Architectural technologist

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Construction and building
Produce

Career outlook for architectural technologist

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£20,000

Experienced

£60,000


Currently employed in Scotland

Information is unavailable

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would work on building projects to decide on the right technology, materials and processes to design a building for the best production and performance.

You'd support architects, surveyors and other people in the construction industry. Your work would help to ensure that the new building meets the client’s requirements, whether it is a small home extension or a huge new sports stadium.

Chartered technologists are qualified to manage design and construction projects from start to finish.

You would :

  • Assess the needs of the client and do feasibility studies
  • Meet other professionals and the clients at an early stage to agree on the project brief
  • Prepare plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as traditional drawing methods
  • Draw up a project brief and programme of work
  • Investigate and advise on the most suitable materials and processes to be used
  • Decide what surveys will be required and make sure they are carried out 
  • Contribute to planning applications and other regulatory processes
  • Prepare design proposals and work on these as the project progresses
  • Do risk assessments of design plans
  • Help to manage contract bids and tenders
  • Advise clients and the construction team
  • Liaise with authorities such as local government planning officers and building inspectors 
  • Organise the work of the design team

As well as working on new projects once the building is in in use you would get feedback from clients and people using the building and report on the performance of the contractors.

For buildings which are in use, you'd check and analyse information about how much maintenance is needed and use it to report on how the building is performing.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may sometimes have to work extra hours to meet deadlines.

Environment

You would be mainly office-based, but would visit clients and construction sites, which could involve working outdoors in all weathers.

Travel

Travelling to sites and meetings may mean spending time away from home.

UK employment status

Full-time

100%

Part-time

0%

Self employed

0%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Verbal communication
  • Working with technology
  • Creative
  • Designing
  • Innovative
  • Working with numbers
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Taking responsibility

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

To become an architectural technologist it is preferred that you complete an honours degree (SCQF level 10) in architectural technology, construction or the built environment, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Entry to a degree course usually requires four Highers and National 5s. With a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Architectural technologies you may be able to gain entry to the second or third year of some degrees (SCQF level 9/10).

Edinburgh Napier University and Robert Gordon University offer Architectural technologies degrees in Scotland.

A list of CIAT-accredited honours degrees is available in its website.

Useful subjects

Most courses require:

  • English
  • Maths
  • a science subject, in particular, physics.

You will also need

You can register for student membership of CIAT while studying an approved higher education qualification, you are then eligible to upgrade your membership to associate level on graduation (ACIAT).

From here you undertake the MCIAT Professional and Occupational Performance Record (POP) or MCIAT Professional Assessment (equivalent to a Masters Degree).

If you have completed a relevant approved or accredited qualification you may be exempt from some elements of the POP. 

Chartered members can run their own practice, which also need to be registered with CIAT. 

Helpful to have

With a Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in Architectural technologies you may be able to gain entry to the second or third year of some degrees (SCQF Level 9/10).