Architectural Technology (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)
Build your career potential with an in-depth understanding of building and construction.
- Increased skill-set with third year of in-depth studies of commercial construction and the use of 3D modelling software, allows for more job opportunities and higher pay than Technician
- The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) offers access to an integrated learning and applied research environment and an industry hub to train, inspire and collaborate
- Strong ties with the Ottawa Construction Industry - Ottawa has $30B of active construction projects currently
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Architectural Technology is the third year of an Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that prepares you for a career in the architectural profession and the construction industry. The program gives you the credentials, the knowledge and the skills necessary to further define your career. Graduates of the two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program may consider taking the third year, Architectural Technology program to build on their previous studies.
In the Architectural Technology program, you focus on commercial construction and large buildings. You participate in a team project that brings together all facets of building construction including:...(read more)
Overview
Build your career potential with an in-depth understanding of building and construction.
Architectural Technology is the third year of an Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that prepares you for a career in the architectural profession and the construction industry. The program gives you the credentials, the knowledge and the skills necessary to further define your career. Graduates of the two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program may consider taking the third year, Architectural Technology program to build on their previous studies.
In the Architectural Technology program, you focus on commercial construction and large buildings. You participate in a team project that brings together all facets of building construction including:
- design and technical resolution with the integration of building and material detailing
- structural and mechanical layout design for a commercial building assembly
- Revit Architecture is used to execute the design and technical resolution for the project
Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.
Graduates of this program may find work with:
- architects` offices
- contractors in multiple sectors
- engineering offices
- building materials sales representatives
- municipal offices such as the City of Ottawa
- federal and provincial agencies dealing with construction
- drafting service offices using AutoCAD and Revit
- real estate and facilities management companies
- companies that provide construction, maintenance, and planning services
Graduates may also consider applying for advanced standing in several Algonquin College programs such as the Bachelor of Building Science Degree program, the Green Architecture Ontario College Graduate Certificate program or the Building Information Modeling - Lifecycle Management (BIM-LM) Ontario College Graduate Certificate program.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are detail-oriented, organized and committed to achieving excellence in their work.
- Are creative and enjoy solving technical problems.
- Thrive in a dynamic and technically-driven environment.
- Think visually and creatively.
- Work well in a team environment.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ARC8421
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials I
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the physical characteristics of building materials used in residential wood-frame construction. Structural compon... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8601
Course Name:
Working Drawings I
Course Description:
Manual drafting skills are used to develop a set of basic working drawings for a small, wood-frame house. Drawings include plans, elevations... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
CAD8407
Course Name:
Architectural CAD I
Course Description:
Students are introduced to Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) using AutoCAD software. Students learn the basic principles and understanding to pr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8401
Course Name:
Visual Communication I
Course Description:
Visual communication and presentation techniques are essential aspects of any architectural project and design to communicate project ideas ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENG8490
Course Name:
Mathematics for Architecture
Course Description:
Students examine key principles and concepts in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry focusing on its application to building design and const... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813T
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED2012
Course Name:
Achieving Success in the 21st Century
Course Description:
Rapid changes in technology have created new employment and business opportunities that challenge each of us to find our place as citizens i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8422
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials II
Course Description:
Students further their residential wood-frame knowledge by examining local zoning and building site conditions, masonry and exterior claddin... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8602
Course Name:
Working Drawings II
Course Description:
Using Computer Aided Drafting(CAD) software, students prepare building permit caliber working drawings for a two-storey wood-frame house. Ha... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
BSC8451
Course Name:
Environmental Systems I
Course Description:
Students learn the basic concepts of water flow and heat transfer. Students are introduced to pipe terminology, pipe design logic and pipe s... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CAD8409
Course Name:
Architectural CAD II
Course Description:
Further developing the basic principles using CAD software, students expand their knowledge to produce more detailed and complex two-dimensi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8402
Course Name:
Visual Communication II
Course Description:
Students further study graphic communication skills for architecture. Emphasis is placed on the creation of simple 3D digital models, as wel... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEP1001
