OFO No: 216101

Other names for Architect:

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Youtube clip – All about being an Architect

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Architect?

Architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces around them. They work closely with users, clients and officials to make sure that projected designs match the needs of these groups.

Architectural professionals serve clients who might need buildings for themselves, or who could represent other users, e.g. hospitals, schools, community centres or private corporations. They assist clients in drawing up a brief and plan for their needs with the assistance of quantity surveyors, engineers and project managers.
They then prepare sketch designs and models, cost projections, project documentation, submit plans for approval by the authorities, acquire tenders and then administer the building contract.

Besides the time spent in the office, the architect moves around between various building sites and is in constant contact with clients and the many disciplines active in the building process.

Architecture can be practiced in one of four categories:

• professional architect
• professional senior architectural technologist
• professional technologist
• professional draughtsperson

There are opportunities to progress from one category to the next.

What does an Architect do?

• meets with clients to discuss proposed project
• sketches preliminary layouts
• presents ideas, drawings, costs etc to client
• liaises with clients, developers, builders and subcontractors where needed
• researches fittings and finishes
• keeps up to date with technology and building regulations
  
• goes to site meetings

Are you . . . ?

• extremely creative?
• a person who can think and design in 3d?
• spatially aware?
• accurate?
• organised?
• good at communication?
• computer literate?
• mathematical?
• logical?
• a hard worker?

How do I become an Architect?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Architectural Technology

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

Bachelor  of Technology (BTech) in Architecture (professional)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

Master of Technology in Architectural Technology

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tswhane University of Technology

PATH 2

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Kwazulu Natal
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witwatersrand
  

Honours in Architectural Studies

• University of Cape Town
• University of the Witwatersrand

Masters in Architectural Studies (professional)

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Kwazulu Natal
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witwatersrand

2 years workplace experience (in architectural company)

Pass registration exam set by the SACAP

Final assessment by the SACAP

Designation: Awarded by SACAP (only those registered may use the title Professional Architect)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

NOTE:

• PORTFOLIO: A creative, original portfolio must be submitted when applying for this programme.

• SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL for the ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION (SACAP)
  

http://www.sacapsa.com/

• SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE of ARCHITECTS

http://saia.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Architectural Draughter or Architectural Model Builder

Is becoming an Architect the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

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Youtube clip – An Architectural Model Builder at work

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Architectural Model Builder?

The job of an Architectural Model Builder is to construct scale models of buildings drafted by architects.

The scale models are made so that the architects and clients can get a better idea of how the building will look once complete. They can see how much sunlight will come through the windows and whether or not the building fits in with its surroundings.  

Model Builders need to interpret and transform architects’ drawings into three-dimensional reproductions using specific scales and materials to imitate the proposed building materials.
Developers also make use of models to illustrate precisely what the proposed building will look like. This helps them to sell the buildings before the project has even started.

What does an Architectural Model Builder do?

• reads plans and technical drawings for the proposed buildings
• researches materials used
• measures, cuts and fits pieces together
• builds scale models of the buildings
• liaises with architects

Are you . . . ?

• interested in architecture?
• really good at detailed work?
• good at art?
• good at interpreting architectural drawings?
• good at maths?
• able to interpret specifications and drawings?
• able to visualise 2d drawings in a 3d form?
• able to work accurately and precisely?
• steady with your hands?
• a perfectionist?

How do I become an Architectural Model Builder?

Diplomas (N.Dip. Architectural Technology) from Universities of Technology usually consist of 18 months of academic training and 18 months of in-service training at an approved firm.

PATH 1

National Diploma in Architectural Technology

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

Bachelor  of Technology (BTech) in Architecture (professional)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Interior Designer or Furniture Designer 

Is becoming an Architectural Model Builder the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE 

Youtube clip – So you want to become an Architectural Draughter?

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Architectural Draughter?

Architectural Draughters are like architect assistants. The job of an Architectural Draughter is to prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by an architect.  

Draughting can be an exciting and varied career.

In the past, draughting was drawn by hand, but today, computers make life much easier for everyone.

Architectural Draughters need a strong knowledge of building construction so that they are able to understand plans. 

Architectural Draughters can also be called:

• Draughtsman
• Draughtswoman
  
• Draughtsperson
• Draughter
• Drafter
• Draughts Person

What does an Architectural Draughter do?

