What is architecture and the built environment

What is architecture?

Architecture is the design of buildings and spaces which are functional, beautiful, sustainable, and meaningful.

As an architecture student, you are constantly developing ideas, drawing inspiration from architecture around the world, and putting your creativity into practice through sketches, drawings, models, 3D renderings and more.

What is the built environment?

The built environment is the dynamic infrastructure that supports our growing population.

From developing buildings to planning cities and managing construction projects, you’ll always have your eyes on the future as a student in this field. You’ll use next generation technology to construct future-focused spaces and cityscapes that are responsive to our rapidly changing world and society.

What are my career options?

Explore your career options in architecture and built environment at QUT.

Architect

Combine art with engineering to plan, design and oversee the construction of buildings that are functional, beautiful and meaningful.

Interior designer

Design indoor spaces that are functional, safe and enjoyable.

Landscape architect

Transform outdoor spaces into functional natural environments such as parks, gardens, playgrounds and residential buildings.

Construction manager

Manage construction projects of all scales. Oversee staff, operations, materials and sustainable practice on a construction site.

Quantity surveying and cost engineering

Manage all contractual and financial aspects of a construction project from concept design to completion.

Urban and regional planning

Balance environmental and developmental needs across building design, climate change, and policy to create thriving cities and communities.

Shape future cities with industry-connected experts

Our teaching and research are supported with strong collaborations with government, industry partners, and leading associations. Leading this commitment is Professor Karen Vella, Head of School and a proud member of the Committee for Brisbane, where she works with diverse urbanists towards making Brisbane the world’s most liveable place. This strong connection with our region’s placemakers ensures our students graduate empowered to lead sustainable and innovative approaches to city-making.

Architecture pathway options

To help you achieve your goal of becoming an architect, QUT has pathway options to designed to build your foundational skills and knowledge before progressing into the Bachelor of Architectural Design.

Diploma in Architectural Studies

Our new diploma allows you to gain foundational architectural skills and guarantees entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Architectural Design, or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design) or (Landscape Architecture) degrees.

Diploma in Architectural Studies

Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)

Gain exposure to related fields and work with students in the different majors on projects, mirroring a real-world workplace. Interior design and landscape architecture students share common first-year units with the Bachelor of Architectural Design.

Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)

Our amazing students and graduates

Our students go on to become award winning designers, architects and builders who are consistently recognised for creating amazing designs and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible across the building, planning and architecture industries.

Award winning graduate

'QUT provided me with the theory, skills, and confidence to think more deeply about design. Through their extensive network of architecture and interior design professionals, I was encouraged to build valuable relationships and explore new opportunities. I was inspired by guest lectures, where notable industry leaders shared their expertise. Now, at COX Architecture, I am contributing to projects that positively transform the spaces we live in.'

Bek Germein, QLD DIA Graduate of the Year 2024 - PLACE and Graduate interior designer, COX Architecture
Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design) graduate

Learn on the job

'QUT provides me with the theoretical knowledge of construction methods, systems and solutions that support what I have experienced onsite in industry. During my studies I have worked on numerous Department of Education school buildings for the Hutchinson Builders Yatala Modular Yard. I am currently onsite for a luxury residential high-rise project on the Gold Coast, which has given me experience in traditional construction methods.'

Dean Tyler-Battaglia
Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Construction Management and Quantity Surveying)

Urban planning award winner

'AT QUT, you aren't limited in your designs. The academics allow you to explore and experiment within assignments. They want to see your creativity and uniqueness shine through in your projects. As an Aboriginal student, I accessed the Arcadia Landscape Architecture Indigenous Scholarship, which enabled me to secure a part-time job in industry and gain invaluable experience for my career.’

Jada Gilbert, Winner of the 2023 Queensland Minister’s Indigenous Student in Planning Award
Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture) (Urban and Regional Planning)

Why choose QUT?

We are ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for architecture and built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).

Study construction management and you’ll graduate with a highly-regarded honours degree provisionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Building and the Australian Insitute of Quantity Surveyors.

Our architecture degree has the highest demand in Queensland (QTAC first preferences, 2026).

We are one of Australia’s leading universities for Indigenous Australian student enrolments in architecture and the built environment (Enrolment data, Australian Government Department of Education, 2024).

Find your crew

QUT Construct

Hear student Dean Tyler explain why QUT Construct is an exciting and rewarding club to get involved in. Get connected with recruiters, go on site visits, line yourself up for a cadetship and connect with building and construction alumni at QUT Construct’s industry networking events.

QUT Architecture Society

‘The QUT Architecture Society has provided me with so many opportunities to work with passionate and supportive people. I've built friendships, been a part of inclusive teamwork, and most importantly, I’ve made wide connections within the architectural industry that will no doubt help me in my future career.’

Joy Merit
Bachelor of Architectural Design

QUT Planning Student Association

Get involved with the QUT Planning Student Association to kickstart your friendships and make connections with leaders in the urban planning industry. Hear student Regina Mendoza explain how the club helped her form connections with industry and take on leadership roles in her studies.

Find a degree

Learn from the best, develop your skills in real industry settings and build strong connections for your future career.

Architecture and built environment courses