Architectural technologist
Design high-quality, sustainable buildings! You'd decide the best technology, materials and processes to use.
About the job
What it's like
Do you have a keen eye for detail, a passion for the technical side of design and a drive to see innovative architectural concepts become reality?
You'll connect what architects imagine with how buildings are actually made. On building projects, you'll choose the best technology, materials and methods to use. You'll design buildings that're easy to construct and perform well.
Working alongside architects, surveyors and other construction professionals, you'll play a key role in the development of new buildings. These projects can range from small home extensions to massive sports stadiums. Your work will aim to meet your client's exact needs.
Chartered technologists are qualified to manage projects from start to finish.
Your tasks might include:
figuring out what the client needs and if the project is feasible
meeting with architects and clients to plan what the building will be like
creating building plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software and traditional drawing methods
deciding the best materials and ways to build while thinking about the environmental impact
contributing to planning applications, proposals and other regulatory processes
working with builders, speaking to authorities and keeping clients updated on how things are going
Once a building is in use, you'll get feedback from clients and people using the building and report on the performance of the contractors. You'll also work out how much maintenance is needed and report on how the building is performing.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment by:
choosing eco-friendly materials to reduce the building's environmental footprint
design buildings to use less energy, saving resources and reducing emissions
plan construction processes to minimise waste on building sites
Hours
You'll usually work Monday to Friday, but may need to work some overtime to meet deadlines.
Environment
You'll mainly be office-based, creating and reviewing plans
You'll also visit construction sites to check progress
You could go to clients to give progress updates
Travel
You'll need to travel to construction sites and visit clients depending on the project you're working on.
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Other careers that you might like
Architect Landscape architect Town planner Quantity surveyor Building surveyor General practice surveyor Land surveyor Planning and development surveyor Surveyor Site supervisor
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Graphic Communication
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) in a relevant subject, such as:
Architectural Technology
Construction
Built Environment
College
Getting an HNC or HND qualification at college in Architectural Technology can help you get a job or progress to more advanced study.
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Construction: Technical.
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in Construction and the Built Environment.
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
While you're studying an approved higher education qualification, you can apply for a student membership with CIAT. When you graduate, you're then eligible to upgrade your membership to associate level.
After, you can undertake the MCIAT Professional and Occupational Performance Record (POP) or MCIAT Professional Assessment (equivalent to a Masters Degree). If you've 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.
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