Architectural technologist

Architectural technologists use their creativity and technical knowledge to turn innovative designs into durable and sustainable constructions

As a chartered architectural technologist (MCIAT) you're qualified to lead a project from inception to completion. You'll specialise in the technology of architecture, focusing on the design of buildings for use and performance.

Your work will include conception and technical design, development and detailing, construction technology, contract administration, sustainability and creating inclusive environments. Architectural technology can be applied in the case of refurbishment, alteration and other construction projects.

Responsibilities

As an architectural technologist, you'll need to:

• meet with other professionals and clients at an early stage to agree on the project brief
• understand how the design aspects of a construction project influence and relate to performance and functional issues, so that practical questions can be addressed at the outset
• evaluate and advise on environmental, legal and regulatory issues
• contribute to planning applications and other regulatory application procedures
• identify the surveys (e.g. land surveys) required before work can commence, ensuring they're undertaken, and their results are fed into the project
• develop project briefs and work on these as the project progresses
• prepare and present design proposals using computer-aided design (CAD) and other design software, as well as traditional drawing methods
• lead the detailed design process and coordinate design information
• advise clients on procuring the best and most appropriate contracts for the work they are undertaking
• liaise with appropriate authorities (e.g. planning enquiries and building inspectors) when producing documentation for statutory approval
• produce, analyse and advise on detailed specifications for suitable materials or processes to be used
• carry out design-stage risk assessments
• administer contracts and project certifications
• manage the work of trainee technologists and contribute to the overall running of the business
• obtain feedback from clients and people using the building, reporting on the performance of the contractors once construction is completed
• appraise the performance of buildings which are in use and produce maintenance management information
• evaluate and advise on refurbishment, re-use, recycling and deconstruction.

Salary

• Typical starting salaries for a graduate/junior technologist range from £23,000 to £26,000.
• With a few years' experience at mid-level seniority, salaries fall between £29,000 and £38,000.
• Senior architectural technologists earn in the region of £35,000 to £55,000.

London weighting may be applied, and higher salaries can be achieved with experience and with increased responsibility for running complex projects. Practices may offer other benefits such as company cars and pension schemes.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm although extra hours, including work at weekends, are often required, especially as deadlines approach.

What to expect

• You may work alone or as part of a team. Most of the work is office based, although site visits are commonly required. Other time away from the office may involve collecting data and attending meetings.
• Work on building sites must be carried out in all weather conditions and appropriate safety clothing must be worn.
• Hourly rates for architectural technologists who are self-employed are often higher than for those who are employed in salaried positions but don't include holiday and sickness allowance.
• Depending on the nature of employment, career breaks and part-time work are a possibility.
• Jobs are available in most areas of the UK, and there are also opportunities to work abroad. The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is internationally recognised.

Qualifications

A degree is not essential and it's possible to work your way up from a technician position.

However, having an accredited degree gives you more direct entry and a faster route to chartership. The most relevant degree is architectural technology, but other related degrees include:

• architectural engineering/architecture
• building services engineering
• building/construction
• built environment studies
• civil and structural engineering
• computer-aided engineering
• construction management
• surveying.

A postgraduate qualification is not necessary, but Masters courses and research opportunities do exist for those who are interested in further study. Either in architectural technology or another related area. CIAT has accredited a number of Masters-level programmes.

There are approximately 45 accredited architectural technology undergraduate and Masters degree programmes in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe, plus a couple worldwide.

Search for accredited courses at CIAT - Find an Accredited programme.

Studying a course accredited by the CIAT is advantageous, as it means that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure and resources and has met the institute's requirements. Also, candidates will receive exemptions when qualifying to become a chartered architectural technologist, MCIAT.

Membership as a CIAT - Student member is free for students and apprentices studying a higher or further education course at Level 3 or above. When you complete your course you can upgrade to Associate level membership and begin working toward chartership.

Entry with an HNC or HND in construction, architectural technology or building studies, or a foundation degree in architectural technology is normally via the technician route and can lead to Associate membership of CIAT. From this, members can progress to become a chartered architectural technician, MCIAT.

To enter the profession without a formal qualification or with an unrecognised international qualification, you'll need to join the institute as an Affiliate member.

Search for postgraduate courses in architectural studies.

Skills

You'll need to show:

• an interest and ability in architecture and mathematics
• an eye for detail and design, with the ability to visualise objects in three dimensions (3D), and to design and build models using CAD and 3D printers if required
• a logical and practical approach to problem solving
• planning and organisation skills.
• leadership skills and a willingness to take on responsibility
• good communication skills, as interaction with other professionals, authorities and clients occurs frequently
• the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• the capacity to work under pressure.

Work experience

Relevant work experience is highly valued by employers, as it helps you to understand how a design or architecture practice operates and how projects are handled.

Some courses include a placement year in industry, but if yours doesn't, you can find opportunities for vacation work and placements through your university department, recruitment agencies, CIAT publications, industry magazines and websites.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

A range of employment opportunities exist across the UK, with typical employers including:

• academic and research institutions
• architectural/design practices
• banks and building societies
• building and construction firms
• housing corporations
• local authorities
• property developers
• town planners.

It's also possible to apply your skills within manufacturing and processing industries and health and government agencies.

Once you've attained MCIAT status and gained considerable experience, self-employment is an option. You could set up a practice on your own or in partnership with other construction/design professionals, or work on a freelance-contract basis, such as with a property developer.

There are opportunities to work abroad, including jobs with UK-based architectural practices that have international contracts or overseas offices, or with some government departments.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Architects' Journal
• Building4jobs
• Careers in Construction
• RIBA Appointments

You may also find vacancies with specialist recruitment agencies, such as Hays Construction and Hunter Dunning.

Professional development

The most important step in your career as an architectural technologist is to become a chartered member of CIAT. You do this by completing the MCIAT Professional Assessment or the MCIAT Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record and passing a professional assessment interview. Chartered architectural technologists are on a par with other chartered professionals.

As well as your subject knowledge, you'll also need to develop a range of other skills. These are normally gained on the job and sometimes with employer-sponsored short courses. You'll also need to undertake continuing professional development (CPD), through in-house or external courses, to develop interpersonal skills, design skills, computer skills and technical drawing skills.

Management is a key part of the role, and you may choose to develop this further by studying for qualifications in subjects such as business, construction management and project management.

Career prospects

Larger organisations generally offer more structured opportunities for promotion to supervisory and management positions. 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.

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's sometimes possible to move into areas that are not construction based, for example into other areas of industry and commerce.

Setting up your own practice (which must be registered with CIAT) is a possibility once you have enough experience. Other opportunities include teaching or undertaking research in universities and working as a trainer on industry courses.