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Can somebody help/direct me with any advices in becoming a qualified 3D Visualizer and Architectural Technician.

Studying Architecture was always my dream but finding it hard to afford it, so I am looking to find other ways in getting employed by an architectural companies as an 3D Visualizer or Architectural Technician, hence the need for some sort of qualifications.

I have been using Auto-desk products such as Auto CAD, Inventor and 3D Studio Max for over five years.

Any advice would mean a lot for me in achieving my goal...

Regards

Vigan

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6 answers

  • 0

jenny_93

Whilst searching for jobs, I've come across some vacancies for 3D Visualisation and CAD technicians.

Here are some sites for you to search: Design Week, Adrem, Creative Pool, Adrem.

Good luck

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  • 0

mdeakin

I personally have done it the other way around. I studied 2 years full time on an FDa Architectural Vizualisation in Bristol and found that there were not many jobs about as a 3D Vizualiser so I had no other choice but to study further and do a Bsc Architectural Technology. The only problem now is that i work in a practice but do not use my 3D skills at all. Its still a good skill to have but the harsh reality of being a 3D Visualiser is that there arent many jobs about. Good Luck.

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vigan
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I will be looking at Architectural technology courses…Thanks for your comment

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  • 0

v bird

First, go for Architectural Technology rather than Technician - if you're in any confusion check out the CIAT website for definitions (www.ciat.org.uk).

Any course worth its salt will teach you drawing techniques, though in my experience teaching Arch Tech at Southampton Solent Uni, to get much beyond basic CAD skills depends on the wishes, ability and motivation of the particular student.

As regards employment, according to CIAT 25% of members are self employed. There are an increasing number of practises headed up by Architectural Technologists (ERMC on Isle of Wight being but one). If you are running your own practise visualisation might be part of your unique selling point; it would certainly help you with managing clients and marketing.

Generally in our field the pay isn't brilliant - we're not in the same league as doctors and solicitors, but the satisfaction of getting things built and seeing what started in your head being realised in bricks and mortar beats a desk job!

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john kellett

It is, I believe, still possible to study architecture part-time. Indeed most full-time students seem to have had term-time employment in architect's offices during the 'good times'. Don't let 'cost' put you off. Student loans are far more accessible and generous than the 'student grant' of my day (30 years ago), I'm still paying off my student debts (seven years delay onto the property ladder etc). Architecture is not a good profession if you want lots of money and I doubt if being a technician or 3D visualiser will be any different in the long run!

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  • 0

del hossain

Vigan, If you truely want to become an architect and it is indeed your dream then do not deviate away by becoming a visualiser as it will become much harder in the long term to be seen as anything other then that. Many employers utilise highly talented students from Part 2 and even Part 1 to produce some of the better visuals that their practices will utilise for presentations and planning. As a student of architecture you will get the time and opportunity to improve and and harness your visualisation skills as well as learning the basics of architecture, but have the confidence in knowing that you are one step closer to your goal.

The God's of the economy aren't looking too kindly on anyone that does not already have the pre requisite skills to differentiate themselves from the crowd, and even when they do it is difficult. It is in your interest to utilise this period constructively and take a student loan and enrol onto an Architecture course and meanwhile get a part time job, it doesn't matter what it is just as long as its legal!! Meanwhile learn your craft, (create a practical portfolio which is beautifully drawn & visualised ) then when the market does change you will have developed a folio that will look methodical but yet creative. If its your passion follow your dream, and don't compromise what you'd like to do in the future. Good luck. Del

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daniel_28

Has John Kellett talked to a student recently? Out of 60 students in my year over the three years of my degree only two had part-time jobs during term time and that wasn't in the industry (And no I wasn't at UCL or Cambridge where everyone had a lawyer or doctor father to support them). During the summer sure but very few people could juggle the demands of the Arch course and a job. I worked part time so that I didn't run up huge student loans but it was hard work, It resulted in me not being able to partake in the student lifestyle and the tutors didn't approve of working students. Most of the student having to pay full fee's and taking out a loan to live now owe roughly £21,000+ and that's only three years into a profession that takes a minimum of 7 years to qualify. Having worked part-time as a sales assistant I now have a HND in building and a 2:1 in Architecture from a top ten school and ONLY(!) owe £8000 to the student loan company. Most students haven't found placements to even start saving for a masters course never mind paying off their loans.

You can do it and you can teach yourself all the skills for Viz and CAD while studying to become an architect and it will make you more employable in the long run just don't mention those skills to the tutors.

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