Architectural technologist jobs

Architectural technologists employ their ingenuity and expertise in technical matters to transform creative concepts into structures that are long-lasting and environmentally friendly.

You are qualified to oversee a project from its very beginning all the way to its conclusion if you have earned the MCIAT designation as a chartered architectural technologist. You will develop an expertise in the technological aspects of architecture, with a primary concentration on the design of functional and efficient structures.

Your responsibilities will encompass conceptualization and technical design, as well as development and detailing; construction technology; contract administration; environmentally responsible practices; and the creation of inclusive settings. The use of architectural technology is possible in the context of projects including renovation, modification, and other forms of building.

Responsibilities

You'll need to be able to do the following to become an architectural technologist:

Obtain early agreement on the project brief by conferring with clients and other experts at an early stage.

Learn how the design features of a building project affect and connect to performance and functional concerns, in order to answer practical questions from the very beginning of the process.

assess, analyze, and provide guidance on environmental, legal, and regulatory concerns

contribute to the planning applications as well as the other application processes for regulatory bodies

Identify the surveys (such as land surveys) that need to be completed before construction can begin, and make sure that they are carried out and that the findings are included into the project.

Establish project briefs and continue to work on them as the project moves forward.

create and present design suggestions via the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and other design tools, in addition to more conventional drawing techniques.

direct the process of detailed design and act as the information coordinator for design

Provide customers with advice on how to get the contracts that are the most beneficial and suitable for the activity they are carrying out.

While creating documents for statutory permission, maintain communication with the relevant authorities (such as planning queries and building inspectors, for example).

generate, investigate, and provide advice on comprehensive requirements for relevant materials or procedures that will be used

carry out design-stage risk evaluations

Manage certifications and contractual obligations for the project.

oversee the work of apprentice technicians and make contributions to the smooth operation of the company as a whole.

Once construction is finished, it is important to collect feedback from customers and individuals who will be utilizing the facility, as well as report on the performance of the contractors.

conduct an analysis of the operational efficiency of currently occupied buildings and create information for the management of building maintenance

assess the situation and provide suggestions on deconstruction, recycling, reusing, and refurbishing.

Salary

The beginning salary for graduates and young technologists typically vary from twenty thousand to twenty five thousand pounds.

Pay ranges from £24,000 to £45,000 for those with a few years of experience and a seniority level in the middle.

The pay of senior-level employees are typically in the range of $45,000 to $60,000 per year. In highly senior jobs, there is the possibility of earning more than $100,000 per year.

It is possible to apply a London weighting, and it is possible to earn larger compensation with more experience and by taking on a greater share of the responsibility for managing difficult projects. Additional perks, like as corporate automobiles and pension plans, could also be provided by practices.

The monetary amounts listed are just meant to serve as a reference point.

Time spent working

The average workday runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but employers often expect their employees to put in additional time—sometimes even on weekends—especially when the deadline is drawing near.

What may be anticipated

You have the option of working alone or as a group. Although site visits are not necessary very often, the bulk of the work is performed in an office setting. Data collection and attendance at meetings are two activities that might take up more time away from the workplace.

The work that has to be done on construction sites must proceed regardless of the weather, and suitable protective gear must be worn at all times.

The hourly rates that architectural technologists who are self-employed often earn are greater than those that are earned by those who are hired in salaried employment; nevertheless, you will need to account for allowances for any time taken off for vacation or illness.

Breaks in one's career and working part-time are options that may be available, depending on the kind of job one does.

There are jobs to be had throughout the most of the regions of the UK, and there are also possibilities to work in other countries. The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has earned a reputation that extends throughout the globe.

Qualifications

It is not necessary to have a degree, and it is feasible to advance in one's career by beginning in a technical role.

Having an accredited degree, on the other hand, opens up more doors and moves you down the path to chartership more quickly. The degree in architectural technology is the one that is most pertinent, although other degrees in related fields that are eligible include the following:

engineering and architecture in the field of architecture

engineering for buildings and their systems

building/construction

constructed environment studies

Engineering of the built environment and structures

engineering that is assisted by computers

construction management

surveying.

It is not required to have a postgraduate certification, but individuals who are interested in furthering their education may take master's level courses and participate in research opportunities. Either in the field of architectural technology or in one of the other associated fields. CIAT has granted accreditation to a variety of master's degree programs.

The United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and other European countries are home to roughly thirty authorized undergraduate and master's degree programs in architectural technology.

