Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Architectural Technology Program Focuses on Teaching Students the Business of Building Design Services

Did you know that most provinces in Canada have an association representing architectural technologists and technicians? These organizations assist in securing jobs for their members, among other things. In Ontario, for example, professionals who attend an architecture program in Toronto such as Centennial College’s Architectural Technology are represented by the Ontario Association of Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS), which awards a “Licensed Technologist OAA” designation. The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) partnered with the provincial engineering technologist’s association (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists or OACETT) and established the requirement that only OACETT engineering technologist members are eligible to be licensed to provide architectural services
Centennial College’s Architectural Technology program actually gives its grads the opportunity to pursue OAAAS membership, which can lead to OAA membership. They may also pursue Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credential, and Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) membership.

These memberships are important for those whose responsibility it is to provide building design services and solutions, negotiate the construction project, and manage the process from conception through to completion. Equally important is the education these professionals receive.

At Centennial College, training takes three years and includes a project-based curriculum that focuses on a different building type each semester. With classes being taught by program faculty with advanced degrees, licenses, and credentials in architecture, architectural technology, building science, engineering, and green building, including many current industry practitioners, students can rest assured that they are receiving exceptional training. A focus on energy-efficient design, sustainable design and construction strategies, and protecting the environment are among the specific topics covered in the Architectural Technology. Specific courses include Understanding the Ontario Building Code, Building Within the Municipality, Technical Writing, Advanced Structures, Environment, Design and Computer Aided Drafting Project, History of Western Architecture, Builders and Contractors, Applied Physics, Materials and Methods and more.

During their time in the offering, students prepare drawings for residential, institutional, commercial, industrial, and multi-use buildings. They also become familiar 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.

The architecture program requires applicants to have at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). They must also have completed the English Grade 12 C or U credential, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission; and Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, or 12 C or U credit, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take a Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission.

Some companies that have hired grads of Architectural Technology include: Cassidy & Company, Architectural Technologists, Hunt Design Associates Inc., Romanov Romanov, Architects and LaPointe Architects.

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