New London Architecture
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This is your careers toolkit to find out more about the built environment industry and the pathways that will lead you to jobs in a highly valued and skilled sector.
London’s built environment employment ecosystem diagram
London is home to the most advanced built environment ecosystem in the world.
This NLA diagram shows the breadth of employment opportunities in the built environment. An interconnected industry; spanning property, construction, infrastructure, engineering, management, financial services and more. At the heart of this ecosystem is a diverse and highly skilled workforce, covering disciplines such as architecture, planning, surveying, engineering and construction. All of these careers are vital in creating places that are equitable, sustainable and prosperous.
This NLA diagram shows the breadth of employment opportunities in the built environment. An interconnected industry; spanning property, construction, infrastructure, engineering, management, financial services and more. At the heart of this ecosystem is a diverse and highly skilled workforce, covering disciplines such as architecture, planning, surveying, engineering and construction. All of these careers are vital in creating places that are equitable, sustainable and prosperous.
Yet, the value, skills and purpose of London’s built environment industry isn’t widely known. We surveyed young Londoners aged 13-18 years old and found that only 7% are familiar with the term “built environment”. Yet 27% are interested in a career in this industry, and 39% aren’t sure. 45% said that if the built environment were more clearly defined, they would be more interested in a career in this industry.
At NLA we showcase just how instrumental the built environment industry is by highlighting the people, places and projects making a difference to London as well as on a global scale.
Professions in the built environment
What are you interested in? Here is a short summary of the core professions that make up the built environment industry, the things that may interest those in these roles, and the skills used to flourish in this career type. Which one do you relate to?
Planning
Planners are interested in how communities work, how cities grow, how people get from place to place, and how neighbourhoods and spaces can work better for everyone. A career in planning, whether in urban or town planning or city planning, is all about shaping the future of places by looking at things like land use, transport, housing, and the environment. Planners also think about how to protect green spaces and historic areas, while making sure new developments are sustainable, practical and great to live in, both now and for future generations.
To do this kind of work, planners use a mix of skills. They need to think critically, communicate clearly, and manage their time well. They’re also problem-solvers who can juggle different tasks at once and think ahead to what a community might need five, ten, or even twenty years from now.
Architecture
Architects are interested in how spaces shape our everyday lives. How buildings and spaces are designed, how they function, and how they make people feel. There are many different paths within the field, including landscape, interior and conservation architecture. Architects use a mix of creativity, science, engineering, and technology to design places that are not only functional and beautiful, but also sustainable and responsive to the needs of the community. Architects think about how their designs impact the environment and the people who use them, whether designing energy-efficient homes or creating public spaces that bring people together, architecture plays a big role in supporting healthier, more connected communities.
Architects need to be creative and curious, with a strong eye for detail. Architects are problem-solvers who think critically, manage complex projects, and bring ideas to life through design. They also need to understand sustainability, engineering, and construction principles, and be able to communicate their ideas clearly, both visually and verbally.
Engineering
Engineers are interested in how things are built and how they can be made to last. A career in engineering is about designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure we rely on every day, like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Civil engineers focus on infrastructure like buildings and transport systems, while structural engineers make sure those structures are safe and stable. Mechanical engineers design and build machines and systems that move, and electrical engineers work with power, electronics, and energy systems that keep our world running. Across all these fields, engineers play a key role in solving real-world problems, finding sustainable solutions, reducing environmental impact and helping communities adapt to future challenges.
Engineers need strong technical and mathematical skills, along with the ability to solve problems and think critically. They often use computers and design software to plan, test, and improve their ideas. Communication and teamwork are also essential, as engineers work with others to bring projects to life.
Construction
Construction professionals are interested in how ideas become reality, and how the project gets built. Careers in construction, such as project managers and contractors, focus on overseeing the entire building process, from planning and budgeting, to hiring subcontractors and making sure everything runs smoothly. They work closely with architects, engineers, and the rest of the project team to ensure everything stays on track, on budget, and meets the required standards, creating energy-efficient buildings and spaces that meet the needs of communities now and in the future.
Construction managers need strong leadership and communication skills to coordinate teams and keep projects moving. They must be able to plan strategies, manage budgets, and quickly solve problems as they arise. Being organised and detail-oriented is crucial to ensure everything stays on track throughout the project.
