Job profile: Architectural technician/technologist

Architectural technology professionals work with architects and other professionals on building projects.

What are the typical progression routes?

Job description - Architectural technician/technologist

Architectural technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects.They apply building technology to construction and design, including materials selection, methods of construction and how the building will perform under use. They support technologists and other professionals.They work largely in support of technologists and other professionals, investigating technical information and factors that affect developments; including user needs, site and building surveys and regulatory requirements.
 
Activities
  • Get planning permission and agreeing contracts
  • Co-ordinating design teams
  • Inspecting work in progress
  • Offering innovative design solutions to clients
  • Collecting and analysing technical information
 
Competencies
  • Good presentation skills
  • Organisation and management skills for leading projects.
  • Aware of how buildings and spaces are used
  • Work well in a team
  • Good eye for detail and design
 
What are the routes in?
Entry to this profession can be gained through a BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Architectural Design or Architectural Technology. Usually this requires at least one or two A-levels/two H grades and three GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). GCSE/S grade subjects such as English, maths and science may be preferred. Other acceptable qualifications include a relevant AVCE or BTEC/SQA national certificate or diploma. It is also possible to do an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Architectural Technology.Most entrants to architectural technology are trained by their employer and attend college or university on day release to study for qualifications as described above.
 
A lot of architectural technicians/technologists have the opportunity of gaining work within manufacturing and processing industries. They also have the opportunity of employment within architectural practices, central and local government, housing associations, and construction organisations.Self-employment is widely popular, but only after gaining BIAT membership and five years experience. With such experience, architectural technologists can be promoted to senior technical positions which may include responsibility ranging from consultancy, supervision and research.
 
What is the work like?
On the job, there may be a requirement to travel to sites and meetings. Site work may involve working outdoors, but most of the work is office-based. Architectural technicians will not be involved in as many site visits or presentations as technologists, although they may accompany a technologist for a specific purpose, e.g. to monitor the construction process or clarify some of the technical details. Hours are normally 9 to 5, five days a week.