The Integral Role Of Architectural Technologists

WHAT IS AN ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST?

An Architectural Technologist is a professionally qualified individual who will consider all key aspects of building design; bringing together knowledge of building regulations, engineering, thermal efficiency, construction method and buildability to deliver a project.

Technologists are trained to take a brief from the design stage through to construction and completion. They are integral members of the self-build industry, as they can contribute their expertise at various stages of the building process.

Technologists often utilise 3D modelling programmes, such as ArchiCAD, to visualise the 2D drawings in a 3D format. Twinmotion, or similar software can also be used to produce the design in Virtual reality.

ARCHITECT VS ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

Architects and Architectural Technologists certainly have similarities in their skills and responsibilities, but both play unique roles in the design process. An architect takes your requirements as a client and then visualises your aspirations for a home using architectural drawings, and a technologist will focus on the technical design and the further development of the process.

It is common for architects and technologists to work together on larger projects. For example, at AC Architects, when a project receives Planning Approval and is ready to move on to the Building Warrant stage, our architects will pass the project over to the technologist, who then takes the role of project lead.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the body that provides an industry-recognised standard of service, that ensures the skills, experience and competency of the technologist are to a level expected in the industry.

Non-chartered architectural technologists do not have to be registered with CIAT, but they may not hold the necessary academic qualifications or experience to carry out satisfactory design services. Always check the level of expertise, qualification and experience your chosen designer can offer.

The chartered system is different for architects, as only those on the ARB Register of Architects can use the title of ‘Architect’.

Their role is also not to be confused with an Architectural Technician, who produces the building drawings using various computer programmes such as AutoCAD or Revit. An Architectural Technologist also carries out these roles, as well as advising and recommending solutions and products to fulfil the brief and /or design.

To put it simply, an architect designs the home and the Architectural Technologist brings it to life!

BECOMING A TECHNOLOGIST

There are a few different ways to become an Architectural Technologist. The two most common are undertaking an honours degree in Architectural Technology or an apprenticeship. Opportunities to become a technologist are becoming more prominent in the UK as the need for the role continues to grow.

“The usual route to becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist is by studying an Honours degree programme in Architectural Technology, preferably Accredited by CIAT.”

- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Website

Some of these courses may include a 12-month industry placement, which allows the technologist to gain valuable experience and make contacts in the industry. After 2 years of practising as an Architectural Technologist, you can then apply for chartership through CIAT.

THEIR ROLE IN A SELF-BUILD PROJECT

Architectural Technologists play a crucial role in a self-build project, collaborating closely with clients and interpreting their requirements and aesthetic preferences into a practical design.

The technologist usually isn’t involved in the submission of planning applications. However, before any works commence on site, there are often Pre-Commencement Planning Conditions that need to be discharged, and the technologist will be required to ensure they are discharged.

They must have a working knowledge of the current regulations and be able to ensure the designs and drawings comply with them as they are prepared. At AC Architects, there is then a robust internal review process, to have a second pair of eyes check for compliance. Following this, they will then submit the drawings to building control who will issue comments on the drawings as another means of compliance review before the project can continue to the building stage.

When it gets to the building stage, Architectural Technologists can advise on alternative products if the original idea can't be sourced or has become cost prohibitive.

Technologists will also carry out site visits from time to time. These can be carried out for three reasons:

A ‘snagging visit’, to check that the structure and kit have been erected correctly before it is covered up with the cladding and interior finishes.
To help prepare “Amendment of Warrant” drawings at the end of the build. If anything was built differently from that which was originally proposed in the approved Building Warrant/Approval drawings, then an amendment to that approval must be sought before applying for the Completion Certificate.
Clients can request the technologist to come to the site to give ‘Toolbox Talks’ to themselves and/or their contractors, to help them understand the best way forward in a particular situation.

To ensure they have drawings at the building warrant stage that will be workable on-site, technologists aim to work very closely with as many of the external consultants as possible who will be involved in the project. Here are a few examples:

The MVHR designer, to find out any of their perceived constraints in fitting an MVHR system.
The SAP assessors, to find the best way to produce a thermally efficient building.
Window/door manufacturer, to understand their working practices and tolerances for site
Structural Engineers, to ensure the structure and design can work together to fulfil the brief and that the structure won’t pose a problem for other elements of the build.

DOES MY PROJECT NEED A TECHNOLOGIST?

So, now it comes down to the question of ‘Does my self-build project need a technologist?’

Ultimately, it's your decision. Both Architects & Architectural Technologists can take a project from beginning to end and will be cognisant of energy efficiency and sustainability, but the skills of a technologist specifically lean towards the compliance and buildability of a design, which could be a smart investment down the line.

If you decide to go the technologist route, it’s best to get them involved in the planning stage so that they can deliver a design that exactly fits the brief. At the building warrant stage, when the technologist becomes lead, it’s very important to understand the timelines of the project and work with the client to manage expectations.

Sometimes compromises may need to happen in the design at the Building Warrant stage to fulfil new regulations or structural constraints. A close partnership with you as a client will help navigate the project through these issues and aid the project to be the most successful it can be.

A good Architectural Technologist will be attentive to the details of the regulations for each individual project, how the structure will work with the design, how the spaces work for living in, how products and materials best work together and finding the best solution for every project.

Do your research, check for the relevant qualifications, look at their previous work and ideally speak to past clients about their experiences of working with them. In some cases, there may be little difference in what an architect can offer your project versus an Architectural Technologist.

TECHNOLOGISTS AT AC ARCHITECTS

At AC Architects we host our own team of highly skilled technologists who assist in creating unique and workable designs for our self-build clients. They are an integral member of the self-build process, who work to provide sustainable solutions to persistent problems.

“What do I like about being a technologist? For me, my skills lie in the detail. I enjoy the challenge of drawing the details of the build; bringing different materials to work together. I like the structure of ordered drawings and aim to make them clear and comprehensible for our clients. This doesn’t always work! They can become confusing, with so much information! That’s when good communication with the client becomes invaluable!”

- Joanne Mayland, Technologist

ACA is fortunate to have a strong team of architects who produce inspired and adventurous designs, which allows our technologists to focus on the details of bringing the design to life and completion. Want to know more about what a technologist can offer you and your project? Sign up for a free consultation below!