How an Architectural Technology Major Prepares You for the Job Market
An architectural technology degree prepares students to enter careers that need technical artists with architecture and construction knowledge. Architectural technology majors will learn about various aspects of architecture and construction, including project planning, drafting, construction materials and the laws concerning building maintenance. Students will study architectural design, cost estimating and mechanical and electrical systems for buildings. Architectural technology majors build upon their drawing skills by hand-sketching renderings, and using computer-aided drafting software to complete the sketches of architects. They also learn about the principles of physics, which help explain how buildings stand over time and which materials are appropriate for construction. In addition, students will learn how to manage a building project and cut costs to ensure that a design actually becomes a building.
Best Career Paths for Architectural Technology Majors
There are many different careers available to an architectural technology graduate, including these top careers:
- Architectural Technologist. A career as an architectural technologist provides many of the benefits of a career as an architect with an added focus on project management and technical skills such as drafting and construction. Architectural technologists serve as a liaison between construction firms and architects through negotiation skills and knowledge of both the design principles of the architect and the cost and time focused nature of construction. The architectural technologist is an architect's man in the field, ensuring that every detail of the original design is implemented according to the blueprints. Architectural technologists learn enough about physics and materials to be of genuine assistance in both the planning and construction phases of a single project. As such, they can either work for an architectural firm or as an independent contractor. According to Pay Scale, an architectural technologist makes a median hourly wage of $15.00 per hour.
- Drafter. Drafters draw technical plans and designs to assist production and construction workers in building various structures and products. Their drawings serve as visual guidelines for the technical details of a construction project. In these technical plans, drafters note specific materials, measurements and calculations that will be used to make a product or structure. Drafters consult with architects, engineers, and scientists to complete rough sketches, so that all design elements are correct and safe. Drafters are knowledgeable in building techniques, design elements and engineering and manufacturing theories, all of which help in completing their intricate drawings. Drafters use computer-aided drafting programs to plan their drawings, make adjustments and ensure quality plans for construction workers. They also use technical handbooks, calculators, tables, state-of-the-art computers, as well as their knowledge of drafting techniques to do their drawings and explain their processes. Drafters' salaries depend greatly on their location, specialty and responsibilities. Civil and architectural drafters made an average salary of $44,490 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How to Market Your Architectural Technology Degree
Architectural technology majors can market their degrees by promoting their technical skills and project management knowledge. Your degree in architectural technology taught you how to apply physics and materials science to move a design from product to construction. In addition, your knowledge of computer-aided drafting programs and architecture fundamentals make you a qualified candidate for various architectural and technology-related careers.
