If you’re considering a career in architecture, you may have wondered about the different types of architecture you see in your daily life. In this article, we’ll explore 7 different types of architecture, digging in to their definitions to help you get a better understanding of the field.

1. Residential architecture

Residential architects design homes, working with homeowners to design a custom home or adjust the design or layout of an existing home.

Alternatively, a residential architect will often work with developers and home-building companies. When a developer is building a large housing development, the residential architect will plan and design the houses within the development specifications.

Either way, homes come in all shapes, sizes, and architectural styles—from traditional cottages to modernist flats—so the work will reflect that variety.

It’s the residential architect’s job to estimate costs and materials, too. 

2. Commercial architecture

A commercial architect designs buildings for commercial purposes, such as skyscrapers, large office buildings, condos, and hotels, as well as bridges, schools and museums.

Commercial architects often specialise in a particular type of project such as hotels or bridges, which allows them to become a specialist in their field. These architects typically work with businesses rather than people, so of all the types of architecture to specialise in, this is amongst the most lucrative.

If you’re interested in becoming a commercial architect, you will need to have a strong understanding of building codes and engineering skills. If you’re planning to become a commercial architect, you need to be confident in answering questions for your architecture university interview to get into a top architecture university.

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3. Landscape architecture

Unlike other types of architecture, this area doesn’t necessarily include buildings. Landscape architects work on creating beautiful outdoor spaces as opposed to commercial properties or entire homes. Such spaces might include parks, college campuses, and garden areas.

Landscape architects must consider the design of pathways as well as considering the impact on other infrastructure connecting to the area they are working on (such as traffic). The challenge of this type of architecture often comes from the vastness of the land to be designed and built on, and the importance of guaranteeing benefit to the people who will use it in the end.

Are you interested in studying architecture at university? Look at our pre-university architecture courses for young people aged 13-18.

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4. Interior design architecture

As you’ve probably guessed from the title, interior design architects work on the inside of buildings. These architects specialise in getting the most out of both big and small spaces and will need to have a good understanding of design knowledge such as colour theory. Of course, you’ll need to think about the interiors of buildings when working across all types of architecture – but here, it’s the focus.

Interior designers will also have extensive knowledge of the function and feel of the materials and furniture incorporated in designs.

5. Urban design architecture

Rather than focusing on one build or project, the urban design architect takes on the challenge of building for a much larger space, such as an entire block of houses or a whole town. The urban design architect will have a keen eye for the urban space they’re working with and know how to incorporate features such as trees and shrubbery. 

6. Green design architecture

A green design architect has an eye for sustainable building and design. This type of architect considers how a building or landscape design can negatively impact the environment and works to reduce this. Green design architects build homes as well as commercial properties.

Of all types of architecture, this is the one that responds directly to humanity’s increasing awareness of the impact 21st-century living has on our environment.

7. Industrial architecture

Industrial architects focus on building facilities fit for industrial purposes, such as factories, retail units, MOT testing centres, and government buildings.

These architects work closely with companies to build functional properties fit for purpose. While functionality is key, industrial buildings can also reflect distinctive architectural styles—like the raw, bold lines of brutalist architecture—proving that utility and design aren’t mutually exclusive.

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