How to Become an Architectural Technician
Architectural technicians provide a middle ground between architects and construction workers during building projects. Technicians provide consultations on the feasibility of an initial design and work with construction managers on appropriate building materials. You can become an architectural technician through proper education and a commitment to improving your knowledge of architecture.
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Instructions
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Complete a university degree in engineering or architecture to become an architectural technician. Your career as a technician will require a strong knowledge of design techniques and the business of construction that can only be learned through a 4-year program.
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Diversify your knowledge of community issues with architectural projects through courses in public administration and environmental policy. These courses can accompany your 4-year degree and offer an opportunity to conduct research on the regulatory issues you will face as a technician.
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Supplement your university education with night and weekend courses in computer aided design (CAD). Architectural technicians need to become familiar with design programs to make corrections and adjustments on blueprints.
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Work on construction sites during your summers in college to gain experience with the practical aspects of architecture. You will gain familiarity with earth-moving equipment and building materials during long days on job sites.
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Compile a list of local construction companies and architectural firms in your area to begin searching for employment opportunities. You should submit your credentials before graduation to get your name in front of professionals interested in grooming new technicians.
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Prepare to spend several years as an apprentice to an experienced architectural technician after graduation. The standard apprentice period for technicians is two to four years in order to see the beginning and completion of long term projects.
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Communicate with fellow technicians and recruiters for major architectural firms at job fairs in your area. You should produce enough resumes, business cards and reference pages to get your name out to every company at the event.
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Show initiative after graduation and learn about architectural history through extensive travels. You should take trips in the summer following your graduation to see architectural feats and monuments to inspire your work in entry-level jobs.
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Tips & Warnings
Achieve comfort with technical writing to aid your early career as an architectural technician. Technicians write memos, reports and other official documents that need to be clear to readers on the design and practical aspects of a project. You can take night courses at a local university to become well-versed in technical writing.
