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architectural technician/technologist
Architectural technology professionals (architectural technicians and architectural technologists) are specialists in the technical side of architecture. They can undertake a wide variety of work including domestic, commercial and industrial projects.
Architectural technicians apply technology to architecture, building design and construction. They play an essential role within an architectural design service, providing support to architectural technologists and other professionals. Architectural technicians cannot set up in practice on their own.
Their duties will often include:
- collecting, organising and investigating technical information for use during project development
- preparing drawings
- creating plans
- developing specifications for construction work
- using computer aided design (CAD) as well as traditional methods.
Architectural technologists have a broader range of skills than architectural technicians, and provide architectural design services and solutions. They are specialists in the science of architecture, building design and construction and form the link between concept and construction. Architectural technologists can set up in practice on their own.
Their duties can include:
- negotiating and managing the development of a project
- assessing clients' needs
- advising on legal requirements
- producing surveys
- developing project briefs
- managing the design process
- leading a design team
- advising on materials.
Architectural technologists can also work with a client post-construction, which includes getting feedback and appraising the performance of buildings.
Hours and Environment
As an architectural technician or technologist, you will normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally you may need to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
You will mainly be office-based, however, you may spend some time visiting clients and construction sites, which can involve working outdoors in all weathers. Travelling to sites and meetings may mean spending extensive periods away from home.
Skills and Interests
As an architectural technology professional, you should:
- be able to draw freehand and have an eye for detail
- be able to visualise objects in three dimensions
- be practical and methodical with good analytical skills
- be able to design and interpret the designs and technical demands of others
- be computer literate
- have mathematical skills for technical and financial calculations
- have excellent communication skills - both written and oral
- be able to work effectively in a team
- have management skills for project leading.
Entry
To gain work as an architectural technician or architectural technologist you will often need an accredited or approved qualification.
To qualify as an architectural technician (TCIAT) you should aim to achieve technician membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Approved qualifications you can study at this level include:
- a foundation degree in architectural technology
- a BTEC HNC/HND in Architectural Technology or Construction.
To qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) you need to join the CIAT and achieve an approved qualification. These include:
- a BSc (Hons) degree in architectural technology
- an S/NVQ in Architectural Technology.
Courses for architectural technicians and technologists are often available full-time and part-time. Some degree courses include a year in the work place. You need to check with course providers for exact course entry requirements.
Contact the CIAT for an extensive list of approved and accredited qualifications and other routes to membership; see Further Information for details.
When you have successfully completed an appropriate course you can apply for Associate membership of the CIAT. This means you can apply for relevant work and pursue the professional qualification stage of your training; see Training section for details.
Alternative routes to working in this field, and membership of CIAT
You may be able to get into this area through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Some employers will take you on if you have around four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three H grades or a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma. Relevant subjects include science, technology, building services engineering and construction.
You may still be able to join the CIAT without any academic qualifications; contact the CIAT for details.
Once you are in relevant work you can undertake accredited or approved qualifications (outlined above) and work towards becoming a qualified architectural technologist or architectural technician.
Training
When you have successfully completed an accredited or approved course, and gained employment in a relevant field, you can pursue the professional stage of training.
To become a qualified architectural technician or Chartered Architectural Technologist you need to complete an assessment known as the CIAT Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record. This involves having the support of your employer, and providing evidence of your competence and workplace performance. There is one for Chartered Architectural Technologists and one for architectural technicians.
When you meet the requirements of the POP Record you can:
- apply to the CIAT for Technician membership as an architectural technician, which can be achieved in one to two years, or
- apply for Chartered Membership as an architectural technologist, which can take up to three years.
In addition, to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist you must successfully attend a Professional Practice Interview. Success at this stage leads to being a fully qualified Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.
The Conference on Training in Architectural Conservation has information on a variety of conservation courses for those interested in building conservation techniques. Programmes range from short, craft courses to undergraduate and postgraduate awards in conservation. See COTAC website for details.
Opportunities
As an architectural technician or architectural technologist you will find most opportunities for work with organisations such as:
- private architectural practices
- central and local government
- housing associations
- property developers
- commercial organisations
- building and construction companies.
You are increasingly likely to find work within manufacturing and processing industries.
With experience and Chartered membership as an architectural technologist, you can go on to set up your own practice. You can also work as a consultant, and there are some opportunities to work in universities and undertake research.
With experience as an architectural technologist you may be able to progress into more senior positions, supervising staff.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
New entrants can earn around £15,000 to £18,500.
With experience, this figure could rise to between £26,000 and £40,000.
Self-employed architectural technology professionals can expect a higher hourly rate than those employed on a full-time basis.
Further information
London
EC1V 1NH
Tel: 020 7278 2206
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice