Architectural Technology at Algonquin College

Build your career potential with an in-depth understanding of building and construction.

Architectural Technology is the third year of an Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that prepares you for a career in the architectural profession and the construction industry. The program gives you the credentials, the knowledge and the skills necessary to further define your career. Graduates of the two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program may consider taking the third year, Architectural Technology program to build on their previous studies.

In the Architectural Technology program, you focus on commercial construction and large buildings, as defined in the Ontario Building Code. You participate in a team project that brings together all facets of building construction, including:

• design and technical resolution with the integration of building and material detailing
• structural and mechanical layout design for a commercial building assembly
• Revit Architecture is used to execute the design and technical resolution for the project.

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.

Graduates of this program may find work with:

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

Graduates may also consider applying for advanced standing in several Algonquin College programs such as the Bachelor of Building Science Degree program, the Green Architecture Ontario College Graduate Certificate program or the Building Information Modeling - Lifecycle Management (BIM-LM) Ontario College Graduate Certificate program.

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.
• Work well in a team environment.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment with architects, engineers and contractors, and in municipal, provincial and federal agencies dealing with construction, real estate and facilities management.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Communicate with clients, contractors, other building professionals, and approval authorities.
2. Prepare, read, interpret, and revise drawings, and other graphical representations used in building projects.
3. Obtain, analyze, prepare, and revise specifications and other project documents used in design and construction.
4. Prepare estimates of time, costs, and quantity, and participate in the tendering process.
5. Solve technical problems related to building projects through the application of principles of building science and mathematics.
6. Collaborate with and coordinate information from structural, mechanical, and electrical building systems professionals.
7. Contribute to the design of architectural projects.
8. Contribute to the analysis, planning, and preparation of site planning documents.
9. Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of an architectural technologist in the practice of building design and construct.
10. Assess buildings and their interiors, and make recommendations for their repurposing and renovation.
11. Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others in the workplace.
12. Participate in sustainable design and building practices.
13. Use and evaluate current and emerging technology to support building projects.
14. Assist in the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of building.
15. Apply business principles to design and building practices.
16. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Students must successfully complete Levels 01 to 04 of the Architectural Technician program with a minimum GPA of 2.00 before continuing on to Levels 05 and 06 of the Architectural Technology program. Students will be placed on the current program of study associated with Level 05 of the program.

The number of seats in the Technology program is limited. Should the number of students exceed the number of seats, selection will based on academic performance in the program.