7 skills all architectural technologists need
Posted on: 7 August, 2024
If you’re interested in a career in Architectural Technology, here are 7 key skills that can help you succeed in this field.
Architectural technologists are the built environment professionals that make the architect’s aesthetic vision a practical, sustainable reality. As such, a career in architectural technology requires a combination of creative vision and technical expertise.
Thanks to new challenges, namely the emergence of sustainable development as a new priority, the implementation of the Building Safety Act and significant shortage in adequately trained talent in the industry, there are a wealth of opportunities for people to enter this industry.
If you’re curious about a career in architectural technology, here are the key skills professionals need that could make you a good fit.
1. Digital skills
The days of the traditional blueprint papers and sketches may well be numbered. Thanks to new technologies like generative design, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and digital twins, Architectural Technologists have a plethora of ways they can craft a design, collaborate with others and keep track of information.
With BIM itself being used by 70% of architectural professionals, according to a Microsoft and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) survey with 300 respondents, being comfortable and proficient with new software and technologies is now a must for any aspiring Architectural Technologist. What’s more, when it comes to seeking employment, many architectural firms will prefer candidates who can demonstrate existing experience and confidence with these tools.
Learn more: Is your business ready for architecture’s digital transformation?
2. Creativity
It shouldn’t be a surprise that creativity is a prerequisite for a career as an Architectural Technologist. As such, people with art and design skills, along with the ability to draw by hand, may find this profession appealing.
However, while the role of the technician in the design process is ultimately to ground designs within practical limitations and facts, this objective itself also presents opportunities to deliver creative solutions to complex problems.
3. Analytical skills
A technician or technologist will have to navigate a wide range of laws, codes and regulations to make their design compliant, with any oversights posing significant consequences. The Building Safety Act is a key example, with this legislation carrying a potentially unlimited fine. This makes an eye for detail and an analytical approach a must for professionals in the industry.
4. Critical thinking
There are many factors, from the selection of materials to the processes required during construction, that technologists have to balance in their designs. Like all functions in the built environment, architecture has a responsibility to ensure development is sustainable and minimise the environmental damage of a project. Integrating this, alongside the needs of clients, requires critical thinking.
5. Leadership and teamwork
As the technical experts of a design phase who may be working for specific clients, the role of an Architectural Technologist requires a degree of leadership. Professionals need to be comfortable engaging stakeholders, explaining intricate concepts and taking the lead on ensuring the project meets the desired outcome during the design phase.
Working effectively in a team environment as also essential for success in this field. There’s a good chance a technologist will collaborate with other functions like Urban Planners and Construction Managers.
6. Planning and organisation
Technologists will often find themselves working to specific timeframes and coordinating in managing the budget and resources of a project. As a result, having experience or knowledge on project management, along with strong organisational skills, can put professionals in a good position in this field.
7. Presentation skills
Depending on the nature or sector of the employer, an Architectural Technologist may well be working closely with clients and tasked with delivering presentations to showcase their building designs, so being a good communicator can go a long way. Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) present new and exciting opportunities to engage clients in this process, providing yet another avenue for professionals in this field to express their creativity.
Find out more about architectural technology
If you possess any of the above skills and find these responsibilities are of interest, you may want to consider beginning a career in architectural technology. You can find out more about the role, including what the work environment is like and information about salary expectations, by viewing UCEM’s Architectural Technologist job profile.
UCEM’s BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology is the only fully online offering of its kind. By experimenting with innovative new technologies, contextualising regulations and considering the impact of design on factors like sustainability and energy performance, students will be able to marry their creative instincts with the technical proficiency required by today’s industry.
A Level 4 Construction Design Build Technician apprenticeship has also been introduced in order to satisfy demand for skilled technologists from employers.
