Built Environment is a relatively new way of describing the design, construction and managements of manmade structures. The traditional areas of Architecture, Construction, Property and Land Surveying are included in this sector. It is also worth noting the overlap with Engineering.

 

Architecture

Becoming qualified to practise as an architect in Hong Kong will require you to possess a professional degree and Master’s degree in Architecture. You will also have to pass the examinations of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects before becoming a registered architect.

Positions / Job Titles Offered         

• Assistant Architect, Assistant Landscape Architect                        

Typical Job Nature/ Job Duties

• Designing and preparing drawings and specifications with reference to ordinances
• Arranging contractors to undertake construction work
• Construction site management
• Carrying out inspections
• Ensuring that buildings are completed in accordance with the plans and in compliance with the relevant laws

General Requirements

• A professional degree in Architecture, plus a Master degree in Architecture a Pass in the HK Institute of Architects examinations a Registered Architect
• Genuine interest in construction, site management and related business

 

Surveying/ Land Surveying             

Surveying or Land Surveying generally requires people with good aptitude for mathematics and enjoy the outdoors and adventure, as many surveying jobs can be physically demanding and require a good level of physical fitness for field work, yet at the same time require a meticulous and precise mind to handle related paper work in office.

Positions / Job Titles Offered

• Assistant Surveyor, Surveyor 

Job Nature/ Typical Job Duties                

• Ensuring that new buildings are correctly built
• Dealing with maintenance, repair & materials
• Contractual management: managing cost, labour, material and legal matters
• Negotiating on behalf of clients on the purchase, sale and lease of land and buildings                  

General Requirements         

• A degree in Surveying; Pass in professional examinations
• Well-versed in costing, logistic management, problem solving and negotiation skills

 

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are employed to design or construct anything from buildings, bridges and roads to airports, tunnels and coastal defences. They might manage construction, draw up designs for a building’s steelworks or be responsible for calculating the loads affecting a bridge’s construction. It is their job to ensure that projects meet agreed specifications, safety standards and timescales.

Not all civil engineering happens on sites; depending on your choice of design or construction organisation, you might end up working in an office or out on-site. By the very nature of the work contracts which are often short-term, you should allow for variety and new challenges on a regular basis. Plus you’ll get the chance to take part in making and seeing something become a reality. Working with multinational developers opens up excellent opportunities for working overseas – you could end up building highways or hotels overseas.

Positions / Job Titles Offered         

• Civil Engineer, Site Engineer

Job Nature/ Typical Job Duties

• Producing designs and drawings
• Providing technical advice
• Operating specialist equipment and CAD packages
• Working in a multi-disciplinary team and managing subcontracted staff 

General Requirements         

• Degree in Building / Civil / Structural Engineering or equivalent
• Well-versed in costing, logistic management, problem solving and negotiation skills
• Good leadership skills and team working skills

 

Related Associations/ Useful Links

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects	http://www.hkia.net
The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors	http://www.hkis.org.hk
Institution of Civil Engineers	http://www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/Asia-Pacific/Hong-Kong
Civil Engineering and Development Department, HKSAR	http://www.cedd.gov.hk
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers	http://www.hkie.org.hk

 

(Sources from The CUHK Careers Guide 2012)