Architectural Technician at Algonquin College

Build your architectural career within the construction industry.

The two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program teaches you the skills and techniques to enter a career in the architecture and construction fields.

Your professors are industry professionals who provide you with a learning experience from the construction industry and the architectural profession, enabling you to be successful in your academic and professional ventures.

Begin the program with a focus on residential construction, and progress to studying commercial construction, as defined in the Ontario Building Code. Develop skills related to all facets of building construction, including design and technical resolution with the integration of building and material detailing.

As a student in this program, you have the opportunity to study and learn in a variety of practical topics, using both applied and theoretical learning, and a project-based, integrated studies approach. Courses include:

• Working Drawings
• Methods and Materials of Construction
• Codes and Standards
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• Visual Communications
• Design
• Environmental Systems

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

On completion of this two-year program, you have the opportunity to further your education at Algonquin College by:

• completing the Architectural Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma program as a third-year option
• applying to the Green Architecture Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
• applying to the Building Information Modeling - Lifecycle Management (BIM-LM) Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
• applying for advanced standing in the Bachelor of Building Science Degree program

Graduates often work:

• in architects` offices
• with contractors in multiple sectors
• in engineering offices
• as a building materials sales representative
• with municipal offices such as the City of Ottawa
• with federal and provincial agencies dealing with construction
• in a drafting service office using AutoCAD and Revit
• in construction, maintenance, and planning jobs
• with real estate and facilities management companies

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are detail-oriented, organized and committed to achieving excellence in their work.
• Are creative and enjoy solving technical problems.
• Thrive in a dynamic and technically-driven environment.
• Think visually and creatively.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment in architects` offices, with contractors in a number of capacities, in a drafting service office using AutoCAD and Revit, as building material sales representatives, in facilities management, and in municipal, provincial and federal agencies dealing with construction, real estate and planning.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Communicate with clients, contractors, other building professionals, and approval authorities.
2. Assist in the preparation, reading, and interpretation of drawings, and other graphical representations used in building projects.
3. Read and assist in the preparation of specifications and other project documents used in design and construction.
4. Assist in the preparation of estimates of time, costs, and quantity.
5. Assist in solving technical problems related to building projects through the application of principles of building science and mathematics.
6. Collaborate with members of the building team.
7. Assist in the development of architectural designs.
8. Review and assist in the preparation of site planning documents.
9. Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of an architectural technician in the practice of building design and construction.
10. Assist in the assessment of buildings related to repurposing and renovation projects.
11. Ensure personal safety in the workplace.
12. Identify sustainable design and building practices.
13. Use current and emerging technology to support building projects.
14. Assist in the administration of the construction phase of building projects.
15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics, (Grade 12 MAP4C with a grade of 60% or higher) or (Grade 11 MCF3M with a grade of 50% or higher) or equivalent.
• Applicants who have been out of school for a period of time are encouraged to take a refresher course in mathematics and/or basic computer skills prior to the start of classes. Refresher/upgrading courses are available through Academic Upgrading courses, the Centre for Continuing and Online Learning and through local school boards.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading: 20; Listening: 20` Speaking: 20; Writing: 20.