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Architectural technologist: Training

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 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.

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) may comprise in-house or external courses that aim to develop interpersonal skills, listening skills, design skills, computer skills (especially for CAD) and technical drawing skills. This is an industry where frequent training to keep up to date is very important in order to remain competitive. Building regulations, other legal changes and new software packages for CAD are some of the areas where regular updating is important. 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.

AGCAS

Written by Ivana Morton-Holmes, AGCAS

Last updated:

October 2008

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