Architectural technologist
Design high-quality, sustainable buildings! You'd decide the best technology, materials and processes to use.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£1,154
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£5,000
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£60,000
Experienced
Information not available
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You'd 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's 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
consider sustainability and ways to reduce the environmental impact of buildings
decide what surveys will be required and make sure they're 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.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Computing Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Design and Technology
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Engineering Science
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Graphic Communication
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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.
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 on the CIAT website.
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).
You can register for student membership of CIAT while studying an approved higher education qualification. You're 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'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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