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Architectural Technician

An Architectural Technician builds digital models to bring planned new buildings to life

How an Architectural Technician makes a difference

Each building we use every day – including homes, schools, hospitals, airports, shopping centres, train stations, and leisure centres – has been planned and designed by an architectural team before it’s been built.

Many things need to be considered to make sure a building will operate well, look attractive, and receive permission to be built. Models are built using design software to demonstrate how architectural plans will work in real life. You could be the technician that creates these models, giving people a vision of the future.

The type of work an Architectural Technician will do

  • Prepare plans using computer aided design (CAD) software 
  • Prepare technical information for projects
  • Collect and read data
  • Prepare applications for approval by regulatory bodies
  • Develop specifications for building work
  • Give technical advice to the project team
  • Visit sites to check on progress
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Precise
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Architectural Technician role

An interest or experience in the construction industry.

A range of design skills and knowledge.

Experience of computer-aided design, e.g. through computer games.

What you can bring to the Architectural Technician role

The ability to focus and pay attention to small details.

Excellent verbal communication skills.

A natural ability to look at a problem logically and explore a range of solutions.

What you can bring to the Architectural Technician role

You could also be right for this role if you have any of the following interests:

- Building, making and fixing things

- Gaming and technology

- Exploring problems and finding answers

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for an Architectural Technician

As you build up your modelling skills you will get involved in developing models for larger and more complex buildings and could someday lead a team of people responsible for creating them.

You could extend your modelling skills into different areas of visualisation, including virtual reality and videos.

How to become an Architectural Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job. But if you're interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

More options available after that:

  • A Higher Technical Qualification such as a Higher National Certificate in Architectural Technology for England.
  • An apprenticeship as a Construction Design and Build Technician.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Translating an architect’s concept into a 3D model is creative and technical work. You take existing sketches and floor plans and make them into a 3D building. This includes making images of the correct type of roof, walls, doors and windows, fire safety features and outdoor space. Your model will be used to persuade people of the benefits of the building and to help with development of interior images, virtual reality tours and fly-through videos.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Architectural Technologist
CAD Technician

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