Surveying
Surveyors are interested in understanding land, where boundaries are, how the ground is shaped, and how it can be used. They use specialised equipment to measure property lines, elevations, and distances, creating maps and reports that support construction, legal documents, and development projects. Quantity surveyors focus on the costs and budgeting of construction projects, while chartered surveyors work across land, property, and building consultancy. Surveyors support sustainable development by helping projects make the best use of land and resources while considering environmental and community needs.
Surveyors need strong maths and analytical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of construction. They also need to communicate clearly, manage projects, work well under pressure, and stay up to date with industry standards and regulations.
Surveyors need strong maths and analytical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of construction. They also need to communicate clearly, manage projects, work well under pressure, and stay up to date with industry standards and regulations.
Skills for Places Programme Hub
Our programme hub is a one-stop shop signposting to London’s built environment apprenticeships, professional training programmes, youth engagement initiatives, and education programmes to get you ready for work or reskilled and retrained for a role in the built environment.
Professional Programmes and Work Experience
Built environment companies that take part in or run their own programmes, traineeships, scholarships, internships, work experience opportunities, school visits, careers fairs, and more.
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Opportunities for youth engagement in development projects and skills training. These programmes offer the opportunity to inspire young people to enter paths into the built environment.
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Education providers for foundational built environment courses, short courses, modular learning, e-learning for young people and adult learning, plus more.
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Here you'll find the charities that are helping young people and those looking to reskill find opportunities for further education and gaining employment.
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More information about any other initiatives that are helping to make the built environment more inclusive and accessible to young people and career changers.
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Earn and Learn Apprenticeship Programmes
Apprenticeships offer a practical path to career development, combining hands-on experience with structured training, allowing individuals to earn a wage while gaining valuable skills.
Read moreSubmit your programme
If you're a provider, you can complete the form below to add your programme to our Skills for Places Careers Toolkit. This will help support young people and adult learners to start their careers in our sector.
Skills for Places - My Story
This ongoing video series Skills for Places – My Story, shares an insight into the various roles the built environment sector offers. In these videos, you'll hear from people in various jobs from across the industry, and how they started their journeys into the built environment.
Do you have an interesting career path and job in the built environment you want to share? Get in touch with [email protected].
Do you have an interesting career path and job in the built environment you want to share? Get in touch with [email protected].
Skills for Places - My Story: Amelia Johnson, Planning Consultant
Future City Makers
24 April 2025
Amelia Johnson, Planning Consultant at DP9 shares her journey into the built environment and a day-in-the-life perspective in this Skills for Places - My Story instalment.
Watch video
Skills for Places - My Story: Flynn Williams, Part II Architectural Assistant
Future City Makers
24 April 2025
Flynn Williams, Part II Architectural Assistant at Stride Treglown, shares his experience and journey into the built environment for this instalment of Skills for Places - My Story.
Watch video
Skills for Places - My Story: Suman Marygiri, Public Realm Project Manager
Future City Makers
24 April 2025
Suman Marygiri, Project Manager at Central District Alliance, shares her journey into the built environment and her daily life in the job in this Skills for Places - My Story instalment.
Watch video
Skills for Places - My Story: Dolunay Dogahan, Project Manager
Future City Makers
24 April 2025
Dolunay Dogahan, Project Manager at CO-RE, shares what a day looks like for her in the industry in this episode of the Skills for Places - My story series.
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Skills for Places - My Story: Rhys Bowles, Graduate Engineer
Future City Makers
24 April 2025
Rhys Bowles, a Graduate Engineer at Multiplex, shares his experience in the built environment and information on his graduate scheme in this Skills for Places – My Story interview,
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Skills for Places - My Story: Anson Au, Graduate Project Manager
Future City Makers
24 April 2025
Anson Au, a Graduate Project Manager at AECOM, shares an insight into his role in the built environment as part of the ongoing video series Skills for Places – My Story.
Watch video
Skills for Places: Inspiring Future City Makers the research
Read our full research piece, Skills for Places: Inspiring Future City Makers, where we talk with people across the industry and evaluate the barriers to the built environment, and what needs to be done to make the industry more accessible.
Skills for Places: Inspiring Future City Makers
Future City Makers
In this publication, we highlight the significance and value of the built environment industry and how we must all come together to demonstrate the skills and opportunities a career in our sector holds for young people and career changers. The report highlights the need to bring everyone together to forge a prosperous future for our sector.
Find out more
#NLAFutureCityMakers
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