Mid Green occupationConstruction and the built environment
Architectural assistant
Working with Architects and other professionals such as Engineers, to design buildings and deliver architectural projects.
Summary
Architectural Assistants work with Architects and other professionals such as Engineers, to competently design buildings and deliver architectural projects across scheme phases, from the initial client briefing process where objectives are agreed and feasibility studies conducted, through conceptual and technical proposals, to construction. In collaboration with other members of a project team, they respond to client requirements by preparing, reviewing and refining building design through the use of various media such as 3D modelling, drawings and model making. Architectural Assistants work under supervision of an Architect, Senior Architect or project leader, who has the overall responsibility for delivering a project. They contribute to delivering projects of varying scale and type; for example, an office skyscraper, semi-detached house, café, school or bridge. Architectural Assistants work on the design of new buildings and the redesign of existing buildings (such as a house extension or an internal refurbishment). They work closely with a design team assembled to deliver the project. Design teams could include: Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects and Project Managers. They also work with other related professionals such as Town Planning Authorities, Heritage Consultants, Building Control Inspectors and/or Party Wall Surveyors; as well as skilled trades such as Carpenters or Joiners during the construction process. Architectural Assistants work in organisations of varying sizes, from a small practice of only a few members to a large multi-disciplinary organisation. They can be based at office locations within project design teams, at on-site locations, or a combination of both. Because their skills are easily transferable they are able to work for other construction and design related businesses (e.g. property consultants, construction companies, planning authorities or interior designers). Architectural Assistants can progress to being an Architect. In order to become an architect in the UK, individuals must hold ARB (Architectural Registration Board) prescribed qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 levels and register with the ARB. Only ARB-prescribed qualifications meet the standards that lead to registration as an architect in the UK. Only those who are appropriately qualified and registered with ARB can use the title ‘Architect’ in the UK.
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
A range of design processes and techniques such as hand-sketched drawings and diagrams; use of appropriate tools and materials to create physical building models of varying scale and complexity to explore and develop design ideas and for use in client presentations
K2:
History of architecture and its impact on architectural practice
K3:
Human sciences that affect the design of buildings and spaces (e.g. use of ergonomics)
K4:
Arts that relate to theoretical concepts of architecture (e.g. the use of colour and sound in creating atmosphere in spaces)
K5:
Urban design, town planning strategies
K6:
Importance of architecture for an occupant or user of a space
K7:
Impact of architectural design on the environment and wider community
K8:
The duties and responsibilities of Architectural Assistants to clients, building users, contractors, co-professionals and the wider society
K9:
The role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry
K10:
The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities
K11:
The different methods of investigating and preparing a project brief (e.g. critical review of precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of design proposals)
K12:
The structural and engineering considerations within building design
K13:
Strategies for building services, sustainable design and their integration in a coherent design project
K14:
Strategies for building construction (e.g. offsite fabrication)
K15:
Alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction, including the impact of materials on the environment throughout material’s lifespan (e.g. the difference between how bricks or concrete are manufactured, used and recycled)
K16:
Technologies that influence the design of buildings (e.g. façade systems)
K17:
The role of BIM and other relevant technologies used in the design process
K18:
The process of controlling building costs (e.g. collaboration with Quantity Surveyors)
K19:
Approved Documents for Building Regulations
K20:
UK legislation and health and safety requirements
K21:
The range of industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings
K22:
The timeline of project development and delivery (e.g. RIBA Plan of Work)
Technical Educational Products
- ST0534: Architectural assistant (integrated degree) (Level 6) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0534
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £32,034 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3120/01 Architectural technicians
- 2121/01 Building and building services engineers
- 2451/01 Architects
- 2452/01 Chartered architectural technologists
S1:
Generate architectural design proposals of diverse scales and type, including conducting feasibility studies
S2:
Draft and edit drawings and 3D models (plans, sections, elevations, and details) using relevant software, including CAD, to enable co-ordination with other professional’s input
S3:
Produce and coordinate design information with the design team (e.g. engineering, landscaping and interior design)
S4:
Critically analyse architectural culture, theory and design to present a personal viewpoint within a structured argument
S5:
Creatively apply theories, practices and technologies of the arts that influence architectural design
S6:
Produce necessary drawings and documents that comply with national and local planning policy
S7:
Identify user needs and the local context in which the project is developed
S8:
Develop the design of projects of varying scales in respect of environmental context and sustainability
S9:
Deliver services under the supervision of an Architect or a project leader, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders
S10:
Problem solve and use professional judgement to take initiative and make appropriate contributions to decision making
S11:
Research and investigate relevant information (e.g. site analysis, previous architectural projects) to support project development to ensure all client and regulatory requirements are met
S12:
Investigate, critically appraise and select alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design
S13:
Integrate structural, construction and engineering strategies with the overall design
S14:
Support an Architect or a project leader with construction inspections to ensure projects are built in accordance with contractual drawings
S15:
Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs and building construction, and where practicable integrate alternative materials, processes and techniques into design proposals
S16:
Apply different technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment
S17:
Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations
S18:
Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the building regulations
S19:
Interact with statutory authorities or individuals to support delivery of projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks
Technical Educational Products
- ST0534: Architectural assistant (integrated degree) (Level 6) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0534
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £32,034 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3120/01 Architectural technicians
- 2121/01 Building and building services engineers
- 2451/01 Architects
- 2452/01 Chartered architectural technologists
B1:
Be mindful of relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA)
B2:
Be honest and act with integrity
B3:
Strive to communicate effectively and professionally when working independently and as part of a team
B4:
Be conscious of an Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession
B5:
Take into account their competence and professional experience, to ensure they are unlikely to bring the profession into disrepute
B6:
Commit to identifying their own individual professional development needs, including keeping up to date with changing design trends
Technical Educational Products
- ST0534: Architectural assistant (integrated degree) (Level 6) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0534
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £32,034 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3120/01 Architectural technicians
- 2121/01 Building and building services engineers
- 2451/01 Architects
- 2452/01 Chartered architectural technologists
