Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Architecture Program Launches Your Career in the Construction Field

Did you know that the field of architecture is quite vast and involves multiple areas of expertise? Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. As such, those who attend Centennial College’s architecture program, which is focused on technology, become the link between the architect’s design and the finished building by ensuring that they use correct materials and that any planning and building regulations are complied. In addition, these professionals also prepare designs, create construction drawings and specifications, are responsible for quality and cost control, and communicate with clients and other construction professionals. Because of their positions, these architecture grads find employment with architects, architectural technology firms, engineers, builders, contractors, developers, construction material manufacturers and suppliers, and municipal building departments.

This Architectural Technology program is completed in three years and results in an Ontario College Advanced Diploma. During the time, students attend courses such as Design and Computer Aided Drafting Project, Environment, Mathematics for Architecture, Materials and Methods, Building within the Municipality; Contacts, Law and Professional Practice & Ethics, and more. As a result of using state-of-the-art computer technology in these courses, architecture program students master preparing designs, construction drawings and specifications needed to communicate with clients, construction professionals and approval authorities. Additionally, they are 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.

It’s worth noting that this architecture program has met the national technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and, as such, has received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists recognizes the Architectural Technology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist category.

Applicants to this architecture program must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have 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. Requirements continue after students have been accepted as they are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA to enter the fifth semester. Also, students of this architecture program who have completed all courses in semesters 1 to 4 will have all the prerequisites requirements for courses in semester 5 and 6.
Service Canada anticipates that the growth in construction and the demand for architectural services means that the number of architectural technology jobs should increase significantly in the next few years. It also states that these opportunities will be first available to candidates with a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in architectural technology/technician.

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