Architectural Technician
What is an architectural technician?
An architectural technician is someone who assists architects in the design and construction of buildings by creating technical drawings and providing technical support.
What does an architectural technician do?
Usually, an architectural technician does the following:
- Works closely with architects to develop detailed drawings and plans for construction projects
- Produces technical drawings and specifications using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Conducts site visits to gather information and assess progress during construction
- Collaborates with contractors and other professionals to ensure the accuracy and quality of the construction process
What does the day-to-day life of an architectural technician look like?
An architectural technician usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the company or project. They spend their time creating technical drawings and working on the computer to produce accurate plans and designs. They may also visit construction sites to gather information and assess progress.
Where does an architectural technician work?
Architectural technicians can work in various settings:
- Architectural firms: They can work in architectural firms, collaborating with architects and other professionals to design and construct buildings.
- Construction companies: They can work within construction companies, providing technical support and producing drawings for construction projects.
- Government agencies: They can work in government agencies, participating in the planning and development of public infrastructure projects.
What tools/software/hardware does an architectural technician use?
An architectural technician uses a variety of tools including:
- CAD software: The leading software used in the industry is AutoCAD, but there are alternatives such as Revit and ArchiCAD.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) software: BIM software like Revit is commonly used to create 3D models and generate accurate construction drawings.
What do I need to become an architectural technician?
There are a number of ways you can become an architectural technician, including:
- Higher education: You can pursue a higher education qualification such as a bachelor's degree or a foundation degree in architectural technology or a related field.
- Apprenticeship: You can also enter the field through an apprenticeship program, where you can gain practical experience while studying.
What career paths are available?
There are a number of career paths available to you as an architectural technician, including:
- Senior Architectural Technician: With experience, you can progress to a senior role, where you take on more responsibilities and manage projects.
- Architect: Some architectural technicians choose to further their education and training to become qualified architects.
- Project Manager: With the knowledge and skills gained as an architectural technician, you can transition into project management roles within the construction industry.
What jobs are similar to an architectural technician?
- Architectural Technologist: Similar to architectural technicians, architectural technologists assist in the design and construction of buildings but may have more involvement in the technical aspects of the projects.
- CAD Technician: CAD technicians specialize in using computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and plans for various industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.
- Construction Manager: Construction managers oversee and coordinate construction projects, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget.
What made you want to become an architectural technician?
How did you get your first architectural technician job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an architectural technician?
Are you an architectural technician? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to architectural technician. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.