Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Path for Building a Career in Architectural Technology

The architectural technologists typically support architects in collecting and organizing technical information to be used for a particular project, preparing architectural drawings, designing the components, and planning and developing specifications for project construction.

Their work also includes assessing client’s needs, identifying the feasibility of the project, collecting technical data, looking into legal aspect of the construction work and inspecting the work in progress. Architectural technologists may work on residential, commercial or industrial projects, depending upon their employment. However, their job responsibilities remain similar.

The Path for a Career in Architectural Technology

Architectural technology is a highly specialized field. Thus, it’s mandatory to undergo post-secondary education at least in this discipline. An architecture program typically runs for three years and prepares students for a variety of careers in the building construction industry. They learn to prepare designs, construction drawings, specifications and reports for residential, institutional, commercial, industrial and multi-purpose buildings, using start-of-the-art technology.

The program in architectural technology introduces students to building materials, mechanical and electrical services, and construction methods, building codes, structural design, contracts and specifications. They also learn to create energy-efficient design, sustainable design, and construction strategies.

Although numerous colleges in Toronto offer such programs but Centennial College incorporates a co-op component, which helps students gain valuable hands-on experience and relevant industry contacts. What sets it apart from similar programs at other colleges is that its co-op component allows students to work as paid employees with an architectural firm for up to 12 months. And it has also received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Program (CTAB).

Apart from this, the program is delivered by the faculty members who have strong academic backgrounds and have advanced degrees, licenses, credentials in architecture, architectural technology, engineering and green building, and building science.

Once you graduate from this program, students may pursue Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS) membership. It can also lead to a membership with Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), as a Licensed Technologist OAA.

Graduates of this program are also eligible to pursue accreditation with Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Work Life

The diploma in architectural technology prepares students to work with architects, municipal building departments, builders, contractors, engineers, architectural technology firms, suppliers and construction material manufacturers.

The professionals usually work 9am – 5pm. However, they may have to work for extra hours to meet the deadlines. Moreover, they may need to travel to the client’s location or construction sites.

More Advanced Career Opportunities

This program prepares students for entry-level jobs in the building construction industry. Those who are interested in more advanced career opportunities may opt for higher studies. The graduates of the architectural technology program at Centennial may qualify for advanced educational programs. They may either opt for RAIC syllabus, which leads to the RAIC professional diploma in architecture or Bachelor of Applied Technology (Architecture – Project and Facility Management) or Bachelor of Applied Technology (Construction Science and Management) at associated universities, institutions or professional associations.

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