Becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia :Best Architecture Degree Courses, Career & Salary

Information about becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia, the Courses, Career and Salary

• Route to becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia by Studying at Top Private Universities Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
• Subjects that you will Study in an Architecture Degree Programme at a Private University in Malaysia
• Entry Requirements into the Architecture degree course
• Job demand and number of accredited architects in Malaysia
• Average Salary for Architects in Malaysia

The Average passing rate is 9%~20% for the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 3 which means that the path to become a professional architect in Malaysia is not an easy one. First, students after SPM or O-Levels will go for the architecture foundation course before continuing on to complete the degree. Students interested to pursue education in architecture should go for top private universities that are accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. When you have completed the Masters and eventually the LAM Part 3, your career as an architect is set and the salary can be very high.

Students interested in architecture must not be colour-blind, should be good academically in maths, physics, science and design. One needs a wide variety of skills & interests to be successful in architecture such as design, creativity, history, philosophy, maths, physics, buildings, etc. Read on to find out more about architecture courses, career and salary in Malaysia.

You might also be interested in:

• What is the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)?
• How to Become an Architect in Malaysia?
• Best Guide on Choosing a Top University for Architecture to Study in Malaysia
• Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Architecture Courses
• Best Pathway for Architecture at Top Universities Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
• Best Architecture Degree Courses Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
• Best Universities for Architecture Foundation Courses in Malaysia

• Becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia and the Best Architecture Courses, Career & Salary

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Studying an Accredited Architecture Degree Course in Malaysia

Architecture is a mixture of practical and theoretical studies. It is important to understand the philosophy, history and culture in order to create stunning buildings. Architecture students will learn how to use design software to create models, drawings, prototypes and structures. You will learn how to use creative and rational inquiry to analyse and provide solutions to design problems, integrating emerging aesthetic, technical, social and ethical concerns.

Architecture students in Malaysia will apply advanced digital design tools to solve design problems and address sustainability issues. Students will spend long hours in research and project-based architectural design subjects to create aesthetically beautiful design pieces that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

A degree in Architecture will give you the opportunity to practice your craft. The degree will teach you how to plan buildings so that they line up with pre-existing structures and provide effective services. Furthermore, it’ll equip you to consider the environmental impact of what you design and create sustainable buildings.

A sustainable building, is an outcome of a design philosophy which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.

Additionally, in the process of becoming a professional architect, you’ll be based with a real-life architect and learning from them directly. That kind of vocational tuition is rare, and Architecture students get the privilege to learn and experience from top professionals.

How long does it take to become a Professional Architect (Ar.) in Malaysia?

The whole process after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels will take you at least 9 years to become a professional architect in Malaysia. Normally it will be longer than that as the passing rate for is 9%~20% for the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 3.

• Pre-University (Pre-U) – 1 -2 years
• Architecture Degree (LAM Part 1) – 3 years
• Masters in Architecture (LAM Part 2) – 2 years and then work 2 years before attempting LAM Part 3

Graduates of Architectural programme must register with the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) as an Architectural graduate and register with Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) as a graduate member. During this period, they must obtain two years’ work experience of which one year must be obtained in Malaysia in an Architect’s practise registered with LAM.

When you are ready and have completed all of the project requirements set by LAM and submitting an evaluation report, you will then take LAM Part III examination. You will need to pass the joint LAM-PAM Part 3 examination before you can  become a corporate member of PAM and a registered professional Architect with LAM.

• LAM Part I – Completing this allows you to become an Assistant Architect
• LAM Part II – Completing Part 2 allows you to register as a Graduate Architect
• LAM Part III – When you pass Part 3, it entitles you to register as an Architect with LAM and qualifies you to become a Professional Architect (Ir.).

Education Pathway to Becoming an Architect in Malaysia after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels

Architects in Malaysia are required to have a certain level of qualification, which is governed by the Board of Architects Malaysia, or Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). It is known as LAM Parts I, II, and III. You will certified by the Board of Architects Malaysia after you go through these three levels of examinations. The architecture profession in Malaysia is protected by law and is regulated by the Lembaga Akitek Negara (LAM). They govern the entire profession starting from the definition of an architect under the Malaysian Constitution, licensing, practice, acts and enactments as well as education.

