Construction, Property and Land Surveying

Want to be involved in changing our surroundings, be they houses, parks and open spaces, schools, offices, stadiums, bridges, theatres or museums? …and that’s to name just a few! Perhaps you are more interested in helping people find the perfect home, or a solution to their problems. Then this could be the professional sector for you.

This page highlights many of the careers that now come under Built Environment and Engineering but we also take a look at property and housing.

There is a range of work in this sector which can be divided into five main areas:

  • Architecture and architectural technology - new builds, regeneration, conservation, commercial and redevelopment.
  • Civil and structural engineering - coastal and marine, environmental, geotechnical, structural, highways, bridges, rail, tunnelling, airports/ports, transport planning, power, water, public health, risk management and project management (crosses all sectors).
  • Construction and building services - construction management, design and build, facilities management, building services management and health and safety.
  • Engineering construction - air, power, water, oil, gas and nuclear facilities, chemical process plants and infrastructure.
  • Housing and property – property development, property management, housing, interior design
  • Surveying and planning - building surveying, land surveying, quantity surveying, rural practice, hydrographic surveying and town planning.


The economic downturn has hit the sector hard with a lack of finance affecting commissions for construction, plus the downturn in the housing market has produced a lower need for new properties. It is hoped that the situation will improve over the next year but graduates should be prepared to see a decline in available jobs.

Check out the professional bodies’ own entries in the Profession Finder and see the Built Environment and Engineering sections for more information about some of the job roles covered here. There are a number of professional bodies covering these sectors.

Here’s some things you really want to know:


Jobs and Salaries

Architecture and architectural technology

Architects salaries vary widely depending on the practice they work for (RIBA). As well as architects, the sector requires Computer Aided Design (CAD) specialists, project managers, urban designers and university lecturers in architecture as well as administrators and technicians. Architects often work closely with surveyors, with some trained as both. See our Built Environment sector summary for some information about landscape architecture.

Considering a career in architecture?

Watch this video of a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Design Director describing his varied career in building design. Find out more about what Chartered Architectural Technologists and Professional Architectural Technicians do from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Civil and structural engineering

ICE (the Institution of Civil Engineers)’s ‘The Little Book of Civilisation’, and the video based on it, will show you how modern life would not be possible with civil engineers.

Being a structural engineer means constructing as well as designing and refurbishing not just houses, but a whole range of structures that are needed in our world. Find out what’s behind construction and what structural engineers do.

Read more about Engineering.

Construction and building services

There are many different jobs within the Construction Industry; almost all will get you out of the office to varied built environments and locations and paying you equally varied salaries depending on your role.

See some examples of careers in building management on by visiting BIFM (British Institute of Facilities Management)'s pages.

Take a look at IOSH (Institute of Occupational Health and Safety)’s careers forum to get an idea about this sector.

Engineering construction

Building services engineers look after lighting, heating and ventilation, lifts and escalators, acoustics, plumbing, power supply and energy management systems, as well as security and safety systems in buildings. How much does a building services engineer typically earn?

Housing and property

Jobs within property are wide-ranging, with the salary reflecting the nature of the work.

Watch this video to hear recent property graduates speak about the sector they work in, what they enjoy about their work and the opportunities for future graduates in the property industry.

Find out more about careers in housing - reaching people in need of support to find rented accommodation. Specific job roles in housing are listed here.

Surveying and planning

What is Surveying? Find out more about jobs within land surveying.

Read a guide to civil engineering surveying ‘Surveying your future’ from CICES (Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors)

Town planners (or spatial planners) help to shape the way towns and cities develop. Interested in town planning?


Routes and qualifications

Architecture and architectural technology

‘Think Architecture’ outlines the profession, its routes and provides further links. Browsing these Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) pages will give you more information on how to train as an architect.

Since 1997, the title ‘architect’ has been protected and can only be used by a registered architect (Architects Registration Board – ARB)

See the options available to you for training as a Chartered Architectural Technologist or Professionally Qualified Architectural Technician. See further information on routes to membership with CIAT.

Civil and structural engineering

Find out about the different routes available to you for becoming a civil engineer.

Read The Institution of Structural Engineers’ pages for more about routes into the sector and take a look at our Engineering sector summary too.

Construction and building services

It is not necessary to have a qualification for all jobs associated with Construction.  

However, the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) offers educational qualifications, designed to help increase professionalism within the construction industry.

The BIFM has much advice on how to get into the industry, including information on apprenticeship schemes, qualifications and diplomas.

See CIPHE (The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering)’s training guidelines for those interested in training in the field.

The Institute of Roofing provides information on training providers for those interested in a profitable career in roofing.

Engineering construction

There are a range of Apprenticeships available for the varied careers in the field. Becoming a Project Manager, for example, will need further study at degree level, and to gain Chartered Engineer status will involve some work experience as well as a Master’s degree. The accredited programmes are listed by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Housing and property

Read some case studies of those in the housing sector and get an idea of the support available for a career in housing. Find out about STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practictioners)’s qualifications in trust and estate management, and more about trusts here.

See the training options available for a career in interior design.

Surveying and planning

RICS has information on how to become a Surveyor. For more Information on career development and courses, look here.

Find out how you can become a town planner.

Funding and support

  • RIBA offer a range of bursaries for architects, and provide information about other funding opportunities available. The Landscape Institute outlines ways to pay for training to become a landscape architect.
  • The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) offer a postgraduate scholarship scheme for those already studying or researching in the field. CIAT offer various other awards, see here for further information.
  • The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) also offers bursaries.
  • The Institution of Structural Engineers’ Educational Trust offers an annual bursary for the Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE) masters, a 2 year part time degree at Cambridge. This is also often funded by employers.
  • The Royal Town Planning Institute offers a number of Awards.


What’s it really like working in Construction, Property and Land Surveying?

The working environment can be stressful and may involve decision making under pressure, high levels of responsibility and carrying out a number of tasks at once. Working environments vary from job to job but often involve a combination of office and on site work.


  • If you are concerned about climate change, a career in building services engineering could well provide you with the opportunity to make a difference.
  • Take a look at the British Building Awards to get an idea of some of the award winning projects in building maintenance and management.
  • You’ll find some profiles of some surveyors here, and the benefits of a career in surveying here. Find out more about what it is like to be a surveyor and read case studies from people in the profession.


How many jobs in Construction, Property and Land Surveying are out there?


Location, location, location

This is a huge sector, and as in Built Environment, work spans public and private sector and locations vary hugely. You may be doing hands on work, visiting sites for discussions, surveys and consultations, or drawing plans from the office, but it’s highly unlikely that you will be stuck in a 9-5 routine working in this sector.


Will a career in Construction, Property or Land Surveying suit me?

Different jobs in this varied sector require different skills. Operatives and craftspeople need practical hand skills. Technicians and those working at professional level require scientific understanding, as well as ability in ICT and maths and presentation, organisational and negotiation skills. Creative skills are needed for some jobs, such as architects.

Many jobs also require specialist qualifications; there a range of apprenticeships available and a range of construction related courses are available at schools and colleges.

Those looking to enter a professional degree often have to complete a relevant degree before joining a company. Typically a minimum of 2:2 or equivalent is required, while a few of the largest employers ask for a minimum of a 2:1.

Professional qualifications and accreditation are also often required in the construction sector especially for architects, surveyors and engineers.

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