What is a professionally qualified Architectural Technician?

As a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, you will be a specialist in the application of technology in architecture, building design and construction.

You will not be able to set up your own practice but will be an integral part of the team with specific skills in a supporting role specialising in research and detailing.

Project inception
Professionally qualified Architectural Technicians are specialists in the collation, organisation and investigation of technical information for use during the development of the project design

• Collating and organising technical information
• Investigating technical information and factors that affect developments, including user needs, site and building surveys and regulatory requirements

Project planning

• Monitoring health and safety in design
• Preparing regulatory applications

Design process
Professionally qualified Architectural Technicians specialise in the application of technology to architecture, building design and construction. They are recognised as having specialist skills enabling them to use their technical knowledge and skills to provide innovative solutions

• Preparing design proposals using CAD and traditional methods
• Contributing to the detailed design process and co-ordinating detailed design information
• Preparing specifications for construction work
• Preparing drawings, plans and documents for statutory approvals
• Contributing to design stage risk assessment

Contract management
Professionally qualified Architectural Technicians can participate in the process

• Making site visits
• Obtaining tenders for construction work
• Contributing to meetings and document preparation

Professional practice
Whilst Technician members of CIAT, TCIAT, cannot practise on their own account, they are an integral part of the architectural design process. As architectural professionals they must adhere to a Code of Conduct

• Liaising between members of the design and construction team
• Providing professional technical guidance to design and construction teams
• Undertaking structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD), possibly progressing towards Chartered Membership of CIAT, MCIAT, and a career as a Chartered Architectural Technologist 

To become a professionally qualified Architectural Technician it is recommended that you complete an Architectural Technology Associate degree, Higher Diploma (HND), Higher Certificate (HNC) or Foundation degree in Architectural Technology (or construction equivalent).

Download a copy of the Careers and Membership Handbook:

  Careers and Membership Handbook