If you have an interest in numbers, construction, drawing and design then a career as an Architectural Technologist could be for you.
Career Overview
Architectural Technologists work closely with architects and building professionals but their main area of focus is the technical side of construction. Part of their duty is to come up with initial concepts and designs.
Architectural Technologists apply their knowledge in the science and technology of building in their line of work. Skills such as art and design and the ability to work on your own initiative are some important skills to have.
Required School Subjects
You will need to have taken the following subjects at high school:
- English (Home Language or First Aditional Language)
- Pure Mathematics
Recommended subjects:
- Engineering, Graphics and Design
Institution and APS
The following institutions are highly recommended for tertiary studies in this field:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – APS of 30
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – APS of 25
** There are colleges that offer qualifications in various locations within South Africa but it would be ideal to get the qualification from a university of technology.
Required Qualification/s
There are various qualifications that accepted for this career. A National Diploma or BTech, along with being registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) – are both accepted.
Required Skills
You will need to have the following skills to succeed as an Architectural Technologist:
- Detail Oriented
- Strong Communication
- Strong Leadership Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Planning and Organisational skills
Where you can work
As an Architectural Technologist, you will be able to work in one of the following environments:
- Architectural Firms
- Engineering Firms
- Construction Firms
- Government (Planning Departments and Local Authorities)
- Higher Education and Research Institutes
Working Hours
Working hours tend to be regular hours but there are cases where extra hours will need to be put in, especially when catching up to deadlines.
Expected Salary
Architectural Technologists earn between R 99 000 and R 352 000 annually in South Africa, with an average of R200 866. Level of qualification and experience are factors that contribute to the structure of your package, as well as the size of the organisation.
What to expect
Here are a few things you can expect from a career as an Architecural Technologist:
- Frequent traveling for work, however most of the work is conducted in the office
- Juggling more than one project at a time
- Working in a team environment
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