Have a Hand in Building Your City with Architectural Design

Summary: Architectural Technicians work independently or provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects.

According to Service Canada, the anticipated growth in construction and the demand for architectural services means that the number of architectural technician jobs should increase significantly in the next few years. This is a positive observation for those who are interested in the architectural field, especially because Service Canada also states that these opportunities will be available first and foremost to candidates with a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in architectural technology/technician. Now is the time to attend the Architectural Technician program at Centennial College and solidify your place in the field.

The two-year program prepares you for a career in the construction industry, working with architects, engineers, builders, contractors and municipal building departments. According to census data, in 2006 approximately 63 per cent of architectural technologists and technicians worked in architectural, engineering and related services firms. Significant numbers could also be found in the construction industry (9 per cent), public administration (9 per cent) and the manufacturing sector (5 per cent). Clearly, the jobs options in the field vary. And, while the architect is more concerned with the aesthetic properties of a building, as a technician, you will be involved with the technical side of what goes into making a building. You will actually be the vital link between the architect’s design and the finished building, making sure they are using the correct materials and that any planning and building regulations are complied with. But that’s not all. You will prepare designs, create construction drawings and specifications, be responsible for quality and cost control, as well as communicate with clients and other construction professionals. Architecture program prepares students for the better future in the industry.

The Architectural Technician program at Centennial College teaches all of the mentioned skills. Students participate in activities that include preparing drawings for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional building types as well as being introduced to building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, contracts, specifications, and the business environment for providing design and construction services. Also, with today’s green focus, Centennial’s Architectural Technician program places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, energy conservation, and sustainable design and construction strategies.

When applying for the program, students should remember that they must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11M or U or 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not, however, guarantee admission to Architectural Technician program.

Important skills that potential Architectural Technicians should possess include solid spatial visualization skills and being skilled in concrete mathematical applications. They also need to be creative and to have strong observation skills. The ability to work as part of a team, in addition to communication skills, attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics are the main qualities that are sought after. Knowledge of and skills in computers are often essential as well in the Architectural Technician field.