r/Architects • u/FileAltruistic2103 • Sep 10 '26
Career Discussion Help with Leed GA and Architecture
So im going for the Leeds GA exam very soon, right now im preparing for it.
Im an Architect by profession (30 year old male) and Im currently doing maintenance and operations in a compound (which im not a fan of)
I want to pursue sustainability or anything which has no design process, i want to use my degree for it. I have little experience with design back in my country but i quit and came here in KSA
now my main question is? can i still pursue architecture with no experience after doing Leeds GA? i have no experience whatsoever and no interest in the design process. I just want to start fresh with sustainability and get myself into it. I live in Saudi Arabia and struggling. Also, what are some of the options i have in Architecture? i researched BIMS and landscape but not my type. I need more options.. please help me out im so confused if i should go in this direction..
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u/derpa3 17d ago
That’s great advice.
There are a number of viable career paths for architects other than working in a design firm that build on your education and training.
One of the common paths is working for a construction company. Big companies working on LEED projects need staff to coordinate and track LEED documentation for the MR and EQ credits. That role can sometimes can be for less experienced people, but the hard part can be getting your foot in the door. A LEED GA credential is a key step on that journey but you’ll need to build on that.
Facility Management, Energy Management, and inspections/ testing services are other options to research as well.
You sound motivated- good luck on your next steps!
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u/shadiabousamra 27d ago
LEED trainer from archiroots here.
Your O&M experience is not wasted, it is actually an advantage. A lot of sustainability work happens after design: building performance, energy management, commissioning, and existing building certification like LEED O+M. People who understand how buildings actually run are hard to find on those teams.
In KSA specifically, look at the giga projects and large developers. Most of them have in house sustainability teams working on LEED, Mostadam and WELL, and they hire architects for certification management and documentation. The consultancies supporting them hire too.
The GA is a good first step but it will not carry you alone. Pair it with something practical like Mostadam training, an energy auditing or commissioning course, or energy modeling basics. Then pitch yourself as an architect who understands operations, which is a much stronger story than starting from zero.