Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Building a Career in Architectural Technology

Considered as one of the most prestigious professions, architecture has evolved tremendously in the past few decades. Not only the demand for architects is increasing exponentially but new and more exciting and creative job opportunities are also coming up in this field.

Career opportunities exist in both public and private sectors. Architects can easily find employment with established architects, architectural technology firms, builders, contractors, engineers, developers, suppliers, construction material manufacturers and municipal building departments.

Careers in architectural technology are high paying and have huge potential in terms of growth. However, the job market is extremely competitive. Employers are keen on hiring professionals who not only have a formal education in architectural technology but also have a mental inclination and creative orientation. They must have subject-specific skills, technical dexterity, strong IT skills and excellent mixing, planning and designing skills.

Studying Architectural Technology

A college or university program in architectural technology is the first step towards building a rewarding career in this field. The program includes classroom learning to help students build strong theoretical foundation, hands-on lab and an industry field placement allowing them put their learning into practice.

The students of an architecture program in Ontario are introduced to building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, specifications and contracts and business environment for providing design and construction services. They also prepare designs, construction drawings, and reports using state-of-the-art computer technology. With this, they are also prepared to communicate with clients, builders and approval authorities.

Program Details

A post-secondary program in architectural technology covers mathematics, applied physics, environment, and computer-aided drafting and microcomputer applications for technology. It also covers advanced courses including materials and methods, architectural graphics, structures, and advanced structures, construction health and safety, technical writing, project management, advanced presentation techniques, building services, contracts, law and professional practices and ethics, specification writing and contracts. It also includes other subjects such as building within the municipality, understanding the Ontario Building Code and communications.

Centennial College’s three-year architectural technology program offers a project-based curriculum, focusing on different building type each semester. A strong emphasis is laid on energy-efficient designing, sustainable designing, construction strategies and environment protection. In addition to this, the program also helps students an opportunity to enhance their learning and gain valuable career contacts by working as paid employees for a total of 12 months in the field of architectural technology.

The college’s architectural technology program is CTAB accredited and allows students to qualify for Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS) membership, Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credential, and Association of Architectural Technologies of Ontario (AATO) membership.

Enrolling in an Architecture Program

Interested students need to submit their secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent and Mathematics 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent, in order to apply for a three-year post-secondary architecture program. Students currently in high school can also apply for this program. Their midterm and final term scores will automatically reach the college. 

No comments:

Post a Comment