Prepare For the Construction Industry with an Architecture Program

The construction sector is inherently connected to the architecture field through architectural technology. This area’s concern is with the technical aspects of building the structures in our communities. Those in architecture technology are a vital link between architects and construction crews. Using their mastery of computer-aided-drafting software, they fill in the fine details of an architect’s drawing. In addition, they understand the physical laws that keep a building standing and know how to test materials, estimate costs, and quality evaluate mechanical and electrical systems, and prepare designs. This sector of the economy is very much in demand. Graduates of a technical based architecture program work with architects, architectural technology firms, engineers, builders, contractors, developers, construction material manufacturers and suppliers and municipal building departments.

Before professionals enter the field, they must attend a post-secondary institution such as Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. This college offers a three-year Architectural Technology program, which results in an Ontario College Advanced Diploma. Students are prepared for the field through activities such as preparing drawings for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional building types, as well as complex buildings and multi-use buildings; familiarizing themselves with building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, contracts, specifications and the business environment for providing design and construction services; and more. In addition, Centennial incorporates architecture’s green outlook into its curriculum by covering topics such as protecting the environment, energy conservation, and sustainable design and construction strategies. Green courses within the architecture program include its Environment series of classes, which address the basic principles of environmental design, physical properties of materials, and elemental structure analysis; energy conservation and other sustainability principles through investigation of local priorities, societal attitudes, construction sector trends, and issues.

Graduates can apply to: become a member of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario; obtain a Building Code Identification Number; and obtain LEED status through membership with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).

To apply for this architecture program, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed 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 Technology program. Please note that, once in the program, in order to gain entry into the fifth semester of the program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Also, students who have completed all courses in semesters 1 to 4 will have all the prerequisites requirements for courses in semester 5 and 6.

Did you know that there is an expected demand for architectural services being predicted by Service Canada? This includes an increase in architectural technology jobs. In addition, Service Canada states that these opportunities will be first available to candidates with a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in architectural technology/technician.