The Work of an Architectural Technologist
The architectural technologist is concerned primarily with the technological aspects of building design and construction - from the initial client briefing to completion of the project.
Qualification, together with practical experience, equips the architectural technologist to conduct an investigative study, design and produce a workable solution, research and select materials, provide technical information, negotiate with planning and building authorities and supervise development and construction work.
A detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and building regulations is essential.
The architectural technologist must take a vast number of considerations into account in advance of the initial design stage. The first is to understand the client's requirements. From this a preliminary investigation is carried out which entails gathering, analysing and preparing all the relevant technical information. Architectural technologists consult with other professionals when the need arises for particular specialists to contribute to the project.
Once the technical report has been compiled in a form most appropriate to the design stage, some architectural technologists may prepare the conceptual designs for client presentation themselves while others work with an architect. In all cases, once the design has been accepted, it is the architectural technologist who will prepare the detailed design and specifications, satisfying the legislative and regulatory requirements and solving the technical problems which inevitably arise. In the process, they will often need to introduce new ideas.
Architectural technologists' responsibilities do not end there. They form an essential link in a process which leads from conceptual design all the way through to construction, making a strong contribution to the building work itself by monitoring schedules, answering problems, issuing progress reports to everyone involved, making sure the specified materials are being used and carrying out regular inspections.
What are the career prospects?
Most qualified architectural technologists work in private practice and there is every opportunity to become a partner or director for those with the right levels of commitment, ability and determination. Practices may be headed by architectural technologists, architects or other professionals in the construction industry.
Many architectural technologists set up on their own or with others after becoming qualified and gaining enough experience from working in a private practice. In this way new practices are formed, creating further employment opportunities.
Career openings for architectural technologists also exist with central government, local authorities, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, banks and commercial and manufacturing companies.
Is there a professional body?
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) looks after educational standards and the continuing professional needs of its 6,000 members working in the United Kingdom and overseas. The Institute operates a network of 15 regional centres in the UK and two overseas centres. It is in these centres that student members can make themselves known to a whole community of architectural technologists and become part of that community. In this way they raise their personal profiles at an early career stage, establish extremely useful contacts for the future, gain an insight into the range of opportunities open to them and learn much from the technical expertise of qualified members.
Awareness-raising activities in the regional centres include, for example, technical events, lectures, seminars, workshops and video presentations. Less serious events such as quizzes and ten-pin bowling challenges provide relaxation and strengthen the social aspects of membership. The centres also organise the Institute's local award assessments, the winners of which go forward to compete in the ClAT annual national award.
How do I get started?
For those who have chosen to make architectural technology their career, qualifying as a full member of ClAT is an essential stepping stone. More and more architectural practices and other employers are insisting that the architectural technologists on their staff must demonstrate their professional competence and commitment. Equally, a growing number of client organisations are only prepared to commission architectural technologists who have qualified professionally through the Institute.
For those following full-time courses, student membership of the CIAT presents the only real opportunity to gain valuable practical experience and understanding off-campus. It offers a useful insight into the world of architectural technology and the chance to meet and learn from those who influence and lead it.
Because of the increasingly complex and technically demanding nature of its members' work, the Charetered Institute of Architectural Technologists has entered a transitional phase during which a first degree in Architectural Technology or a technologically based built environment degree will become the minimum educational qualification for entry as an Associate (ACIAT).
In the meantime, HND/HNC courses will continue to be accepted. All courses must be approved by the Institute.
What skills do I need?
Architectural technologists use a combination of professional expertise, interpersonal skills, design ability and precisely written instructions to communicate complex technical information to a variety of people. They also must be able to receive information in order to comprehend and interpret the designs and technical demands of others.
They must be practical and methodical in their approach, able to visualise objects in three dimensions and to prepare meticulous and accurate information accompanied by articulate notation . They must also be analytical and innovative, as much of the work involves problem solving. Many building features shown on architectural drawings and artists' impressions may look feasible, but turning them into a practical reality takes an inventive and enquiring mind. Finally, it is becoming essential for anyone coming into the profession to be computer literate.
Tell me more!
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
397 City Road, London EC1V 1NH
Tel: +44 (0)20 7278 2206
Fax: +44 (0)20 7837 3194
www.ciat.org.uk
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