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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 for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels 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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 A Level grades A to C and at least 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including a minimum grade 6 (B) in English and maths

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
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day task might include:

  • assessing clients' needs and planning work 
  • collecting and reading technical data
  • creating building plans using CAD software
  • checking construction plans for possible design problems
  • leading the design process and team
  • advising clients on environmental and legal regulations
  • managing contract bids and tenders
  • giving advice to clients and the construction team on which materials and processes to use
  • checking progress and inspecting completed building work
  • advising and reporting 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 CIAT (MCIAT).

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.

Training 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

Construction and the Built Environment Extended Diploma Level 3 Year 1

  • Provider: WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2019
  • Location: Bury St Edmunds

HNC Built Environment

  • Provider: Bournemouth & Poole College
  • Start date: 10 September 2019
  • Location: Poole
Find courses near you

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