How to Start a Career in Architecture in Malaysia: From Student to Licensed Architect

Looking to start a career in architecture in Malaysia? From obtaining your degree to becoming a licensed architect, this guide covers everything you need to know about the skills, qualifications, and career progression in architecture. Learn how to break into the field and explore the many opportunities available, from architectural design to modelling.

By Insyirah Hamdan on 2025-04-14 at 2:46 AM

Updated on 2025-04-20 at 7:19 PM

How to Start a Career in Architecture in Malaysia: From Student to Licensed Architect

 

Are you passionate about designing spaces that shape our world? A career in architecture could be the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re someone who loves the idea of creating innovative buildings or simply enjoys the challenge of architectural modelling, the journey to becoming a licensed architect in Malaysia is both exciting and rewarding.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take—from being a student in architecture to becoming a licensed architect—and provide insights on the key skills, qualifications, and career path in this dynamic field.

 

What Does an Architect Do?


 

An architect is more than just someone who designs buildings. They plan, design, and manage the construction of buildings and structures that enhance how we live, work, and play. Architects are responsible for:

  • Designing and planning buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure
  • Ensuring designs meet safety, functional, and aesthetic standards 
  • Creating architectural models to visualize and communicate ideas
  • Coordinating with other professionals like engineers, contractors, and urban planners
  • Managing construction projects from start to finish
     

If you're creative, have an eye for detail, and enjoy solving problems, a career in architecture could be perfect for you.

Skills You Need to Succeed as an Architect

 

To become an architect, you’ll need a unique blend of technical and creative skills. Employers look for candidates who possess both the technical expertise to handle architectural design and the ability to think creatively to push the boundaries of traditional design. Here are some of the key skills that are essential in the field:

🧠 Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in architectural design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, etc.) 
  • Understanding of building codes, regulations, and sustainability practices
  • Strong skills in architectural modelling and rendering to visualize projects
  • Knowledge of construction materials and techniques
  • Ability to create detailed blueprints and technical drawings

💬 Soft Skills:

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Good communication skills, especially for liaising with clients and contractors
  • Creative thinking with a keen eye for detail
  • Project management abilities to handle multiple aspects of a building project 
    (We practice the 80/20 rule at Hiredly)

Qualifications to Become an Architect in Malaysia

To kickstart your career in architecture, there are a few key qualifications and certifications you'll need to achieve:

Obtain a Degree in Architecture

  1. First, you’ll need to complete a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a Malaysian university or an internationally accredited program. You’ll learn everything from architectural theory to the technical aspects of building design. In Malaysia, institutions like University of Malaya,  Taylor’s University, and SEGi University Malaysia offer top-tier architecture   that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.

Complete a 2-Year Practical Training

  • After graduation, you'll need to undergo practical training, typically for 2 years, under the supervision of a licensed architect. This hands-on experience will help you develop your design and project management skills while learning the practical applications of your studies.

Pursue a Master’s Degree (Optional)

  • While a master’s degree is not mandatory, it can be beneficial for specializations such as sustainable architecture or urban design. It may also help you gain deeper insights into advanced architectural modelling techniques.

Pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE)

  • To officially become a licensed architect in Malaysia, you’ll need to pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE) conducted by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM). This exam tests your knowledge of architecture practice, law, and ethics.

Register with the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) 

  • Once you’ve completed your education, training, and passed the PPE, you can apply to register as a licensed architect with LAM. After registration, you can legally practice as an architect in Malaysia. 

Career Progression in Architecture

 

As an architect, your career can take many exciting paths. Here’s a rough progression of what your journey might look like:

Intern Architect:

After graduation, you’ll start as an intern, working under a licensed architect. This is where you’ll develop your skills and gain hands-on experience.

Architect:

Once you’ve passed the PPE and registered with LAM, you can work as a full-fledged architect. You’ll take on projects from conceptual design to completion, handling everything from client meetings to construction oversight.

Senior Architect / Project Manager: 

With experience, you can move into more senior roles, where you may lead teams and manage large-scale projects, overseeing the entire architectural design and construction process.

Principal Architect: 

At this stage, you may run your own architectural practice or become a principal architect in a larger firm, focusing on business management and high-level design work.
 

Opportunities and Specializations in Architecture

 

Architecture is a versatile career that offers many specializations and opportunities to explore:

Sustainable Architecture: 

  • With the growing focus on sustainability, there’s increasing demand for architects who specialize in eco-friendly designs and energy-efficient buildings.

Urban Design:

  •  If you’re interested in shaping entire cities or communities, urban design may be the path for you. Urban designers focus on the planning and development of urban spaces.

Interior Architecture: 

  • This specialization focuses on the interior spaces of buildings, ensuring that the design and layout are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Architectural Technologist: 

  • If you prefer the technical side of architecture, you can specialize in architectural technology, focusing on building information modelling (BIM), construction details, and the integration of new technologies into architectural design. 

Start Your Architecture Career with Hiredly

Are you ready to embark on your architecture career? Whether you’re looking for your first internship or a full-time role, Hiredly has a wide range of architecture and design jobs to help you get started. 

Not sure if a career in architecture is right for you? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover if your skills and interests align with the architectural design world.


 

By Insyirah Hamdan on 2025-04-14 at 2:46 AM