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who are interested in becoming an architect in Malaysia should go for an Architecture Foundation Programme or Diploma. Upon completion, you can then continue on to a LAM-accredited Architecture degree equivalent to LAM Part I. The next step is to go for the Master of Architecture programme equivalent to LAM Part II.  Graduates of Architectural programme must register with the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) as an Architectural graduate and register with Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) as a graduate member. During this period, they must obtain two years’ work experience of which one year must be obtained in Malaysia in an Architect’s practise registered with LAM. When you are ready and have completed all of the project requirements set by LAM and submitting an evaluation report, you will then take LAM Part III examination. You will need to pass the joint LAM-PAM Part 3 examination before you can  become a corporate member of PAM and a registered professional Architect with LAM.

• LAM Part I – Completing this allows you to become an Assistant Architect
• LAM Part II – Completing Part 2 allows you to register as a Graduate Architect
• LAM Part III – When you pass Part 3, it entitles you to register as an Architect with LAM and qualifys you to become a Professional Architect (Ir.).

PART III PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION

Under Section 4(1) of the Architects Act 1967, the Board is responsible for determining the standard for entry into the architectural profession and conducting examinations related thereto. The examinations are conducted by the Achitectural Examination Council Malaysia.

Part III Professional Examination

This examination is aimed to establish the required level of skill, competency and maturity which an applicant ought to have attained to fulfill his professional duties, responsibilities and obligation as Professional Architect.

Another important body concerning architects is the Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) who takes care of the well being of the architects including professional development from the lowest to the highest qualifications. They also organise functions and activities for their members.

What you will Study in the Architecture degree course in Malaysia

Architecture is a mixture of practical and theoretical studies. It is important to understand the philosophy, history and culture in order to create stunning buildings.

Architecture major students in Malaysia will learn how to use design software to create models, drawings, prototypes and structures. You will learn how to use creative and rational inquiry to analyse and provide solutions to design problems, integrating emerging aesthetic, technical, social and ethical concerns.

Architecture degree students in Malaysia will apply advanced digital design tools to solve design problems and address sustainability issues. Students will spend long hours in research and project-based architectural design subjects to create aesthetically beautiful design pieces that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

To create these projects will require you to think logically on how the buildings function and are constructed, and then combine them with innovative & creative concepts.

Some of the design software that you will learn how to use are:

• Photoshop
• AutoCAD
• 3D Max

Sample of Subjects that you will Study in an Architecture Degree Programme at a Private University in Malaysia

• Architectural Design Studio
• Architecture Culture & History
• Building Materials
• Design Communication
• Building Construction
• Environmental Sustainable Design
• Building Science
• Computer Applications
• Asian Architecture
• Building Services
• Building Structures
• Building Technology
• Theories of Architecture & Urbanism
• Computer-aided Design
• Furniture Workshop
• Project Management
• Digital Architecture
• Architecture Site Planning
• Architecture Site Surveying & Coordination

What will your work as an Architecture Degree Graduate be in Malaysia?

Architecture Graduates in Malaysia will be able to gain professional working experience in an Architectural Firm, Interior Architectural Firm, Developer Firm, Construction Firm, Supplier & Manufacturer Firm and Educational Institution.

Scope of work varies from an Assistant Architect, a Project Manager, an Interior Designer, Design Consultant, Project Executive, Design Research Assistant Free lance Designer, to an Academic Tutor.

Architecture Graduates in Malaysia may also venture into other fields of expertise such as:

• Furniture Design
• Lighting Design,
• Theme Park Design
• Retail Design
• Commercial Design
• Hospitality Design
• Healthcare Design
• Corporate Office Design
• Stage Design
• Exhibit Design
• Film & Television Set Design
• Environmental Design
• Museum Design
• Residential Design and Graphic Design.

The career opportunities in this field have a good record of graduate employment. Opportunities also exist in the other areas, including marketing, promotion, facility management and development.

Many large organisations in Malaysia, such as departmental stores hotels, resorts and property developers, also employ architects and architectural graduates as designers as well as managers and supervisors. Following experience with larger firms, graduates may start their own consulting business.

Average Salary for Architects in Malaysia

The average salary for architects in Malaysia is taken from Afterschool.my

• Fresh/Entry Level: RM 1.600 – RM 2,500
• Junior Executive: RM 2,200 – RM 3,400
• Senior Executive: RM 3,600 – RM 7,000
• Manager: RM 6,500 – RM 10,000
• Senior Manager: RM 7,500 – RM 13,500

Are Architects in Demand in Malaysia?

There is a shortage of architects in Malaysia due to the low passing rate in the final test which would enable them to become professional architects, which carries the title of Ar. As at February 13, 2023, there are 2279 Architects recorded by LAM (source: LAM registered architects) in Malaysia. This means that the market demand for professional architects in Malaysia is high. 

