When one thinks of an architect, one may have the idea of a creative genus pouring over blueprints on a fancy drafting table in a slick high-rise loft. This romantic stereotype is concerned with nothing less than the conceptualization and design of contemporary society's megalithic urban monuments. While this career and lifestyle is certainly very appealing, it undermines the vast majority of real career possibilities that a student of architecture can explore. Modern society does not need to turn out droves of genius building designers as much as it requires professionally trained individuals to perform many different specialized tasks in the conception, design, building and maintenance of architectural projects. In fact, if there were no other jobs to be had in the architecture industry, than many graduates would find themselves without the possibility for real work. Fortunately, this is not the case.
Aside from the aforementioned artistic creative type that could be found in the architecture industry, the variety of careers awaiting students of architecture can demand other important qualities, such as mathematical minds, practical thinkers, organizational-orientated people, and detail-orientated types. Careers in this industry are therefore not limited to design firms that we imagine occupy modern loft-style offices. One can find work in engineering firms, construction companies, and even in the public sector. Here is a list of other careers one can pursue after architectural technician college:
- CAD technician: CAD means 'computer aided design.' The CAD tech specializes in computer software for creating 2D and 3D graphic images of building and other engineering projects.
- Building inspector: This is often a certified position that checks that a building's structure and various systems are up to certain standards. Aside from architecture, they must also be familiar with basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Estimators: This person works under the supervision of the project architect to estimate the cost of a building project. They must know about building materials, labor, and other factors and figure out ways to be the most cost efficient.
- Project Scheduler: Like the estimator, the scheduler is concerned with the proposed length of time for a project to be completed. They then break up the project into various stages (concept, design, material acquisition, construction, wiring, etc.) and create the schedule for the entire project. Sometimes, one person can be both the estimator and project scheduler.
- Plans Examiners: This position must review all the planning involved in a building project for various reasons, including ensuring the plans meet local codes and regulations, and determining based on that the cost of permit fees and other plan expenses.
- Construction Manager: This is an overall position that is involved in overseeing the entire project from beginning to completion. This person often acts as a coordinator between all of the above specialists.
Erecting a building is a team effort. The many responsibilities and skills required of an architectural technician go way beyond the idealistic creative aspirations of a single designer.
Visit Mohawk College for more information on architectural technology.
Aside from the aforementioned artistic creative type that could be found in the architecture industry, the variety of careers awaiting students of architecture can demand other important qualities, such as mathematical minds, practical thinkers, organizational-orientated people, and detail-orientated types. Careers in this industry are therefore not limited to design firms that we imagine occupy modern loft-style offices. One can find work in engineering firms, construction companies, and even in the public sector. Here is a list of other careers one can pursue after architectural technician college:
- CAD technician: CAD means 'computer aided design.' The CAD tech specializes in computer software for creating 2D and 3D graphic images of building and other engineering projects.
- Building inspector: This is often a certified position that checks that a building's structure and various systems are up to certain standards. Aside from architecture, they must also be familiar with basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Estimators: This person works under the supervision of the project architect to estimate the cost of a building project. They must know about building materials, labor, and other factors and figure out ways to be the most cost efficient.
- Project Scheduler: Like the estimator, the scheduler is concerned with the proposed length of time for a project to be completed. They then break up the project into various stages (concept, design, material acquisition, construction, wiring, etc.) and create the schedule for the entire project. Sometimes, one person can be both the estimator and project scheduler.
- Plans Examiners: This position must review all the planning involved in a building project for various reasons, including ensuring the plans meet local codes and regulations, and determining based on that the cost of permit fees and other plan expenses.
- Construction Manager: This is an overall position that is involved in overseeing the entire project from beginning to completion. This person often acts as a coordinator between all of the above specialists.
Erecting a building is a team effort. The many responsibilities and skills required of an architectural technician go way beyond the idealistic creative aspirations of a single designer.
Visit Mohawk College for more information on architectural technology.
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