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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Architectural Technologist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

ArchitectureConstructionDesignBIM

🎯 Role Definition

An Architectural Technologist is a technical specialist who translates architectural design into buildable, code-compliant construction documents and coordinates the technical delivery of projects from concept through construction. This role focuses on producing detailed drawings, BIM models, specifications, and construction documentation, liaising with consultants and contractors, and ensuring design intent is realized efficiently and to regulatory standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Architectural Technologist / CAD Technician with 1–3 years' experience
  • Architectural Assistant or Graduate Architect transitioning into technical delivery
  • BIM Technician or Junior Draftsperson with hands-on Revit/AutoCAD experience

Advancement To:

  • Senior Architectural Technologist / Lead Technologist
  • BIM Manager / Technical Lead for multidisciplinary teams
  • Project Architect or Technical Director overseeing multiple projects

Lateral Moves:

  • Specification Writer / Building Economist
  • Construction Manager or Site Engineer
  • Product / Fabrication Coordinator (façade or modular systems)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Produce fully coordinated construction and detail drawings using Revit and AutoCAD that accurately translate architectural designs into buildable solutions and meet local building regulations.
  • Develop and maintain BIM models (LOD suitable to project stage) to support design development, clash detection, and quantity extraction for cost planning.
  • Prepare and write technical specifications and schedules of work for materials, finishes, fixtures, and fittings in alignment with client brief and procurement strategy.
  • Lead clash-detection workflows using Navisworks or BIM 360, identify model conflicts with MEP and structural disciplines, and coordinate resolution with consultants.
  • Generate shop drawings and fabrication details for complex assemblies (façade systems, curtain walling, bespoke joinery) and manage submittal reviews with fabricators.
  • Review consultant and contractor drawings for compliance with architectural intent, building codes, and statutory approvals and document required changes.
  • Produce permit and planning application documentation including elevations, sections, construction details and compliance narratives for local authorities.
  • Undertake site inspections, record site conditions, produce site observation reports, and coordinate remedial details to resolve construction issues in real time.
  • Manage and maintain drawing issue control, transmittals, and revision histories ensuring version control across the project lifecycle.
  • Prepare tender documentation and pre-contract packages (drawing sets, specifications, schedules) and respond to contractor RFI’s during procurement.
  • Coordinate material research, testing requirements and sample approvals, ensuring compliance with performance criteria, durability, and sustainability targets.
  • Compile as-built / record drawings and O&M manuals at project close-out, ensuring accurate handover information for facilities management teams.
  • Conduct technical risk assessments and produce method statements for complex construction sequences to ensure buildability and health & safety compliance.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technologists and BIM technicians, reviewing work and implementing best-practice modeling standards.
  • Liaise directly with clients, contractors, structural and MEP engineers to align technical solutions with budget, program and quality expectations.
  • Produce detailed construction sequences and temporary works details, coordinating with contractors and structural engineers to ensure safe on-site execution.
  • Carry out performance-based compliance checks, accessibility reviews, and fire strategy detailing in collaboration with specialist consultants.
  • Extract quantities and produce accurate take-offs from BIM models to support cost estimating and early-stage feasibility studies.
  • Implement and maintain company BIM standards, templates, and families ensuring consistent, reusable, and parametric model content.
  • Advise on procurement of specialist systems (curtain wall, precast, timber modules), develop interface details and coordinate shop drawing approvals.
  • Provide technical support during commissioning and practical completion, attending snagging inspections and creating concise defect schedules.
  • Monitor and integrate sustainability targets into technical design (thermal detailing, airtightness, material selection) and input to BREEAM/LEED assessments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support project teams in producing concise technical reports and feasibility studies to secure client approvals or funding.
  • Maintain and update project risk registers related to technical delivery and construction methodology.
  • Assist in production of presentations, diagrams and visuals to communicate technical proposals to clients and stakeholders.
  • Participate in continuous improvement workshops to update detailing libraries, BIM content and technical standards.
  • Support procurement by preparing bill of materials and coordinating specialist subcontractor scopes of work.
  • Contribute to post-occupancy evaluations and lessons-learned sessions to inform future technical design standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert proficiency in Revit for architectural modelling, families creation, parametric components and model management.
  • Strong AutoCAD skills for 2D drafting, production drawing sets and interfacing with older legacy documentation.
  • Experience with Navisworks, Solibri or BIM 360 for clash detection, coordination and federated model review.
  • Proficiency in producing shop drawings and fabrication details for complex building elements and assemblies.
  • Knowledge of building regulations, codes, and statutory approval processes relevant to residential and commercial builds.
  • Ability to write technical specifications and construction documentation aligned with NBS, MasterSpec or company templates.
  • Competent in 3D visualization tools (SketchUp, Rhino) to test design ideas and detail complex geometries.
  • Quantity take-off and basic cost estimation skills using BIM extractions or Excel-based schedules.
  • Understanding of construction sequencing, temporary works and on-site health & safety implications.
  • Familiarity with sustainable design principles, thermal detailing, airtightness, and building performance targets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and collaboration platforms (SharePoint, Teams).
  • Experience creating as-built drawings, O&M manuals and handover documentation.

Soft Skills

  • Clear, confident communication with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary consultants.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset when resolving site or coordination issues.
  • Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality technical documentation.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to meet demanding project deadlines across multiple projects.
  • Team leadership and mentoring capability to upskill junior staff and coordinate technical resources.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new software, standards, and construction technologies.
  • Stakeholder management with a client-focused approach to balance cost, program and quality.
  • Professional judgement and decision-making in technical and contractual contexts.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Diploma or higher national diploma in Architectural Technology, Architectural Technology & Design, or equivalent vocational qualification.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Technology, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or Construction Management.
  • Professional accreditation or chartered membership where applicable (CIAT, ARB, RIBA pathway, or local equivalents).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Architectural Technology
  • Architecture / Architectural Science
  • Building Engineering / Construction Management
  • BIM & Digital Construction

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–8 years of practical experience in architectural technical design, BIM delivery and construction documentation.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years’ experience working on medium to large scale residential, commercial or mixed-use projects with demonstrated responsibility for technical delivery, coordination and site support.
  • Experience operating across RIBA/ARB project stages, producing information at stages 3–5, and liaising through procurement and construction phases.
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