Due to the Average pass rate for LAM Part III is low at 9%~20%, hence the number of architects in Malaysia is low. Students who persevere and complete Part I to III will reap a rewarding career in architure.

According to Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), the construction industry currently faces a shortage of 550,000 workers.

How many architects are registered in Malaysia?

As at February 13, 2023, there are 2279 Architects recorded by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)

	Total Registered
Architect	2,279
Graduate Architect	2,407
Building Draughtsman	112
Interior Designer	595
Graduate Interior Designer	53
Architectural Technologist	23
Inspector of Work	180

Best Architecture Degree Programmes at Premier Private Universities in Malaysia with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Accreditation

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested to major in architecture can either go for the Diploma in Architectural Studies or the Foundation program in architecture in Malaysia.

Students can choose the Foundation in Natural & Built Environments at Taylor’s University or Foundation in Arts (Architecture) at UCSI University. Upon successful completion of the 1-year Foundation, you will then enter into the undergraduate degree in architecture for another 3 years.

Students can consider the architecture degree course at  Taylor’s University or UCSI University. Their degree programme is accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) equivalent to LAM Part 1.

Students who have obtained the relevant results in STPM, UEC, A-Levels, CPU, SAM and other Pre-U Programmes can enter the architecture degree for 3 years. However, if you are sure that you are interested in pursuing Architecture, the best option is to go for the Architecture Foundation as it will prepare you better to handle the challenges of the degree programme. In the Foundation course, there will be some architecture subjects and these will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to study the degree.

After completing the Bachelors in Architecture at a top private university in Malaysia, the next step is to go into an accredited Masters in Architecture degree equivalent to LAM Part 2 for another 2 years. Architecture Masters Degree Graduates in Malaysia will then work for 2 years and then sit for the LAM Part 3 exams and then to finally become an architect.

Students may contact us for advise on choosing the right pathway for you into architecture and the best university that suits you.

Entry Requirements for Architecture Degree

After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, students must possess a credit in Maths & any one Science subject in order to enter into the Foundation in Architecture or Foundation in Natural & Built Environment.

To enter the Architecture degree course, students need to have the following qualifications:

• Foundation in Arts or Science Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Minimum CGPA 2.0 including credit in Maths
• STPM Arts or Science Stream Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.00 (or equivalent) Minimum Gred C for 2 subjects INCLUDING Maths
• A-Levels Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Minimum Gred C for 2 subjects INCLUDING Maths
• UEC Commerce or Science Stream Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -5 Credits (‘B’ grade) inclusive of Maths
• South Australian Matriculation (SAM) Entry Requirement for Architecture degree – Minimum average of 65% in 5 subjects inclusive of Maths
• Canadian Pre-U (CPU) Entry Requirement for Architecture degree – Minimum average of 65% in 6 subjects inclusive of Maths

What is the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and Becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia

The architecture profession in Malaysia is protected by law. The regulating and governing body of the architecture profession in Malaysia is known as Lembaga Akitek Negara (LAM). They govern the entire profession starting from the definition of an architect under the Malaysian Constitution, licensing, practice, acts and enactments as well as education.

The other body that concerns the well being of architects themselves is Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia. It functions as an association that takes care of its members, organize functions and manages the professional development of an architect from the lowest to highest qualification. Just like Bar exams for lawyers, architects also require certain level of qualification that is a standard worldwide.

The qualifications are known as LAM Part 1, 2 and 3. The equivalent of this is RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), AIA (American Institute of Architects) and RAIA (Royal Australian Institute of Architects).

Students after SPM or O-Levels will go for the Foundation program for one year first. After that, they will go on to an Architecture degree that’s accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 1. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will then go on to a Masters in Architecture that’s accredited Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 2.

After graduating with Part 2, a person is known as an architect, and will be able to practice according to the job specification of an architect. This should be the minimum target of anyone pursuing this profession. Anything less is a waste of time.

These qualifications can be obtained in two ways:

• Obtaining a fully accredited degree (or equivalent) that carries Part 1 or 2 equivalent.
• Sitting for individual exams after obtaining a non-accredited degree for Part or 2.

Graduates who obtained the qualifications in architecture from accredited universities are eligible to register as Graduate Architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia.

Part 3 can only be obtained after practicing as an architect for a minimum of 2 years and fulfilling all the project requirements set by LAM.

Fulfilling these needs, the architect will then submit themselves to a series of interviews and exams to determine that they are capable and absolutely qualified. These exams are conducted by Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM).

Requirements for Registration

The applicant shall be a person who :

• is a registered Graduate Architect;
• has obtained the practical experience as prescribed by the Board; and
• has passed the Part III Professional Examination