Building

Architectural technicians and technologists work independently or with professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects. Architectural technologists and technicians are employed by architectural and construction firms, and governments.

Career Options

• ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN
• ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST
• COMPUTER - ASSISTED DRAFTING (CAD) TECHNICIAN
• DRAFTSPERSON
• ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DRAFTING TECHNOLOGIST
• SUPERVISOR, DRAFTING OFFICE
• CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIST
• BUILDING E NGINEERING T ECHNOLOGIST

On the Job...

Things that Architectural technicians and technologists do at work are:

• Assist in the development of architectural designs.
• Analyze building codes, by-laws, space requirements, site requirements and other technical documents and reports.
• Prepare manual and CAD (computer-assisted design) drawings, specifications, cost estimates and listings of quantities of material from conceptual drawings and instructions.
• Construct architectural and display models, and 3-D virtual models of architectural designs.
• Prepare contract and bidding documents.
• May supervise drafters, technicians and technologists on the architectural team.
• May supervise construction projects and coordinate, monitor and inspect work done by others.

Educational Requirements:

Completion of a two- to three-year college program in architectural technology or a related subject is usually required.

Certification in architectural technology or in a related field through provincial associations of architectural or engineering/applied science technologists and technicians may be required by employers.

A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.

In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body is required to use the title of Professional Technologist.