Architectural technician
Architectural technicians with closely with architectural teams on the design process of building projects.
1. Entry requirements
You’ll usually need a higher national diploma (HND), foundation degree or degree in:
- architectural technology
- construction
- the built environment
You could also get taken on as a trainee. It will improve your chances of finding a traineeship if you have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
- 2 A levels at grade C or above (or equivalent UCAS Tariff points) in related subjects like maths, science, IT and technology
You could also get into this career through an advanced apprenticeship.
2. Skills required
You’ll need:
- drawing skills and the ability to visualise objects in 3D
- the ability to read designs and technical drawings
- computer aided design (CAD) skills
- maths skills
- communication and teamworking skills
3. What you'll do
You'll work on the design plans of building projects like home extensions or sports stadiums.
You'll work for private architects’ practices, housing associations, property developers, and building and construction companies.
Your duties could include:
- preparing technical information to plan projects
- collecting and reading technical data
- preparing plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
- preparing applications for approval by regulatory bodies
- developing specifications for building work
- giving technical advice to the project team
- visiting sites to check on progress
You'll work closely with architectural technologists, architects and other professionals.
4. Salary
Starter: £18,000 to £23,000
Experienced: £23,000 to £30,000
Highly Experienced: up to £40,000
These figures are a guide.
5. Working hours, patterns and environment
You’ll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You'll also usually work extra hours to meet deadlines.You’ll be mainly office-based, but you'll also visit clients and construction sites.
6. Career path and progression
With experience you could work towards Technician (TCIAT) membership of CIAT.With further training, you could work towards becoming an architectural technologist.
Related careers
You may be interested in:
Last updated: 18 August 2017