It is beneficial to enroll in a course that has been granted accreditation by the CIAT since this indicates that the program has been evaluated in terms of its content, structure, and resources and that it has been determined to be in compliance with the institute's criteria. In addition to this, it indicates that a candidate will be eligible for exemptions when qualifying to become a chartered architectural technologist, commonly known as an MCIAT. During the time that you are enrolled in school, your CIAT Student membership will not cost you anything.

Find an Accredited Programme allows you to search for accredited courses offered by CIAT.

Entry with an HNC or HND in construction, architectural technology, or building studies, or a foundation degree in architectural technology, is often done so via the technician path, and it may lead to Associate membership in the CIAT. Members have the opportunity to further their careers and become chartered architectural technicians (MCIAT). You will need to take the CIAT - Profile candidate Type A route in order to join the profession with an unrecognized qualification or without a degree if you do not have a degree.

Conduct research to find postgraduate programs that specialize in architectural studies.

Skills

You will need to demonstrate that:

inherent aptitude for both mathematics and architecture, as well as an interest in both

a keen sense for both design and detail, in addition to the capacity to imagine things in three dimensions (3D)

a method of problem-solving that is both rational and actionable

planning and organizing capabilities.

Having the ability to lead and being prepared to accept responsibility go hand in hand.

excellent communication abilities, since there is regular need to engage with a variety of parties including clients, authorities, and other experts.

the capacity to operate cooperatively and effectively within a group setting

the ability to continue working while being under duress.

Practice in the workplace

You will have a better understanding of how a design or architectural firm functions as well as how projects are managed if you have relevant job experience. This is a highly significant asset.

Opportunities for holiday employment and placements may be obtained via university departments, recruiting agencies, CIAT publications, industry periodicals, and websites. Some degrees incorporate a placement year in industry as part of the curriculum.

Find out more information on the many types of work experience and internships that are currently offered.

Employers

There is a diverse variety of work options available in the UK; some examples of typical companies are as follows:

institutes of higher education and scientific research

practices related to architecture and design

institutions such as banks and building societies

companies that specialize in building and construction

organizations that provide housing

government at the local level

Developers of real estate

planners of the towns.

You could also be able to put your abilities to use in the processing and manufacturing sectors, as well as in health care or government institutions.

Self-employment might be a viable choice if you've earned your MCIAT certification and accumulated a significant amount of work experience. You have the option of working on a freelance or contract basis, for example with a property developer, or starting your own practice, either on your own or in collaboration with other construction or design experts.

There are chances to work in other countries, including positions with architectural firms established in the UK that have international contracts or operations in other countries, as well as opportunities to work for certain government agencies.

There are also specialized recruiting companies, such as Hays Construction and Hunter Dunning, where you might perhaps locate open positions.

Improvement of one's profession

Those who have graduated from appropriate higher education programs and who have previously signed up for CIAT student membership are eligible to upgrade their membership to the associate level and to use the letters ACIAT after their names. This is provided that they have also registered for the student membership. Applicants who are self-employed do not have the option of applying for associate membership; rather, they are required to register as a profile candidate of type B.

Becoming a certified member of CIAT is the most essential action you can take to further your career as an architectural technologist. To get this, you must first pass a professional assessment interview and then either complete the MCIAT Professional Assessment or the MCIAT Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record. There is no distinction between chartered architectural technologists and any other chartered professions.

In addition to the content knowledge you already possess, you'll also need to work on developing a variety of additional abilities. These skills often acquired via on-the-job training and may sometimes be supplemented by employer-sponsored short courses. In order to enhance your interpersonal skills, design abilities, computer skills, and technical drawing skills, you will need to participate in ongoing professional development (CPD), which may be accomplished via in-house or external courses.

Because management is such an important aspect of the job, you can decide to hone your skills in this area by earning certifications in fields such as business, construction management, and project management.

Prospects for one's career

Your professional opportunities and growth may be significantly impacted by the kind of the job you do as well as the size of the company for which you now work.

However, smaller architectural practices may sometimes offer greater responsibility earlier on in one's career, as well as the opportunity to gain skills and experience in a variety of specialist areas. This is in contrast to larger organizations, which typically provide more structured opportunities for promotion to supervisory and management positions. However, in order to advance one's career or enhance one's compensation, it may be essential to switch employment or relocate in order to do so.

Due to the fact that so much of the work is project-based, it is often feasible to shift into sectors that are not construction-based, such as other areas of industry and commerce. For example, since so much of the work is project-based.

There is the possibility of opening up your own practice, which is something that must be registered with CIAT, and there is also the possibility of working in higher education, both in terms of teaching and doing research. You might also think about working in the sector as a trainer for various types of classes.