness the result of your hard work

An architect’s design is what represents them. Just like our local architects who made a name for themselves, you want your lifetime’s work to be admired by many for decades to come. 

The best way to do so is by having a skyscraper built after your design!

3. You’re willing to debate with others to defend your opinions

A structure is not built just because it looks beautiful. There are plenty of aspects that need to be considered besides its appearance, such as:

• Strength
• Stability
• Stiffness
• Human comfort
• Creep and shrinkage

If you want to successfully pitch your design, expect debates from people of opposing opinions. You will have to present solid evidence to explain why your design is the most ideal.

4. Your passion lies in improving comfort and lives

Architecture plays a huge role in providing comfort and safety to people.

You can dedicate your expertise in the built environment to help the underprivileged. By designing residential buildings for them, you’re also contributing to their comfort and safety to an extent. Imagine the number of people you get to help!

How long does it take to become an architect in Malaysia?

A typical architecture degree in Malaysia takes about 3 years. You can get your Master’s degree in 1 to 4 years. 

You will be required to obtain additional qualifications from the Board of Architects Malaysia or Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) to be a practising architect, but we promise it will be worth it! There are 3 stages of qualifications and all of them have different requirements that you must fulfil before taking them.

1. LAM Part I: You are qualified as an Assistant Architect.
2. LAM Part II: You are referred to as Graduate Architect.
3. LAM Part III - You are entitled to register with the Board of Architects as a Professional Architect.

Trending careers in architecture

Here are some of the top careers that you should consider:

Structural Engineer
Salary: ~RM 4,600

With roles similar to that of a civil engineer, you will be in charge of designing structures that can withstand different types of elements. You will also work on improving the structural integrity of other buildings.

Architectural Designer
Salary: ~RM 4,000

As an entree-level employee in architectural companies, architectural designers will create digital plans of sketches, assist in projects and facilitate communication between architects, consultants, and clients.

Architectural Assistant
Salary: ~RM 3,000

This position supports the architectural project team. An architectural assistant frees up the main architects from other tasks in various fields, such as preparing drawings, attending meetings and site visits, conducting surveys, and more.

Project Architect
Salary: ~RM 5,000

You must have about 5 years of experience as an architect before you can take on the roles of a project architect. You will be in charge of the overall design of a project that includes plans, specifications, structural elements and budget.

Sustainability Consultant
Salary: ~RM 3,300

Sustainability consultants ensure a company’s operations are environmentally responsible, such as evaluating carbon footprint. Areas of work may include residential renovation, coastal projects, transport and industrial facilities.

Urban Planner
Salary: ~RM 3,300

An urban planner works with independent contractors to plan an effective usage of a land or infrastructure. You should be skilled at analysing environmental, economic and social trends for this role.

Where to study architecture?

Are you excited to study architecture now? Wait no more. Check out these top universities that offer architecture courses in Malaysia.

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC)
2. Equator College
3. Limkokwing University
4. Taylor’s University
5. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
6. Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Polytechnic (POLIMAS)
7.  Sunway University
8. Port Dickson Polytechnic
9. INTEC Education College (A-Level)
10. ALFA University College (Certificate)
11. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (PhD)