Going out for a meal and meeting someone that I haven’t met before and the question inevitably gets around to ‘So what do you do for a living?’
” I’m an Architectural Technologist”
” Ah, so you are an architect!”
“Well no, actually I’m a Chartered Architectural Technologist” I reply proudly and a slightly glazed look appears across their face.
” Is it like an Architect then” they say, hoping that I’m going to keep this quick and simple.
“Well similar, I can’t call myself an Architect as I’m not one but I do similar work. I’m a Chartered Architectural Technologist, so I design buildings.” (pause) “Apply for Planning Permission and Building Regulations, that sort of thing”. A look of comprehension replaces the previous confused look. They know a bit more of what I’m talking about now.
“We can do everything that an Architect can do, but I can’t call myself one, it’s a protected title”
” I see”
“The title of Chartered Architectural Technologist is also a protected title so nobody else can use that title either. I can design, produce detailed drawings, manage and advise people on their projects.” I go on to describe how I produce 3D designs, working for different clients and talk about a couple of projects that I’m working on.
The conversation turns, ” so what do you do?”
“I’m an IT Consultant”
“So you are good on computers?”
” Not really”, a glazed look appears on my face similar to the one I had witnessed before……
A little meeting and greeting time later.
“So what do you do?”
“I’m a…… I’m a Building Designer”
“That’s so cool, like a Technologist then?” I smile.