Opportunities in large architectural firms are limited, therefore Olim frequently find it best to join small practices or establish their own practice. Many work in home development, construction and design, focusing on English-speaking clients who appreciate their Western professional background. For additional information about working as an architect, please see the website of the Yechida L’Rishum Mehandasim v’Adrichalim (Office for Registration of Engineers and Architects).
The Ministry of Economy, Occupations Registration and Licensing Division has released a comprehensive English handbook containing information about registration and licensing in Israel: Licensing Handbook for Practical Engineers, Architects and Electricians
The largest architecture firm in Israel employs 60 professionals (including architects, designers, etc.), and the ten largest firms employ a total of over 300 professionals.
In order to be recognized as an architect in Israel, you must hold an architectural degree from a recognized university.
Professional certification in Israel is a two step process:
- Rishum: Recognition of your professional credentials and registration in the Pinkas Ha’Handasim v’Ha’Adrichalim, the Registry for Engineers and Architects.
- Rishuy: Obtaining a license (rishayon).
For detailed information about the process, please carefully review the information in the following link from the Ministry of Economy & Industry
Architecture Education Although the education that is available in the field of architecture in the U.S. and the UK is commonly viewed as superior to the education that is available in Israel, there are benefits to receiving your education in Israel. For example, if you choose to do your studies in Israel, you will build professional connections early on. You will also learn about local construction and building codes. Going on for an MA or PhD can be helpful in establishing your career in that a graduate degree gives you an edge and can help land in a job in a large international firm. Architecture Schools in Israel
Interesting sites to explore regarding the state of planning and transportation in Israel:
Urban planning jobs can be found here
- The Association of Engineers, Architects and Graduates of the Technological Sciences in Israel (AEAI; Lishkat HaMehandesim HaAdrichalim VeHaAcademai’im BaMiktzo’ot HaTechnologi’im BeYisrael) is a professional association that represents the majority of engineering and architecture jobs in Israel. There are offices in Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. The AEAI is included in the following:
- Legislation in areas relevant to engineering and architecture
- Government regulation
- Further training for engineers and architects
- Conventions and exhibitions
- Advancement of national planning
- Architecture competitions
Membership in the AEAI is optional, but benefits include:
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- Becoming acquainted with other professionals in your field, and building connections in Israel and abroad.
- Furthering your professional development through courses, seminars, symposiums, conventions, etc.
- Keeping up to date through the journals and publications of the AEAI and the professional societies.
- Gaining professional recognition through prizes and certificates awarded by the AEAI and the professional societies.
- Participation in activities aimed at improving the status of engineers and architects, and maintaining professional codes of ethics, in Israel.
- Lobbying and representation to government ministers, senior government functionaries, university administrators, industrialists, contractors, etc.
- Israel Organization of Consulting Engineers, Architects & Technology Graduates
- Institute of Urban and Regional Studies at the Hebrew University
- www.archijob.co.il – Classifieds, forums, and indices all about architecture, interior design, and urban planning in Israel. Hebrew-language site.
- Israel Association of United Architects Offers legal and professional guidance to architects. They also have a young professionals chapter.
- https://www.meetup.com/inbelet/ – Hebrew meetup group for professional architects
- Israeli Architecture & Design Portal
Interview with Alan Cohl, Architect
A special thanks to Alan Cohl for participating in this interview. Alan is a registered architect in both Israel and the US and practices in the Greater Jerusalem area and the Central Region. His projects range from corporate interiors through all aspects of residential design.
What work settings are available in Israel?
Working in a firm is essential at first, in order to get your feet wet and to allow time to adjust to the culture and language. As an immigrant, your ability to advance within a firm is limited; the likelihood of becoming a partner in a firm is small, because those positions generally remain within the Israeli community. If you have strong skills and the desire, it is advantageous to begin working on your own, privately, once you have the experience. Word of mouth is the best marketing strategy. In addition, your projects will likely be residential work for clientele who are originally from the United States.
What licensure is required?
Obtaining a license to practice architecture in Israel is quite simple. After acquiring your accredited architectural degree, you must work for a licensed architect for 3 years and then apply for your registration. The registered license will enable you to sign permits or open up your own company.
Do I need to know Hebrew?
You can succeed up to a certain level in a firm with no knowledge of Hebrew, because many local architects have studied abroad for some part of their studies. However, if you intend to obtain a very high position within a firm, or work privately, knowledge of Hebrew is essential. Consultants and other co-workers are obviously going to be Israeli.
What experience do I need?
Life after school is a bit different in the U.S. than Israel. In Israel, you are immediately given a large scope of responsibility relating to areas including design, management and details. The system works as a sink-or-swim filter. With an American education, you are very marketable directly after school if you have great computer drafting skills, but it is strongly recommended that you obtain 2-3 years of work experience before making Aliyah, to ensure your ability to handle all the demands required for Israeli architects.
What is the market like?
The market in Israel is healthy overall, particularly within the central region (including the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas). There are some contextual limitations in Jerusalem, however, the demand for architectural services for apartment renovations and private homes is high.
What is the relationship between interior design and architecture in Israel?
The educational system for architecture in Israel does not comprehensively include aspects of interior design. Education in the U.S. and U.K., however, do. This is one of the advantages of educational programs abroad, and it is a huge selling point for services in Israel.
Are there any technical differences to be aware of?
The only major difference is that the Israeli program requires the design to include a bomb shelter. Other than that, the palette of materials is quite limited, but if trained as an architect in the States, you will possess all the necessary knowledge of materials and their applications.
What is the average salary range?
Average salary range is around (net) 5,000 NIS/month for a starting level draftsperson position working in a small to mid-sized office, and can range up to 18,000 NIS/month at management level. Financial reward is a direct product of work ethic, skill and luck. In addition, if you open your own practice, offering “American-like” customer service will allow you to charge more because you are providing more than typical service.
What are the best routes for continuing education?
To keep up with current trends, the best options are to subscribe to architectural periodicals from the States and other design journals in print and on the web. In addition, the Jerusalem Seminar on Architecture, sponsored by the Rothschild Foundation every two years or so, can be a good source for listening and meeting the current stars of the profession.
Do I need to join any professional organizations?
There is an organization called the Association of Engineers, Architects and Graduates in Technological Sciences in Israel. It is based in Tel Aviv and holds seminars and conferences that supplement an Israeli architectural education (in Tel Aviv only). Affiliation is not mandatory.
How do you feel (in general terms) about working as an architect in Israel?
The job satisfaction is fabulous. The whole concept of building the country is something you live, breath and touch every single day. It is a spiritual and practical reason for being here. Why do it anywhere else?