National Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6)

William Hanson, an architectural technician, works with architects and builders

THE QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6)
Unitec Mt Albert Campus, Auckland
Ph 09 815 4321
0800 10 95 10
Email: Unitec courses
www.unitec.ac.nz
Course costs: $4165 in 2006
Starting Salary: $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience

Architectural technicians work alongside architects and builders, producing the working drawings and specifications from which buildings are constructed.

The Unitec National Diploma in Architectural Technology develops students skills from the drawing of simple buildings to the drawing and specification of complex buildings using advanced technology. Study includes learning the latest computer-aided technology as well as perspective drawing, freehand drawing, shading and rendering. Around 40 per cent of the study involves Computer Assisted Draughting (CAD).

Students also gain thorough grounding in construction technology, building law, design context and history, management and control.

The two year qualification can be done full time or part time with 20 of the 140 places reserved for part timers. Some full timers go part time in their second year after finding work in an architectural firm.

The deadline for applications is end of October. Applicants under 20 years need 36 NCEA level two credits in three subjects, including maths, or 35 level two unit standards over three subjects, including algebra or trigonometry, or another equivalent.

There are also specific English requirements.

Architectural technician graduates work with architects, designers and construction contractors. They can also apply to enter the second year of the Unitec Bachelor of Construction or Bachelor of Architecture.

THE GRADUATE
William Hanson
Architectural Technician at Klein (architectural firm)
Completed diploma in April, 2006

I originally did a building course at Unitec for a year and then decided that I would really like to get into design and thought draughting might give me a good grounding. My long term ambition is to be an architect and people in the industry say that it is really good to have a draughting base.

I like learning about how things come together so I have found I really enjoy the technical side of building and being part of the process of giving a design technical depth and helping make it come to life.

I have been here three months and I'm currently working on a big villa multi-complex job. This involves considering everything from joist distance and legal heights of walls to legal placement of sinks in bathrooms for people with disabilities.

Klein is a firm with lots of opportunities to get experience in commercial and residential work. Working for Klein also appealed because Steven (boss) also comes from a building and draughting background and is now an architect, which is inspiring.

The course was really valuable. It gave me good technical knowledge, including how to use a wide range of computer programmes for draughting.

We also learned a lot about the legal documentation involved in construction, which is essential in the job. We need to know the Building Code well.

I liked the more practical parts of the course. For one paper we had to find a builder on a residential building site, meet regularly with him and keep a logbook and take photos of the construction. This gave me a really good understanding of how a building went together and all the interaction with contractors. Now when I go to consultancy meetings, I can understand the lingo.

THE EMPLOYER
Steven Hill
Managing Director of Klein

William is the first graduate technician we've employed for a while. I did the same qualification as William when it was the New Zealand Certificate in Architectural Draughting. It is still well recognised, which is one reason we employed him. He'd also done some carpentry which I liked.

The course gives a base knowledge in construction that we can build on and provides a practical understanding of the construction industry.

Once William has experience he'll become more involved with management of projects on site. Technicians work more with the builders and architects do the senior management role of dealing with the clients more.

Our business is almost totally commercial. If you get into commercial, you can always go into residential housing but it is much more difficult to go the other way. Quite a few technicians go on to do architectural degrees, getting recognition for their first qualification.