Career Path Guide
If you want to become an architectural technologist, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for your skills, interests and personality traits; does the following describe you?
• You have an interest in how buildings are built and used
• You have an understanding of conventional building practices, materials and techniques
• You enjoy analyzing building project requirements
• You enjoy preparing drawings, plans and 3D models
• You enjoy the idea of collaborating with architects and other professionals
• You are flexible when working with the ideas of others
• You are able to hold others accountable to their contractual obligations
Below we've outlined what you'll need to get into this field. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Get Started
Although the requirements may vary by employer, you typically need a diploma or degree in architectural technology in order to become an architectural technologist.
Architectural technology programs typically involve classroom work, project work and site visits. Some programs may include a period of supervised practical training, or an internship as a requirement for graduation.
Subjects that are likely to be covered in an architectural technology program include building technology, building materials, structures, building services, surveying, architectural history, graphics, computer applications (such as CAD), costs and contract administration.
Architectural Technologist Job Description
An architectural technologist helps turn the architect's design concept into a properly completed construction project. Working as part of an architect’s team, an architectural technologist is responsible for preparing production information related to building projects.
Production Information
Architectural technologists concern themselves with the technical side of design; they must ensure that an attractive functional building performs successfully. The production information they prepare relates to coordinating the structural, electrical and mechanical designs of a project.
The information they prepare may be in the form of working drawings, schedules, and specifications, 3D models, or other forms, and must include detailed instructions and specifications, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the building.
Site Supervision
In addition to preparing production information, they may be responsible for acting as the architect’s representative on a construction site; ensuring the proper materials are being used and that building regulations are met. They also monitor quality assurance, costs and deadlines, and may perform various administrative functions, such as those related to obtaining building permits, fire safety certificates, building contracts, et cetera.
Typical Job Duties
• Inform site and project managers of any specific actions needed to correct design problems
• Work under the general supervision of architects
• Prepare request for quotes, cost estimates and contracts for multiple projects
• Act as a representative of the architect on site
• Conduct site inspections and prepare site notes
• Coordinate structural, mechanical and electrical designs
• Assemble all data necessary to complete architectural designs
• Use computer aided design programs to create working drawings and three dimensional models
Areas of Specialization
While many architectural technologists work in the field as generalists, some choose to become specialists in particular areas, such as specification writing, technology, materials, regulations, or CAD management, or other areas.
Who Creates Jobs for Architectural Technologists?
Architectural technologists may be employed on a part-time, full-time or contractual basis for a variety of different types of organizations, including:
• Small, medium or large architectural firms
• Government departments
• Building contractors
• Architectural graphic and model-making companies
• Interior design companies
• Real estate development companies
• Manufacturers or suppliers of building products and materials
• Utilities companies
• Self-employment
Architectural Technologist Salary
The salary level of architectural technologists can vary depending on their personal qualifications, the specific responsibilities of their job, and many other factors.
Salary - Canada (Alberta Figures Only): According to the 2018 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working in the Architectural Technologists and Technicians occupational group earn an average salary of $65,753 per year. Unfortunately, no similar statistics were available from reliable sources for other Canadian provinces or territories at the time of writing (June 4, 2019).
Salary - United States: There is no reliable salary information available specifically for Architectural Technologists in the United States. We can however, get a good idea of what they earn by looking at the salary levels of workers in closely related occupations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, American workers in the Civil Engineering Technologists occupational group earn a median salary of $47,560 per year.
Skills Needed to Be Successful
In order to be competent in a role as an architectural technologist, you need to posses a certain set of skills. These skills will allow you to perform your job duties with competence, and you will likely need to show evidence of them in your resume when applying for architectural technologist jobs.
• Mechanical aptitude
• Able to visualize 3D structures from 2D plans
• Work effectively as a member of a team
• Proficient in AutoCAD
• Experience wit BIM software
• Managerial skills
• Demonstrated initiative and persistence
• Able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Able to communicate well graphically, orally and in writing
• An understanding of all the related systems involved in building a project
• An understanding of fundamental construction practices, techniques, and conventions
Personal Traits Needed
In order to enjoy performing the duties of an architectural technologist, you need to have certain personality traits. Taking enjoyment from your duties as an architectural technologist is important, as it helps you maintain a positive attitude towards your work, which usually leads to having a long and successful career.
• An interest in buildings; how they are built, how they work and how they are used
• A willingness to take responsibility for your work
• High moral and ethical standards
• Take enjoyment from analyzing project requirements
• Able to work as part of a team, and take direction from others
• Enjoy performing tasks that require precision
• Able to hold others accountable to their contractual obligations
Architectural Technology Jobs
Our job board below has "Architectural Technologist" postings in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Career Advancement in This Profession
Architectural technologists may begin their careers by working as assistants to other technologists, architects or engineers. With enough experience, assistants become architectural technologists, and with more experience, as well as proven initiative and competence, may advance to supervisory or management roles, such as those that involve overseeing the production of working drawings and details.
Architectural technologists might also move into other roles within architecture. They may choose to specialize in an area, such as working as specification writers for consulting firms. They may also choose to become self-employed as architectural technologists.
Similar Occupational Profiles in Our System
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature this one, as they involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities:
Civil Engineering Technologist
References
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career in this field.
Occupations in Alberta: “Architectural Technologist.” (December 31, 2018). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Architecture and Engineering: “Civil Engineering Technicians.” (September 4, 2019). United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
Job Profile: “Architectural Technologist.” AGCAS editors (September, 2018). Prospects website. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
Scholarships for Becoming an Architectural Technologist
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming an architectural technologist can be found on our Architecture Scholarships, Fine Arts Scholarships and Graphic Design Scholarships pages.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Relevant Fields of Study
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point for working in this field. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
