1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Architectural technologist

Architectural technologist

Alternative titles for this job include Building technologist

Architectural technologists manage all stages of the technical design and planning process of building projects.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings away from home

How to become an architectural technologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can qualify as an architectural technologist by taking a degree approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Courses may include a 12-month industry placement. This is a good way to get practical experience and make contacts, which may help when looking for work.

It's possible to qualify as a chartered architectural technologist by studying courses that are lower than degree level, like foundation degrees or higher national diplomas in related subjects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start an architectural assistant degree apprenticeship with a company.

This will usually take 4 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time studying at a university.

You could also do a design and construction management degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

Employers may take you on as a trainee if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and 2 A levels, in subjects like maths, science, IT and technology.

They may accept equivalent qualifications in engineering or construction, for example the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Constructing the Built Environment. Level 3 courses in 3D design could also be useful.

More Information

Career tips

Any experience you have using computer-aided design or working in the construction industry can help you get into this career.

Professional and industry bodies

When you've completed an approved course you can apply for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. This allows you to complete the professional qualification stage of your training.

Further information

You'll find more details about becoming an architectural technologist through the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • assess clients' needs and plan work 
  • collect and read technical data
  • create building plans using CAD software
  • check construction plans for possible design problems
  • lead the design process and team
  • advise clients on environmental and legal regulations
  • manage contract bids and tenders
  • give advice to clients and the construction team on which materials and processes to use
  • check progress and inspect completed building work
  • advise and report on the maintenance and future use of completed building work

Working environment

You could work on a construction site, in an office, at a client's business or at a client's home.

Career path and progression

Once you have at least 2 years' work experience, you can work towards Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

With experience you could move into management, work as a consultant or set up your own practice. You could also work in universities or research.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an architectural technologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an architectural technologist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.