Introduction Councils own and manage a large number of buildings. Architectural technologists work in partnership with architects, and are concerned particularly with the technical performance of buildings rather than the design elements.

Work Environment

Architectural technologists work in council offices. However, their work also involves some time spent out of the office – in attending meetings, carrying out surveys and making site visits. When on site, they wear hard hats and protective clothing.

Hours of work are normally 37 per week.

Daily Activities

Architectural technologists will often work on projects as a part of a team of professionals together with architects, electrical, mechanical and structural engineers and interior designers.

Their work varies according to the type and size of their employing council. In addition to their own offices, district councils own some housing stock and public buildings (for example art galleries and libraries), while unitary, metropolitan and county councils own and manage a greater variety of properties, including schools, residential care establishments and day centres.

Architectural technologists may be involved in a project from the first meeting with a client to handing over the finished building. The first stages are to meet with the client, discuss the requirements and budget, investigate legal and planning implications and produce a design. When this is accepted, they make much more detailed drawings specifying the exact measurements, materials and internal fittings. They then manage construction workers and make frequent site visits to check on the quality of the work. They work closely with engineers, quantity surveyors, construction managers, interior designers, and sometimes, landscape architects.

Alternatively, an architect does the initial stages of the work and produces the design for the building. The architectural technologist is part of the project team and contributes to design development meetings, but their practical work effectively begins at the production information stage. From that point, either the architect or the technologist may manage the project.

Some architectural technologists specialise in certain types of building – for example schools – and work closely with teachers and educational advisers over their requirements. They may also have specific responsibilities within their departments, such as researching changes to construction legislation and briefing colleagues.

Skills & Interests

Architectural technologists need:

• an interest in design,
• ability to interpret other people’s designs,
• technical drawing ability,
• mathematical skills,
• problem solving ability,
• a knowledge of building technology,
• a knowledge of construction law and building regulations,
• excellent communication skills and an ability to explain technical information and design problems to other people,
• be capable of working well in a team.

Entry Requirements

Councils may recruit graduates with a degree in Architectural Technology. There are 27 universities in the UK with courses approved by the British Institute of Architectural Technologists (BIAT). Alternatively, they may recruit those with an HNC in Construction. You could also join the council as a trainee and work towards NVQ/SVQs or an Apprenticeship.

Please note that there is now also a new qualification for Architectural Technicians – this is a different role and details are available from the BIAT.

Estimated salary range

Salaries vary according to skills, experience and levels of responsibility; you could earn anything between £15,210 and £39,516.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

A small council might employ one or two architectural technologists. A large council might employ up to 20.

There are prospects of promotion to senior positions, which involve managing staff.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Building Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

British Institute of Architectural Technologists www.biat.org.uk

Construction Skills www.citb.co.uk

Shape East www.shape-east.org.uk/index.html

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under BA.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Architectural Technologist vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.