The Architectural Technologist , also known as a Building Technologist, provides building design services and solutions and is trained in architectural technology, building design and construction. They apply the science of architecture and typically concentrate on the technology of building design and construction. They can or may negotiate the construction project, and manage the process from conception through to completion.
Most architectural technologists are employed in architectural and engineering firms, or with municipal authorities; but many provide independent professional services directly to clients, although restricted by law in some countries. Others work in product development or sales with manufacturers.
In Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Hong-Kong (Chartered Architectural Technologist), Canada (Architectural Technologist or Applied Science Technologist), and other nations, they have many similar abilities as Architects and can work alongside them. There, they are sometimes directors or shareholders of an architectural firm (where permitted by the jurisdiction and legal structure). To become an architectural technologist, a three year diploma (or equivalent) in Architectural Technology is required, followed by structured professional and occupational experience.
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Most provinces in Canada have an association representing architectural technologists and technicians. On behalf of the public, the provincial governments have granted the provincial architect's associations with the privilege to regulate the profession.
In the province of Ontario, there have been protracted efforts by the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) to persuade the provincial government and the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) that the public would be better served by having members of the AATO licenced to design small buildings. In 2003, the architects (OAA) curtailed the efforts of the technologists (AATO) by establishing a parallel association of architectural technologists licensed by the OAA to design small buildings, called the Association of Architectural Applied Architectural Sciences (AAAS), which awards the "Licensed Technologist OAA" designation.[1] Rather than provide members of the AATO access to licensing, who are educated and trained in architectural studies, the OAA partnered with the provincial engineering technologist's association (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists - OACETT) and established the requirement that only OACETT engineering technologist members are eligible to be licensed to provide architectural services.[2]
In the Republic of Ireland, the Royal Institute of the Architects from Ireland RIAI has a membership for architectural technicians; however the RIAI represents and promotes the services of architects and frequently ignores the interests of architectural technologists.
Another representative body is the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists CIAT. It counts an important number of members established in the country and defends the interests of Chartered Architectural Technologists in front of the Irish Government. CIAT is represented within the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) which advises the Minister for the Environment on matters relating to the Building Regulations.[3]
In South Africa the profession is regulated by the South African Institute of Architectural Technologists SAIAT.[4] Senior architectural technologists (10 years or more in practice) enjoy the same statute than architects. The South African Institute of Architects SAIA explains that: "Architecture can be practiced in one of four categories of registered person, namely professional architect, professional senior architectural technologist, professional technologist or professional draughtsperson. The possibility of progression from one category to the next has been provided for in the Regulations."[5]
In the United Kingdom, chartered architectural technologists enjoy the same statute as architects. They deliver similar services with a different orientation. The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists CIAT regulates the profession. CIAT defines chartered architectural technologists as follow: "Chartered Architectural Technologists provide architectural design services and solutions. They are specialists in the science of architecture, building design and construction and form the link between concept and construction. They negotiate the construction project and manage the process from conception through to completion. Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT, may practise on their own account or with fellow Chartered Architectural Technologists, architects, engineers, surveyors and other professionals within the construction industry. As professionals adhering to a Code of Conduct, they are required to obtain and maintain mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) if providing services directly to clients."[6]