Architectural technologists, constituting a vital part of a team, are responsible for developing architectural designs that are used as blueprints for carrying out building construction. They analyze bylaws, building codes, site requirements and space along with technical reports and documents for planning the construction.
Architectural Technologist's Job Profile
Architectural technologists work independently and also provide technical help to the civil designing engineers and professional architects in preparing drawings, conducting research, specifications and architectural designs. They help in supervising the construction projects too. These technologists are required to apply building technologies to designs and construction that include nature of construction, material selection, and performance check of the buildings under use.
Architectural technologists are also accountable for getting the planning permissions. They coordinate design teams while inspecting the work that is under progress. They offer unique design solution to the customers. Collection and analysis of the technical information is done by these architectural technologists too.
The work of an architectural technologist varies on the basis of size, type and nature of work. But the general responsibilities of these professionals include meeting clients and taking project briefs. The duty of advising and evaluating the regulatory, legal and environmental issues due to construction is on the shoulders of architectural technologists.
They plan applications and regulate their procedures. They are responsible for assessing land surveys before starting the work. With the progression of a project, they develop the project briefs accordingly. Coordination of design information along with implementation of the design details falls within their purview. Risk assessments of using certain designs, project certification and administration of contracts are undertaken while the work is in progress.
Skills Required
For carrying out the job of the architecture technologists, the candidate needs to have good computer and freehand drawing skills. They should have the ability to visualize 3D objects with proper detailing and designs. For making financial and technical calculations, mathematical skills should also be present in the technologists. Along with the proper understanding of building technology, the candidate must have scientific abilities.
He should have a practical and logical approach while working. Capabilities of using spaces and building the best possible way falls within the purview of an architectural technologist. Like most other jobs, the communication skills of the candidate should be strong with the ability to sail through problems even under stress. Strong management and organization skills will help in handling different projects and coordinating with several people.
Academic Qualifications and Training
The aspiring architectural technologist candidates can benefit from education program offering technical skill improvements. Such a program helps them to be prepared for a job in the construction and architectural firms. A two year technical program can teach computer assisted and freehand drafting and can also provide knowledge on interior arrangements of the commercial buildings, process of wiring diagrams, and layout schematics. They are also able to learn the basics of the structural foundations with the help of such programs. These programs require the candidates to possess analytical and mathematical skills.
Many employers look for a considerable amount of experience for the job of architectural technologist. The aspiring applicants must possess experience in the building technology including aligning specifications, putting building together and construction of drawing packages. The experience of building makeovers and conventional constructions is must for the candidate too. He should have the ability and knowledge about construction costs.
Salary and Job Prospects
The average salary of the architectural technologists is $80,000 annually, which is expected to rise by around 18% in the near future.
The salaries are subject to change on the basis of industry, locations, experience and company. According to statistics, there are numerous opening for the right candidate. The employment opportunities for architectural technologists will continue to be lucrative in the following years.
Career Prospects (globally)
There is a plethora of opportunities for these professionals. Most of them are employed in local, central government, architectural practices, property developers, housing associations and commercial companies. A lot of architectural technologists are finding work in processing and manufacturing industries too. There are many of these technologists who are self employed after gaining experience. With experience and consistency, the architectural technologists are promoted to senior posts. They are also finding work in universities for undertaking research work.
The architectural technologists with their professional expertise, design abilities, interpersonal skills, and technical information have played a very important role when it comes to comprehension and interpretation of designs and client's technical designs.