• translates the ideas and rough sketches of architects into detailed drawings
• assists architects with research for fittings and finishes
• analyses the technical details of an architect’s design concept, including calculating weights, volumes and stress factors
• works out procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials
• represents the architect on the construction site, making sure that the builder follows design specifications
• supervises, coordinates and inspects the work of the draftspersons, technicians, and technologists on construction projects

Are you … ?

• interested in buildings and structures?
• creative?
• a person who can visualise in 3D?
• meticulous?
• detail orientated?
• neat?
• organised and methodical?
• able to communicate well?
• confident?
• computer literate?

How do I become an Architectural Draughter?

Diplomas (N.Dip. Architectural Technology) from Universities of Technology usually consist of 18 months of academic training and 18 months of in-service training at an approved firm.

PATH 1

National Diploma in Architectural Technology

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

Bachelor  of Technology (BTech) in Architecture (professional)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Architect or Architectural Metal Worker

Is becoming an Architectural Draughter the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – What is Architectural Technology & Design?

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Architectural Technologist?

The work of an Architectural Technologist is similar to that of an Architect, except that they are not as involved in the design of the building. 

Based on the architect’s vision, an Architectural Technologist’s job is to make sure that a building is functional and meets the legal building regulations and requirements. 

The Architectural Technologist spends most of the time at the drawing board but may also assist in other areas. 

What does an Architectural Technologist do?

• surveys the site
• prepares measured  drawing of existing buildings
• collects and researches related information or proposed project
• prepares drawings and models
• layouts and designs landscapes for projects
• makse sure that building adhere to building regulations
• deals with local authorities and builders
• makes sure builder adheres to architects plans
• supervises construction

Are you . . . ?

• interested in the building trade?
• interested drawing plans?
• detailed orientated?
• willing to do research?
• responsible?
• keeping up to date with new technologies, materials and finishes?
• mathematically astute?
• able to think in 3-D?
• good at writing clear instructions?

How do I become an Architectural Technologist? 

Diplomas (N.Dip. Architectural Technology) from Universities of Technology usually consist of 18 months of academic training and 18 months of in-service training at an approved firm.

PATH 1

National Diploma in Architectural Technology

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

Bachelor  of Technology (BTech) in Architecture (professional)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tswhane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SAIAT:  SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURAL  TECHNOLOGISTS

http://www.saiat.org.za/ 

• SACAP:  SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSIONAL

Lists the institutions which you can study architectural qualifications: 

http://www.sacapsa.com/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Architect or Architectural Draughter

Is becoming an Architectural Technologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Artistic Metalworker

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Architectural Metalworker?

An Architectural Metal Worker is a specialised Blacksmith who works directly with architects and/or shopfitters. 

They specialise in manufacturing all types of metalwork for homes, buildings and retail stores.  Some of the things they might make are:

• balcony and banister railings
• specialised window and door frames
• door knobs and handles
• specialised shelving
• counters and any other metal finishes
• fixtures and decorations the architect/shopfitter requires for the project

Other items they could make, include large, intricate hinges for eg bank doors, metal patterns for fire-place decorations, chandeliers, restaurant or pub fixtures or fancy crosses for churches and towers. 

They might even be commissioned to make a metal sculpture or a fancy, metal sign. 

An Architectural Metal Worker needs to have a thorough knowledge of the different types of metal and be able to advise where necessary.  The workshop is called a forge. 

What does an Architectural Metalworker do?

• liaises with architects/shopfitters
• drawsup templates
• traces designs onto metal
• cuts, bends, shapes and forges the metal for desired effect
• solders and welds
• generates new ideas and shares them with architects
• keeps up to date with architectural trends?
• keeps up to date with technology and skills?
• takes pride in their work
• meets deadlines

Are you . . . ?

• creative?
• inventive?
• a person who loves working in metal?
• safety conscious?  You will be required to work with hot molten metal and dangerous gasses?
• good with your hands
• mathematically inclined?
• neat and accurate?
• physical fit and healthy?
• able to work on your own?
• practical?
• to think in 3-D?
• able to manage your time and meet deadlines?

How do I become an Architectural Metalworker?

There are various options to consider when becoming an Architectural Metal Worker.

You could start off doing a ‘welding’ course or you could perhaps get an apprenticeship with someone already practicing as an Architectural Metal Worker and assist in their forge. 

Or, once you have enough training and experience, you could open your own forge.

• THE BLACKSMITH FORGE:  (Observatory)

Sometimes offers FREE/unpaid apprenticeships

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Welder … or … Blacksmith

Is becoming an Architectural Metalworker the right career choice for me?