Architectural Technologist Job Description
Architectural Technologists are involved in the beginning stages of any structural construction designed for commercial, private or public use. Their sketches provide planning insight that covers many areas of construction including interior planning, cost estimation and material organization.
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What is Architectural Technology?
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Architectural Technology describes the design, systems and construction involved in the science of building a structure. A science primarily in the construction industry, architectural technology uses practiced architectural design methods and materials to product detailed work drawings that will lead to the construction of a building. The field of architectural technology includes a number of different positions including architects, house designers, construction managers and contractors.
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What is an Architectural Technologist?
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An architectural technologist develops the architectural designs that will later be used as a blueprint for building construction. Technologists analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements with other technical documents and reports used in construction planning. Detailed drawings allow the technologist to make initial determinations on materials needed for the project in addition to site specifications and cost estimates. Technologists also prepare contracts and bidding documents for future construction work and make three dimensional models for the building to serve as a project guide and reference for specifications.
CADD System Use
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Drafting, or the creation of technical drawings for construction are a core responsibility for architectural technologists, Most drafters will use Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems to prepare these technical drawings. Using CADD systems, technologists can create and store electronic versions of the drawing so they can be viewed and printed easily from automated manufacturing systems. CADD systems permit drafters to quickly make edits to existing design. An understanding of manual drafting and sketching is still important to the Technologist, in addition to CADD skills as the fundamentals of design and sketching are used with applications throughout the drafting process.
Education
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At Suny Orange, aspiring architectural technologists can benefit from a technical skills education program that prepares them for job entry into architectural and construction firms. Technical programs like this and other two year technical or vocation programs can teach students traditional and computer assisted drafting, provide education on interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, the process for laying out schematics and wiring diagrams used to erect and install cable and electrical systems and learn the primary fundamentals to structural foundation. Programs will require individuals to possess mathematical, reading comprehension and analytical skills.
Employment Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drafters held over 250,000 jobs in 2006. Of this total, architectural and civil drafters held 46 percent of all positions. About half of all jobs offered for drafters tend to come from architectural, engineering and construction service firms that design projects for other industries. While growth opportunities in drafting roles appears slow through 2016, Technologists that have completed a technical program and possess CADD skills will have enhanced desirability as job candidates.
References
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- Photo Credit "Bridgewater Place" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: russelljsmith (Russell James Smith) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
