o         the career of architectural technology is multifaceted and one that compliments the essence of architecture with “architecture” being :   the science of building,  the design of structures, concern with the built environment and provision of  a service to the people who inhabit the environment  

o         the function of the ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOgists is vast involving provision of  full architecture services as may be required for projects functioning as a principle agent and/or member of a team, coordinating a project from inception through to the final product including but not being  limited to :

v       designing buildings including research as required

v       producing conceptual sketch plans through to final submission and working drawings, specifications plus detailing

v       site and project management and determining cost estimates

v       liaison with clients, local authorities, related professionals product specialists 

o         tools of communication amongst others would involve drawings and  details, either done using computer aided draughting (CAD) or hand drawings,  specifications and other visualizations in conjunction with verbal communications  

o         it is up to the individual to use his or her skills and education to their best potential and being multifaceted the chosen career can be adapted to take many a form

v       from owning ones own practice and/or working as part of and/or becoming a partner in a larger practice of professionals concerned with architecture and  the built environment. 

v       one can work from home or from an established office in the workplace

v       skills can be adapted in becoming a developer of projects including  building houses, offices, industrial premises etc.  or to even provide the basic training and background to in manufacturing, developing and marketing of building components

v       branching into a career of an estate agent, building insurance consultant, facilities planning and/or manager, architectural model building or presentation drawing specialization is not unusual for an architectural technologist

v       using knowledge to become an educator or develop into research is a further option

o         education and training is essential covering a broad spectrum involving theoretical knowledge of building construction, technology, design of buildings, building science, history of architecture, building services, estimating specifications

o         training occurs at the various Institutes of Technology and Universities nationwide (previously known as Technikon)   

v       with the emphasis being on management and technology skills including design which varies from that obtained at universities where the emphasis is more on the  academic and design . 

v       gradates can work towards obtaining a bachelors degree in technology at certain technikon and can do further study if desired towards obtaining a masters and doctorate degree.

v       most Institutes and Universities for architectural technologists training is in the form of “outcomes based education” (OBE) methods with the system used being that of “co-operative training” which involves the opportunity to gain practical experience concurrent with formal education

v       university exemption is a prerequisite to include for a matric exemption with mathematics plus one science subject and a good knowledge of English is a benefit. art and technology skills are a recommendation.

v       the technikon should be approached directly for further information and requirements pertaining to the education of the architectural technologists.

v       Visit the SAIAT website for contact details of the various technikon  

o         professional representation of the architectural TECHNOLOGISTS and the profession is through the South African Institute of Architectural Technologists (SAIAT) being  an independent, self-governing professional institute, (established in 1987) which serves and promote the members and their profession

o       SAIAT further represents the technologists to the new South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and serve on most of their committees and sub-committees in areas of professional interest and policy making that affects the profession