architectural technician jobs
An architectural technician or technologist should have full knowledge of UK building regulations and can apply this to all design schemes that come their way. This should ensure that the developments can be practical and deliverable but still fit the brief.
Architectural technicians apply building technology to construction and design, including materials selection, methods of construction and how the building will perform under use. While architectural technologists have a wider range of skills than technicians, and contribute more to the design and construction process, including contract management, certification and post construction.
They are involved in the management process from beginning to end. Duties include finding out what the client wants, completing site surveys, turning designs into detailed technical instructions for builders to use, and checking construction work. The type of individual needs to be practical, efficient, and possibly come from a background in mathematics and be numerically sharp. An interest in design, science and technology is useful.
Importance of CAD skills for architectural technician jobs
The individual needs to be able to interpret the design brief and ensure all materials are delivered to site. You also need to be a good communicator and able to liaise with the designers, the client, and the contractors. To work in architectural technician jobs, you need to be a competent user of CAD software including AutoCAD, Microstation, Vectorworks, Revit.
Experienced technicians or drafters will be required to accurately draw up site or floor layouts, elevations, sections, and detailed construction drawings. These drawings include from initial planning stage right through to onsite construction drawings. Drafters should be able to draw freehand and using a computer, they should also be able to visualise objects in three dimensions (3D). There are good opportunities for progression to senior positions, which may include more supervisory or management responsibilities. These include running technicians or technical manager jobs which usually receive higher salaries.
Progress from architectural technician to architectural technologist jobs
An architectural technician may become an architectural technologist with further training. Experienced architectural technologists can also work as consultants, and there are some opportunities to teach and carry out research in universities. For those who have not done a full-time degree or higher national diploma course, training is work based, usually leading to an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 or a higher national certificate. Training includes day release to college or university. Many employers and clients expect architectural technology professionals to be a member of BIAT.
Associate membership (ABIAT) requires one of the following qualifications:
- a degree in architectural technology
- an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Architectural Technology
- a BTEC/SQA Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Architectural Design or Architectural Technology, with a number of specified additional units
- HNC/HND in Building Studies
- City and Guilds in CAD
Continue your search for architecture jobs or contact your local Hays office to discuss our current architectural technician jobs in your area.
