what is an architectural technician?
During the designing stage of a building, the architects need to create a functional blueprint. While the architects have the structural knowledge to form the design, they may require technical expertise to create a practical drawing for contractors to use during construction.
An architectural technician fills the gaps by providing technical expertise to architects and knowledge on designs to engineers. They combine the available designs from architects and calculations from engineers to create a blueprint.
what does an architectural technician do?
As an architectural technician, your job is to incorporate technical data into building drawings and create a functional model. You will use figures like material lengths, weights and quantities from surveyors to design a visual blueprint. Sometimes, you have to make a hand-drawn sketch of the design and features. However, most construction companies also require you to use computer-aided design software to digitise the designs and develop a workable guideline.
As an architectural technician, you can also assist in finding suitable materials for the project. For instance, if you are creating a sustainable architectural design, you need to help the contractors to find the ideal materials. You also recommend the best practices and construction techniques that meet the established sustainable building standards.
Would working as an architectural technician suit your creativity and attentiveness to details? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an architectural technician role.
average salary of an architectural technician
According to National Careers, the salary of an architectural technician at an entry-level position is £18,000 per year. Your compensation package rises to £40,000 a year as you gain experience and improve your skills. Aside from the basic wages, architectural technicians receive various benefits, including medical insurance and multiple allowances that aid their jobs. Some employers also provide bonuses and paid vacation time to architectural technicians.
how to increase your salary as an architectural technician
Your take-home salary often depends on multiple factors, including the company size and experience levels. Working for a large construction company increases your salary prospects. Big companies offer higher salaries since they have unlimited resources. Besides, the complexity of the projects and the required expertise raise your compensation package. Small companies often have a limited budget and pay less, but the scope of work allows you to gain experience in all aspects of the job.
The location also affects your pay scale since small towns have lower living costs and attract fewer projects than urban centres. If you want to boost your wages, consider working in big cities like London. You also need to build your experience and enhance your skills to improve your competitiveness and salary prospects. Work experience shows the value you bring, and most companies pay more for expert knowledge in the field.
types of architectural technicians
As an architectural technician, you can specialise in the following roles:
- residential architectural technician: as a residential architectural technician, you work alongside other professionals to create custom building designs for homes. Your job is to draw plans with accurate measurements and estimate the material costs. During remodelling, you fine-tune the existing plans to guide the construction crew in making suitable adjustments.
- commercial/industrial architectural technician: when you work on industrial or commercial buildings, you need to develop functional design plans. The layout of a property should promote its purpose. It is your responsibility to ensure a building has the desired flow and is eye-catching to promote traffic for retail spaces.
- sustainable architectural technician: with sustainability becoming a significant concern, green design architectural technicians are in demand. As a sustainable architect, your job is to draw environmentally friendly buildings. You also assist contractors in choosing sustainable materials and incorporating renewable energy sources like installing solar panels on the roofing.
working as an architectural technician
Becoming an architectural technician allows you to be a part of large structures and construction projects. Some of the daily activities and duties to expect include:
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architectural technician job description
Specific duties and responsibilities of an architectural technician depend on the company, but some of the tasks to expect include:
- research: as an architectural technician, you should meet with other construction crew members to evaluate the project. It is important to understand the processes used in the construction and the materials. From the research, you can create a technical plan and blueprint of the project. You have to create several designs that outline different changes made to the projects to accommodate plumbing or landscaping.
- drafting and designing building sketches: when you have adequate information, you use computer-aided design and drafting software (CADD) to generate technical design plans. Your blueprints should incorporate all the costs and measurements for the building. Sometimes, architects draw the sketches by hand, and you have to digitise and adjust the technical details to create a functional blueprint.
- preconstruction work: as an architectural technician, you can be part of the initial consultation team that assess the client's needs. You assist the client with initial feasibility studies and surveys and advice on the regulations for the project. You have to help your employer obtain the initial approvals for construction and create contracts for materials and contractors.
