Architectural technician or technologist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Architectural technicians

An architectural technician supports architectural technologists, architects and other professionals in the construction industry. Your duties would 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 drawing methods.

Architectural technologists

An architectural technologist uses a broader range of skills, and you would be able to set up in practice on your own. You could negotiate the construction project and manage the whole process from conception to completion.

Your work could include:

• assessing clients' needs
• collecting and analysing technical data
• advising on legal requirements
• winning tenders and negotiating contracts
• advising on materials
• carrying out land and building surveys
• making drawings for use on site
• checking progress and inspecting completed building work.

You could also work with clients after construction, requesting feedback and appraising the performance of buildings.

Hours

You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may sometimes have to work extra hours to meet deadlines.

You would be mainly office-based, but would spend time visiting clients and construction sites, which could involve working outdoors in all weathers. Travelling to sites and meetings may mean spending time away from home.

Income

Starting salaries may be between £15,000 to £20,000 a year.

With experience, this could rise to between £30,000 and £45,000.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You can either study for an academic qualification before starting work, or follow a work-based route.

Studying before starting work

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) recommends the following qualifications:

• architectural technicians – BTEC HNC/HND in Architectural Technology or Construction, or a foundation degree in Architectural Technology
• architectural technologists – Honours degree in Architectural Technology accredited by the CIAT.

Degree courses can take three or four years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent). Four-year programmes often include a year's industry experience, which is a good way to gain practical experience and make contacts.

See the CIAT website for details of accredited courses. You should check with colleges and universities for entry requirements.

• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists

When you have completed an appropriate course you can apply for Associate membership of CIAT. This means you can apply for relevant work and complete the professional qualification stage of your training – see the training and development section below.

Work-based routes

You may be able to progress through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

Some employers in this sector may take you on if you have around four GCSEs (A-C) and two A levels or a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma. Relevant subjects include science, technology, building services engineering and construction. Once working in a related area, you may then take one of the recommended qualifications (BTEC HNC/HND or degree) on a part-time basis.

Training and development

Once employed as a technician or technologist, you can work towards achieving:

• Technician membership of CIAT
• Chartered (MCIAT) membership of CIAT.

You will need to complete an assessment against the CIAT’s professional standards (known as a Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record).

As an architectural technician, your POP Record is likely to take between one and two years. If you are successful, you will be able to use the title TCIAT. You could continue to develop your skills and progress to qualifying as a Chartered Architectural Technologist.

To qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist would usually take three years, after which you would have a Professional Practice Interview. If you are successful in this you will have the right to use the title MCIAT.

Once you are qualified you will need to keep your knowledge and skills up to date through continuing professional development (CPD) activity.

Skills and knowledge

To be an architectural technician or technologist, you will need to have:

• drawing skills
• attention to detail
• the ability to visualise objects in 3-D
• a practical and methodical approach
• good analytical skills
• the ability to interpret designs and technical drawings
• the ability to use software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Studio Max and Photoshop
• maths skills for technical and financial calculations
• good spoken and written communication skills
• the ability to work effectively in a team
• management skills for leading projects.

More information

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
397 City Road
London
EC1V 1NH
Tel: 020 7278 2206
www.ciat.org.uk

Opportunities

You will find most jobs within organisations such as private architects’ practices, housing associations, property developers, and building and construction companies.

As an experienced and Chartered Architectural Technologist you could set up your own practice or work as a consultant. You may also find some opportunities to work in universities and carry out research.

You may find the following useful for vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):

• RIBA Appointments
• Architects' Journal
• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (jobs page)

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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