Architectural technician
Collect and organise the technical information needed to make sure a new building can be constructed.
About the job
What it's like
You would research and put together the technical details that construction companies need for a new development.
You'd support architects, surveyors and other people in the construction industry.
You would:
bring together technical information for planning projects, such as what the client wants, surveys of the site and building regulations
prepare plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as traditional drawing methods
prepare applications for approval by regulatory bodies
monitor the health and safety aspect of the design
prepare specifications for construction work
advise the project team on technical matters
visit sites to check on progress and inspect work
Your work would help to ensure that the new building meets the client’s requirements, whether it is a small home extension or a huge new sports stadium.
Hours
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may sometimes have to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
Environment
You would be mainly office-based, but would visit clients and construction sites, which could involve working outdoors in all weathers.
Travel
Travelling to sites and meetings may mean spending time away from home.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- autodesk revit
- autocad
- architectural drawing
- architectural design
- sketchup (3d modeling software)
- working drawings
- archicad
- microstation (cad design software)
- grasshopper (design software)
- autodesk 3ds max (3d graphics software)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Art and Design (Design)
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Graphic Communication
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To become a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, you can study an HNC or HND such as a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Architectural Technology or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Architectural Technology, Construction or the Built Environment.
A list of HNC and HND courses approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is available on the CIAT website. A list of CIAT-accredited honours degrees is also available.
Entry to an Architectural Technologies HNC or HND requires Nationals (SCQF level 4/5) and one to two Highers (SCQF level 6), or a National Certificate in the Built Environment for some courses.
Entry to a degree course usually requires four Highers and National 5s.
With a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Architectural Technologies you may be able to gain entry to the second or third year of some degrees (SCQF level 9/10).
Edinburgh Napier University and Robert Gordon University offer Architectural Technologies degrees in Scotland.
It is possible to enter this role without a degree, or with qualifications that are not recognised by the CIAT, via the CIAT’s profile candidate route. However this requires substantial experience and possibly further qualifications, this can take some time to achieve.
It is possible to progress towards chartered membership of the CIAT or a career as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
You can register for student membership of the CIAT while studying an approved higher education qualification, you are then eligible to upgrade your membership to associate level on graduation (ACIAT).
To undertake the Architectural Professional and Occupation Performance (POP) record, either while studying, using evidence from work completed during the programme and the year out placement, or once you are in employment. If you have completed a relevant approved or accredited qualification you may be exempt from some elements of the POP.
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