Architectural technologist
Architectural technologists provide architectural design services and solutions and are specialists in the science of architecture, building design and construction. They work closely with architects and form the link between the architect’s concept and the completed construction. They bridge the gap between the idea of an attractive functional building and the reality of that building performing successfully. They ensure that the right materials are used and that the building meets regulations. They also monitor quality assurance, costs and deadlines throughout the construction project.
Chartered architectural technologists (MCIAT) negotiate the construction project and manage the process from conception through to completion.
The balance of activities varies according to the type of project and the size of the organisation. However, typical work activities may include:
Architectural technologists' work is not only restricted to new build but also includes refurbishment, alteration and other construction projects.
There are currently over 30 degree programmes in architectural technology within the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) . Completing one of these will give you an advantage as you will receive exemptions against your Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record, which is needed to become a chartered architectural technologist (MCIAT). A list of accredited courses can be found on the CIAT website.
Although this area of work is most relevant to graduates with a degree in architectural technology, other related industry degrees include:
It is also possible to progress to become a chartered architectural technologist with an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Architectural Technology.
Entry with an HNC/HND in construction, architectural technology or building studies, or a foundation degree in architectural technology can only lead to the role of a professionally qualified architectural technician. They are an important part of the design process but they are unable to practice on their own. More information on this role is available from the CIAT.
Entry to the profession without a degree or with an unrecognised qualification is possible via the CIAT's profile candidate route. This can lead to a career as an architectural technician, or with more than ten years' experience and following successful assessment against the CIAT's professional standards, a chartered architectural technologist.
A postgraduate qualification is not necessary for entry into the profession. However, Masters courses and research opportunities do exist in architectural technology and other related areas for those who are interested in further study. The CIAT offers a postgraduate scholarship scheme for students studying for a higher degree or diploma in an architectural technology related subject.
Relevant work experience is extremely valuable. Some courses include a placement year in industry but otherwise opportunities for vacation work and placements can be found through recruitment agencies, the CIAT website and publications, industry magazines and websites. Academic departments and tutors may also be able to help.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Student membership of the CIAT is free to anyone studying on a higher education course designed to lead to a career in architectural technology. The CIAT's Student Award for Technical Excellence is a highly competitive award amongst architectural technology students. Further information on this can be found on the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) website.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Graduates from relevant higher education courses are eligible to upgrade their student membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to Associate level membership and to use the letters ACIAT. Associate membership is not available to self-employed applicants who have to register as profile candidates instead. Full membership (MCIAT) is obtained via assessment against CIAT's professional standards in the form of a Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record. This process can take up to three years to complete, depending on experience, and is followed by a professional practice interview. If you have completed an accredited degree at undergraduate level, you will be exempt from some units of the POP Record.
In addition to subject knowledge, architectural technologists need to develop a range of other skills. These are normally gained on the job and sometimes with employer-sponsored short courses.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is also important and may comprise of in-house or external courses that aim to develop interpersonal skills, design skills, computer skills (especially for CAD) and technical drawing skills. It is also very important to keep up to date with any legislation changes or developments in this industry. Most employers support and encourage this type of training.
Management is a key part of the role for many architectural technologists, and some choose to develop this further by studying for qualifications in subjects such as business, construction management or project management.
The size of the employer and the type of work they undertake can be a major influence on career prospects and development.
Large organisations may employ teams of support staff which include architectural technologists. A small architectural practice may employ only one or two technologists who support or work alongside the practice partner(s). In large organisations, promotion to a specialist role is possible or to a senior technologist level, with increased responsibility for managing staff and resources.
Larger organisations generally offer more opportunities for promotion to supervisory and management positions, but smaller architectural practices can sometimes offer greater responsibility early on, as well as the chance to gain skills and experience across a range of specialist areas. However, to gain promotion or to increase salary, it may be necessary to move between employers or change location.
As so much of the work is project based, it is sometimes possible to move into areas that are not construction based, for example into other areas of industry and commerce.
Experienced architectural technologists can work as consultants or can set up their own practices. There are also opportunities to teach and undertake research in universities or work as a trainer on industry courses.
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) represents around 9,500 professionals who either work or study on the area of architectural technology. A wide range of employment opportunities exist in all areas of the UK, and typical employers include:
According to the CIAT, a growing number of chartered architectural technologists are also applying their skills within research and academia, as well as manufacturing and processing industries, health and government agencies.
Self-employment is a popular option for those who have full CIAT membership (MCIAT) and considerable experience. Some architectural technologists set up in practice for themselves, either on their own or in partnership with other construction/design professionals. Others choose to work on a freelance contract basis, with a property developer for example.
There are also opportunities to work abroad, including jobs with UK-based architectural practices who have international contracts or overseas offices, or with some government departments.
Hays Construction is the only agency endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) .
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