Complete Path to Becoming an Architect: Malaysia Architecture Career Guide
Architects not only design beautiful and safe architectural spaces but also play important roles in urban landscapes and social culture. They need to combine artistic sensibility with engineering technology and must pass rigorous certification to practice independently. This article will help you comprehensively understand how to enter the architecture profession in Malaysia and plan your future development path.
1. Starting Point: Education & Degree Path
Secondary School Preparation
If you have a passion for architecture, you should lay a solid foundation early in secondary school. For Malaysian secondary courses such as UEC, A-Level, STPM, or Matriculation, focus on:
- Art & Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Language Expression (Chinese/English)
These subjects are crucial for future architectural thinking and expression skills.
University Major Direction
To become a professional architect, you must study an accredited Bachelor of Architecture course, typically 5 years full-time, structured as follows:
| Year | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Years 1-2 | Foundation subjects including design composition, architectural history, materials science, structural mechanics, architectural drawing, construction technology, etc. |
| Years 3-4 | Focus on design workshops, urban planning, sustainable design, architectural model making, and structural/environmental simulation core courses. |
| Year 5 | Professional internship (usually 6-12 months) and graduation design, taking on the role of actual architectural project leader. |
In Malaysia, you can consider architecture courses at:
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Taylor's University
- SEGi University
- UCSI University
- Brickfields Asia College
Make sure the course you choose is accredited by the Malaysian Architects Board (LAM).
2. Completing Internship & Obtaining License
Internship Phase
Beyond theoretical courses, architects must participate in real projects to master practical experience. Pre-graduation internships are typically divided into:
- Office Internship: Working in architectural firms responsible for drawing preparation, design proposals, and engineering coordination.
- Site Internship: Visiting construction sites, assisting in supervising structure, materials, and craftsmanship execution, familiarizing with on-site processes.
Professional Registration Process
After obtaining your degree and internship experience, registering as an architect is a crucial step:
- Register as a Graduate Architect with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
- Complete the required Professional Development Program (PDP), including professional development, project experience records, professional ethics courses, etc.
- After completing PDP, apply to become a Registered Architect (LAM Registered Architect) and obtain a practice license (ARB)
- Once approved, you can independently sign design proposals and apply for building permits
3. Overview of Architecture Curriculum Content
Design Courses
- Architectural Design (Design Studio): The core of architectural education, emphasizing conceptualization, expression, evaluation, and solution development
- Architectural History & Theory: Helps you understand the evolution from ancient civilizations to modern architectural trends
- Urban Design & Landscape: Explores urban spaces, community relationships, and ecological sustainability
Technical Courses
- Structural Mechanics/Architectural Physics: Understanding building load-bearing and material properties
- Building Services & Environment: Covering lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical systems
- Architectural Drawing & Expression Techniques: Hand drawing, CAD drafting, and 3D modeling
Professional Practice Courses
- Building Regulations & Construction Management: Including building safety, compliance standards, and project control
- Professional Ethics & Business Management: Involving contracts, cost accounting, workflow, and team coordination
- Final Project: Integrating all previous learning content, demonstrating your capabilities as an architect through design tasks
4. Career Directions & Employment Development Paths
After obtaining your license, architects can enter multiple development directions:
1. Architectural Firms
| Level | Role & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Junior Architect | Responsible for preliminary proposals, drawing preparation, and model making |
| Mid/Senior Architect | Leading design teams, developing client relationships, handling large projects |
| Partner or Senior Director | Participating in decision-making, brand strategy, and business expansion |
2. Engineering & Consulting Fields
- Architectural Consultant/Project Manager: Assisting in large infrastructure and commercial district planning at consulting firms
- Engineering Integration & BIM Specialist: Promoting digital modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes
3. Government & Public Institutions
- Urban planners, building inspectors, government architectural consultants
- Teaching/research direction: Participating in university teaching, design seminars, sustainable architecture research
4. Entrepreneurship
- Establishing design studios or firms, participating in bidding, innovative design, public projects
- Collaborating with construction, landscape, or visual arts teams to provide integrated solutions
5. Salary & Market Prospects
Malaysia's architecture industry is vibrant with stable demand. Income overview:
| Position | Monthly Salary (RM) |
|---|---|
| Graduate Intern | 2,500 3,500 |
| Architect (Pre-registration) | 4,000 6,000 |
| Registered Architect or Project Manager | 7,000 12,000 |
| Senior Partner at Firm | 15,000+ |
With experience and expertise in BIM, green building certification, and other technologies, salaries can increase rapidly. Malaysia is committed to urban renewal and infrastructure development, with the rise of sustainable architecture ensuring continued growth in future architectural positions.
6. Industry Trends & Skill Upgrade Recommendations
To stand out in the future architecture industry, consider focusing on these development directions:
- BIM & Digital Design: Master Revit, ArchiCAD
- Green Building & Energy Efficiency: Such as GBI, LEED certification
- Smart Cities & Sustainable Community Design
- Interdisciplinary Integration: Such as landscape, interior design, user experience
- Communication & Expression Skills: Hand drawing, models, and digital presentation tools
Architects need to balance technology and humanities to create innovative yet practical spatial designs.
7. Action Plan Recommendations
- Early Preparation: Continuously practice design and mathematical skills in secondary school, participate in drawing and model activities
- Careful School Selection: Ensure university courses are LAM-accredited with complete professional background
- Active Internship Participation: Join firms or projects early to accumulate design and on-site experience
- License Path Planning: Familiarize with LAM registration requirements for courses, hours, and training
- Professional Community Participation: Join organizations like Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) to enhance networking and industry knowledge
- Continuous Learning: Pursue post-graduate studies, project management, green building, and digital technology to enhance competitiveness
US 13157 
GB 10441 
CA 9288 
AU 8511 
IE 6773 
BR 2230 
NZ 1318 
SG 1100 
