CV Architect

What practices and developers scan first on an architect CV

• ARB registration number and RIBA membership stage (Chartership) — mandatory for UK protected title use
• Project stages delivered: RIBA 0–7, with emphasis on planning, technical design, or site inspection
• Sector portfolio: residential, education, healthcare, retrofit, or conservation — matched to the vacancy
• Software fluency: Revit/BIM Level 2, AutoCAD, and coordination tools (Navisworks, Solibri) with LOD experience
• Planning wins: prior approvals, listed-building consents, or D&B tender submissions with cost and programme outcomes

Design and delivery skills recruiters expect on an architect CV

Core skills

• Feasibility studies and massing options for planning strategy
• Building Regulations Part L/U compliance and energy modelling interfaces
• Construction detailing and specification writing (NBS Chorus)
• Employer's Requirements and contractor design-portion reviews
• Planning statements and Design & Access reports
• Party wall awards and rights-of-light coordination
• Site inspections, snagging, and practical completion certificates
• FF&E coordination and client sign-off on finishes
• Fee proposals, resource planning, and consultant appointments
• CDM Principal Designer duties and H&S file compilation

Tools and methods

• Revit
• AutoCAD
• Rhino
• Navisworks
• NBS Chorus
• Adobe InDesign

UK registration and checks for architect roles

• Architects Registration Board (ARB) number — state registration and any conditions
• RIBA Chartered Membership or clear path through PEDR log
• Professional indemnity insurance awareness for practice roles
• Right to work in the UK; DBS only if school projects require it

Professional profile examples for architect CVs

Junior: Part II-qualified architectural assistant with 20 months in a 40-person practice, working toward Part III registration. Delivered Stage 3 packages for two secondary school extensions, coordinated M&E layouts in Revit, and supported successful planning for 86 homes across two brownfield sites.

Senior: Chartered architect and RIBA Member with eleven years across housing associations and commercial fit-out. Associate lead on £14m mixed-use schemes, chairs design reviews, and cut Stage 4 RFIs by 35% through earlier contractor engagement.

Experience bullet examples for architect CVs

Junior examples

• Produced tender drawings and specifications for a £3.2m community centre — contract awarded within budget at final account
• Modelled daylight factors for a Passivhaus retrofit, informing glazing revisions that secured planning without reserved matters
• Ran fortnightly site meetings during fit-out of a GP surgery, closing 120 snags before PC

Senior examples

• Led planning and delivery of 220-home scheme with S106 negotiations on affordable housing and education contributions
• Implemented BIM 360 issue tracking across three concurrent projects, reducing clash-related delays on site by six weeks cumulative
• Mentored two Part III candidates through case study and oral examination — both passed first attempt

Structuring an architect CV for UK employers

Lead with ARB number, RIBA status, and sectors. Developers shortlist on planning track record before reading design narrative.

List projects with value, stage reached, your role (Project Architect, CA), and outcomes — consents granted, PC dates, defect periods closed.

Separate Software from Experience; note BIM execution plan ownership and any BREEAM/WELL facilitator role.

Architect CV — common questions

Should I include my ARB number on the CV?

Yes. Clients and practices verify registration before interview. Place it in the header.

How do I show competition entries?

List only if built, shortlisted with client feedback, or demonstrating delivery skills — not student boards alone after Part I.

Do I need a photo on a UK architect CV?

No for most practices. Use space for ARB and project values.

ESCO: http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/8c3f536e-ba66-4321-ba40-363dc39f129b. ESCO CC BY 4.0; ONS ASHE earnings tables; ARB registration standards