Reasons to Consider a Post-Secondary Architecture Program

Architectural technology is a discipline that involves building engineering and design of buildings. Structural technologies, building materials and methods, computer-aided design, building management technologies, building design and construction and building standards and regulations are core subjects of this discipline. And those involved in this profession plan, design, manage and control construction.

Employment Prospects

Although architectural science has been there since ages but it has re-emerged as a significant profession in the past few decades. The whole world is experiencing a construction boom, which can be directly related to the significant increase in the demand for architectural technologists. And this demand is expected to increase further in the coming years. As population is increasing constantly, there is a growing need for constructing more houses. Additionally, businesses are also expanding, needing more space and sophisticated infrastructure to operate. All these factors have led to the increased job opportunities in this field.

Career Options

A qualification in architectural technology opens doors to diverse career options in the areas of design, construction drawings, computer-aided drafting, construction planning, building materials analysis, construction health and safety, building codes and specification, technical writing, contract management, budgeting, and construction laws and ethics.

The professionals can find employment with architectural technology firms, established architects, builders, contractors and real estate developers, engineering firms, construction material manufacturers and suppliers and municipal building departments.

Breaking into a Career in Architectural Technology

Individuals interested to build careers in this field are required to undergo a college-level program in architectural technology. A post-secondary diploma in this discipline is minimum mandatory requirement to seek entry-level jobs. Higher education and experience lead to more advanced career opportunities.

A post-secondary architecture program typically runs for three years, through six semesters, introducing students to construction methods, building materials, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, architectural graphics and construction law and ethics. A strong emphasis is laid on sustainable design and construction, energy-efficient design and protecting the environment.

Choosing the Right Architectural Technology Program in Canada

A handful of colleges in Canada offer post-secondary architectural technology programs. However, deciding on which college to attend may involve numerous considerations. An architecture program is worth considering, if it

• Is accredited;
• Provides you with the eligibility to apply for professional memberships;
• Offers you the eligibility to apply for more advanced programs at the university;
• Is delivered by licensed industry professionals;
• Focuses on green building practices;
• Incorporates a project-based curriculum to give you practical understanding; and
• Offers strong employment prospects

Centennial College’s architectural technology program is CTAB accredited and fulfills all these criteria. It has also been recognized by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists for meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist category.

In addition, program graduates are eligible to pursue Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS) membership, Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) membership, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Moreover, the program offers excellent employment prospects. Program graduates can choose to either pursue their careers or apply their academic credits towards further studies.