Temping in architecture: how temporary work works

Temping means working in a practice for an agreed period through an agency, paid for the hours you work. Practices bring in temporary staff for a project stage, a planning or tender deadline, a busy spell or to cover parental leave and other absence. The work is the same as the rest of the team's: drawing, detailing, modelling and coordinating, on live projects.

Who temping suits

Temping suits architects, architectural assistants and technologists between permanent roles, people who want flexibility for a few months, and people returning to work who want to settle back in. It is also a good way to see how a practice works before you decide whether you would like to stay.

How an assignment comes together

Tell us the work you do, the software you use, when you are free, where you can work and the rate you are looking for. We only put you forward for an assignment with your permission. The practice usually wants a short conversation and a look at your work before you start.

Before you start you should have the assignment details in writing: the practice, the work, the location, the start date, the hours and the rate. Ask about anything that is not clear, including how overtime is agreed and who approves your hours.

How you are paid

Our temps are normally employed by an umbrella company for the length of an assignment. The umbrella company runs your payroll: it deducts Income Tax and National Insurance through PAYE, and handles holiday pay and pension enrolment. You record your hours on a weekly timesheet, the practice approves it and your pay follows. Read umbrella company or limited company for how this compares with working through your own company.

The rate you agree for an assignment is the umbrella company's income, not your take-home pay. Employer costs and the umbrella company's fee come out of it before your own tax and National Insurance. Before you agree terms you must be given a key information document that sets out the rate, the deductions and an example of your take-home pay. Our hourly and day rate calculator gives a first estimate.

Your rights from the first day and after 12 weeks

From your first day you have a worker's employment rights and can use the shared facilities your permanent colleagues use. After 12 weeks in the same role with the same practice you qualify for equal treatment: the same pay as a permanent colleague doing the same job, automatic pension enrolment and paid annual leave. Some breaks pause the count and a substantively different role starts it again. GOV.UK explains how the 12 weeks are counted.

Setting your rate

Hourly rates depend on the role, your experience, the software, the location and how the assignment is set up. Start from the permanent salary for your role in our salary guide and work out the hourly equivalent. A temporary rate also has to cover holiday pay and employer costs that a salary does not show.

From temporary to permanent

Practices often offer a permanent role to a temp who fits the team. If that happens, tell us. The practice and Architecture Social agree the move between them, and it costs you nothing.

Getting started

Look at the open roles and tell us you are open to temporary work when you apply or speak to the team. If you are not sure whether temping is right for you, ask us.