- conducting inspections during construction: architectural technicians coordinate the professionals working on the construction project. Your job includes evaluating contracts and tenders for supplies and labour. Alternatively, you can ensure compliance with the designs and regularly inspect the building's progress.
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work environment
As an architectural technician, most of your work is office-based since you have to prepare sketches and draw blueprints. You also spend some time visiting clients for consultations before designing the schematics and checking the changes they need on the buildings. Occasionally, you will work from the construction site to check the project's progress. Site work often includes working outdoors, which exposes you to harsh weather conditions. You may need to climb ladders to check the project's progress, and you should wear a safety helmet and boots.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues might include architects, surveyors, civil engineers and planners. On construction sites, you might be working in close proximity to site supervisors, project managers and landscape architects. In the office, however, you could be in the company of specialists that could include, but not be limited to, accountants, drafters and interior designers.
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work schedule
When you are an architectural technician, you will work between 38 to 40 hours a week. That means your workdays run from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Sometimes, you have to work weekends when you have urgent projects to complete. While most opportunities for architectural technicians are full-time, part-time jobs are also available. Some companies also hire on a contractual basis. Your architectural technician responsibilities also involve travelling to meet clients or visiting project sites.
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job outlook
As an architectural technician, you can progress into various roles and explore other career options. For instance, you can acquire additional training to become an architect. Alternatively, specialise in specific structures like residential housing, commercial buildings and sustainable designs. Architectural technicians can also become architectural designers, technologists or, with additional qualifications, construction managers. Some technicians also advance to managerial roles like project management.
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advantages of finding an architectural technician job through randstad
Finding your architectural technician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an architectural technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Explore the following routes for becoming an architectural technician:
- university: to become an architectural technician, you need a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a foundation degree. A course in architectural technology or related field is a great start, provided the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologist (CIAT) approves the course. For the degree, you need 1 or 2 A Levels.
- college: completing a college course such as a Level 3 Diploma in Built Environment Design, Surveying and planning or Design can also make you an architectural technician. Level 3 Certificate in 3D Design is also an option, and you need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
- apprenticeship: instead of a degree or diploma course, you can join an apprenticeship with an architectural or construction company. You need 5 GCSEs to join an advanced apprenticeship in built environment and design. During the training, you work 30 hours a week.
- work experience: you need to gain work experience to increase your employability. Attending internships and vocational training programmes adds some experience to your resume and increases your chances of getting a job.
skills and competencies
The skills below will help you succeed as an architectural technician:
- knowledge of the design process: as an architectural technician, you need expert knowledge in design to create sketches and models. Drawing skills are crucial for crafting hand-drawn sketches and polishing up the designs using computer software.
- aptitude for maths: while you won't spend days doing calculus and advanced mathematics, you need to understand their application in construction. For instance, it is vital to know how much weight a material can hold when selecting materials. Knowledge of maths and physics helps you make such calculations.
- computer literacy: an architectural technician needs computer skills to design blueprints and create project guides.
- knowledge in industry laws and codes: as an architectural technician, you need to advise clients on building regulations. Knowledge of industry laws and building codes ensures you acquire the necessary permissions for projects.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an architectural technician
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what does an architectural technician do?
An architectural technician is in charge of incorporating technical details into a building design. They also assist with the legal aspects of the construction process by acquiring permits.
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how much do architectural technicians make?
As an architectural technician, your salary ranges from £18,000 to £40,000 per year. Your salary increases as you improve your qualifications and work experience.
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what is the difference between an architectural technician and an architect?
An architect focuses on designing a building using art and science to create a beautiful sketch. An architectural technician focuses on the technical specification of a drawing.
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what do you need to become an architectural technician?
You can become an architectural technician through a diploma or degree course in a construction-related field. Alternatively, get an apprenticeship in Built Environment Design.
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how much does a CAD technician make a year?
A CAD technician earns an average salary of £17,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience and educational qualifications.
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how do I apply for an architectural technician vacancy?
Applying for an architectural technician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
