all architectural practices are obliged to offer their Part 1 and 2 employees certain minimum conditions of employment which comply with national legislation and the EU Working Time Directive. This part of the archaos website describes the work we have been conducting in association with the RIBA, recommending levels of pay and ensuring all students get a formal contract of employment. The bottom line is it is up to you, the employee, to negotiate proper conditions.

when you start a new job you should have a formal contract with your employer, the contract should stipulate the name and address of the employer,start date of employment, probationary period (if any), period of employment, level of remuneration, the number of hours per working week, conditions of overtime payment/ benefit and sick pay entitlement.

check out our template contract showing a typical contract of employment for the appointment of a Part 1 employee to an architectural practice.

all students on their Part 1 and 2 Placements are allocated a Practical Studies Advisor who is responsible for ensuring the student is getting the proper experience. All students are required to log details of their experiences in a log book.

1 - try our list of recommended practices. these are practices that students have recommended to archaos.

2 - try our list of good practices. these are practices that have signed up to the archaos Good Practice Campaign, they guarantee to pay at or above the archaos/riba recommended minimum wage.