Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology (Online) (Optional Co-op)

• Program Code: 3607
• SchoolSchool of Engineering Technology and Applied Science
• Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
• Program Type: Post-secondary program
• Program Length: 3 years/ 6 semesters
• Location: Online

Centennial College's Architectural Technology program will prepare you for a variety of careers in the building industry. Among the various options will be working in an architectural firm where you'll apply your technical knowledge and skills to create building designs, analyze building code requirements, prepare construction drawings and carry out contract administration tasks during the construction phase. Alternatively, where permitted by legislation, you may directly offer building design and drawing services to clients on small building projects.

This diploma program will emphasize energy-efficient, sustainable design and construction strategies as well as protecting the environment. Using state-of-the-art computer technology, you'll learn to prepare designs and construction drawings for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional buildings. You'll also become familiar with building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes and zoning by-laws, contracts, specifications, and the business environment for providing design and construction services.

The co-op option in this program will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you complete two co-op work terms as an employee in the field. This experience not only allows you to put classroom learning into practice but will also provide valuable contacts for your future career.

To participate in this co-op option, you will need to complete an application process in the second semester. If academically qualified, you may be admitted to the co-op program. Academically qualified students who are accepted into the program will register for the co-op preparation course as scheduled.

Co-op Requirements

• Minimum of 80% of courses completed from semesters one and two combined
• Completion of COMM-170/171 by the end of semester 2 with a C grade (60%) or higher
• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (this must be maintained for the duration of the program)
• Students must be legally eligible to work in Canada
• Students who meet the above prerequisites will submit their application for the co-op to the Career Services & Cooperative Education Department in semester 2

Note: Meeting the minimum co-op program requirements does not guarantee admission into the co-op program.

Semester 1

• ARCH-101 Design and Computer-Aided Drafting Project 1
• ARCH-102 Architectural CAD 1
• COMM-170/COMM-171 College Communications 2
• ENVR-101 Environment 1
• GNED General Education Elective
• MATH-111 Mathematics for Architecture 1
• MATM-101 Materials and Methods 1

Semester 2

• ARAP-124 Applied Physics
• ARCH-121 Design and Computer-Aided Drafting Project 2
• ENVR-123 Environment 2
• GNED-500 Global Citizenship: From Social Analysis to Social Action
• MATH-112 Mathematics for Architecture 2
• MATM-122 Materials and Methods 2

Semester 3

• ACHS-204 Construction Health & Safety
• ARBC-205 Builders and Contractors
• ARCH-201 Design and Computer-Aided Drafting Project 3
• ARCH-206 History of Architecture
• ENVR-203 Environment 3
• MATM-202 Materials and Methods 3

Semester 4

• ARBS-222 Building Services 1
• ARCH-221 Design and Computer-Aided Drafting Project 4
• ARGR-224 Architectural Graphics
• ARST-305 Structures
• ENVR-223 Environment 4

Semester 5

• ARBS-302 Building Services 2
• ARBW-307 Technical Writing
• ARCH-301 Design and CAD Complex Project
• ARPM-225 Project Management
• ARPT-304 Advanced Presentation Techniques
• ARST-306 Advanced Structures
• ENVR-303 Environment 5

Semester 6

• ARBL-324 Building Within the Municipality
• ARCH-321 Design and CAD Multi-Use Project
• ARCL-322 Contracts, Law and Professional Practice & Ethics
• ARPE-326 Understanding the Ontario Building Code
• ARSW-325 Specification Writing and Contracts
• ENVR-323 Environment 6

Program Highlights

• The Architectural Technology program's project-based curriculum, which focuses on a different building type each semester, and a strong foundation in technical knowledge, ensure you are industry-ready.
• There is a strong emphasis on energy-efficient, sustainable design and construction strategies, and protecting the environment.
• Program faculty members include many current industry practitioners who have advanced degrees, licenses and credentials in architecture and related fields.
• All students are strongly encouraged to complete the full,three-year, Architectural Technology program. However, students who successfully complete the first two years of this program may apply to graduate from the two-year Architectural Technician program.

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.

• Communicate with clients, contractors, other building professionals, and approval authorities.
• Prepare, read, interpret, and revise drawings, and other graphical representations used in building projects.
• Obtain, analyze, prepare, and revise specifications and other project documents used in design and construction.
• Prepare estimates of time, costs, and quantity, and participate in the tendering process.
• Solve technical problems related to building projects through the application of principles of building science and mathematics.
• Collaborate with and coordinate information from structural, mechanical, and electrical building systems professionals.
• Contribute to the design of architectural projects.
• Contribute to the analysis, planning, and preparation of site planning documents.
• Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of an architectural technologist in the practice of building design and construction.
• Assess buildings and their interiors, and make recommendations for their repurposing and renovation.
• Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others in the workplace.
• Participate in sustainable design and building practices.
• Use and evaluate current and emerging technology to support building projects.
• Assist in the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of building projects.
• Apply business principles to design and building practices.

Companies Offering Jobs

Cassidy & Company, Architectural Technologists; Hunt Design Associates Inc.; Romanov Romanov Architects Inc.; LaPointe Architects

Career Outlook

• Architectural technologist
• Architectural CAD operator
• Architectural drafter
• Design/builder
• Building inspector
• Municipal plans examiner
• Specifications writer
• Building material sales representative

Education Pathways

Successful graduates of this Architectural Technology program will have the opportunity to apply their credits toward further study at the degree level.

Please note that each partner pathway has a specific minimum grade requirement in order to qualify for transferring credits, which are assessed by the partner institution.

Areas of Employment

You will be prepared to work with:

• Architects
• Architectural technology firms
• Engineers
• Builders
• Contractors
• Developers
• Construction material manufacturers and suppliers
• Municipal building departments