Course Overview.
Architectural technology can be described as the technological application to the design of buildings and allied projects. It is a component of building engineering and architecture and is sometimes viewed as a distinct discipline or sub-category. Professionals in this field are known as architectural technologists among other titles. Architectural technologists are specialized in architecture, building design and construction. They work under the supervision of architects to help them turn architect’s concept into reality in the completed construction works. In their day to day work, these technologists work on architects design plans and advise on the best use of building materials and monitor progress of projects. Their objective is to ensure functional and attractive construction projects perform successfully.

The Bachelor of Architectural Technology is a four year course that has been developed to produce competent architectural technologists who will work under the supervision of architects to bring to life architects ideas and design. The coursework concerns both planning and design of the built and natural environment with emphasis on art approach to design. The program has been designed to equip students with a cutting-edge building design, construction technology and techniques, giving them the industry knowledge base and skills needed to excel in the field and pursue a career in the architectural design and development profession.

Upon successful completion of this four year course, graduates can choose to enter the job market and work as assistants to registered architects or apply for the 2 year master degree in architecture (professional) to become eligible for registration as Architects.  It is worthy to note that as per the relevant laws, graduates of this course can only work as architectural technologists and not architects. Those who want to become registerable architects will require additional two years in the university and be awarded with a master’s degree in architecture (professional). With this qualification and the relevant industry experience, graduates of master of architecture (professional) can become licensed to practice as architects.

Entry Qualifications.
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of B- in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects;  Subject 1 MAT A, Subject 2 PHY, Subject 3 any GROUP III, Subject 4 2nd GROUP II or 2nd GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.

Becoming an architectural technologist
If you are passionate about the built environment with a particular interest in practical and technical aspects in  the architecture profession, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you, in addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this field.

Architectural technologists are creative people able to design the overall look of buildings, houses, and other allied structures to ensure the final product is attractive and functional. They are also technically inclined as they use advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology to create plans. Architectural technologists also possess excellent visualization skills and are therefore able to see how the parts of a structure relate to each other even before it is constructed. This enables them to visualize how the overall building will look once completed.

Architectural technologists have excellent organization skills to enable them manage contracts and keep records related to the details of a project, including total costs, materials used and progress. These technologists also have good analytical skills enabling them to understand the content of designs and the context in which they were created e.g. understanding the locations of mechanical systems and how those systems affect building operations. Architectural technologists must be good communicators both orally and in writing, this will enable them communicate effectively with architects and other workers. They should also be able to supervise project workers by having good leadership skills.

Work environment.
Architectural technologists work both in office and job sites.

Career opportunities
Architectural technologists may find employments in local and international design and construction organisations, government authorities in allied fields, building contractors, architectural firms, education; landscape architectural firms, property development companies, research, academia, research within industry and with Non-Governmental Organizations, Architectural journalism and manufacturing among other areas. Graduates can also start their own businesses.

You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Bachelor of Arts in Design
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, With IT
Bachelor of Construction Management
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying
Bachelor of Technology in Building Construction