Course Name:
Cooperative Education and Job Readiness
Course Description:
Students are guided through a series of activities that prepare them to conduct a professional job search and succeed in the workplace. Thro... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
HIS8482
Course Name:
History of Architecture
Course Description:
Students explore the major cultural trends and technological events which have influenced the development of western architecture, from pre-... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0018
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
ARC8423
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials III
Course Description:
Students apply building code requirements and engineered framing systems for Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code, Small Buildings. The funda... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8430
Course Name:
Codes and Standards
Course Description:
An introduction to the structure and content of the Ontario Building Code with emphasis on Division B Part 3 "Fire Protection, Occupant Safe... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8603
Course Name:
Working Drawings III
Course Description:
Students explore a mixed-use building in a renovation and addition project, including design for new construction assemblies and existing wa... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
BSC8452
Course Name:
Environmental Systems II
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the concepts of ductwork, air conditioning equipment, hydronic heating systems, electrical systems and building p... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CAD8414
Course Name:
Revit I
Course Description:
Students learn the basic creation and editing commands for Revit software. Annotating and view controls are also taught as students complete... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8441
Course Name:
Design I
Course Description:
Architectural design development is one of the initial steps to a project development. Students are introduced to the theory and concepts of... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0018
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
WKT2101A
Course Name:
Architecture Work Term 1 (Optional)
Course Description:
This course includes a work placement, a weekly recording of the activities done in a journal and a final summary report of the overall expe... + Read More
Hours:
Code:
ARC8424
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials IV
Course Description:
The construction methods and materials used in commercial construction are introduced. Students review the Building Code Act, Part 10 (Chang... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8510
Course Name:
Project Administration I
Course Description:
An overview of the Architectural, Engineering and construction industry, with a focus on integrated design teams, industry standards, regula... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8604
Course Name:
Working Drawings IV
Course Description:
Students apply Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code, with a focus on occupant safety and building envelope requirements to examine various co... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
CAD8415
Course Name:
Revit II
Course Description:
Students build on the basic tools and skills learned in Revit I. More advanced features of Revit such as detailing, curtain walls, parametri... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8442
Course Name:
Design II
Course Description:
Project design development and design process requires research and overview from multiple facades. The design process is explored through a... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENG8491
Course Name:
Structures I
Course Description:
The fundamentals, principles and common rules of structural systems for larger commercial type buildings are explored. Students undertake pr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2019T
Course Name:
Technical Communication for Engineering Technologies
Course Description:
The ability to communicate effectively in a technically-oriented interdisciplinary workplace is a foundational skill in an innovation-driven... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WKT2102A
Course Name:
Architecture Work Term 2 (Optional)
Course Description:
This course includes a work placement, a weekly recording of the activities done in a journal and a final summary report of the overall expe... + Read More
Hours:
Code:
ARC8425
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials V
Course Description:
Students learn the theory and application of commercial building envelope design. Emphasis is on the assembly of building components and sys... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8497
Course Name:
Architectural Project I
Course Description:
Students gain an understanding of the full scope of the activities of an architectural firm, including pre-design, preliminary design, susta... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ARC8511A
Course Name:
Project Administration II
Course Description:
Students expand their knowledge of the Architectural, Engineering and Construction Industry and the related documentation and processes. Str... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8605
Course Name:
Working Drawings V
Course Description:
Students develop a set of Working Drawings for a renovation/addition to a commercial building project. Working in groups students develop a ... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
BSC8453
Course Name:
Environmental Systems III
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the concepts of heat gain, lighting and acoustics. All examples and calculations are referenced to buildings unde... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CAD8416
Course Name:
Revit III
Course Description:
Building on the basic Revit skills learned, students examine more advanced and broader aspects of Revit such as work-sharing, linked files, ... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Code:
ENG8495
Course Name:
Structures II
Course Description:
Students explore general common rules design principles and apply those principles in the design a commercial structural system for a studen... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Code:
ARC8426
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials VI
Course Description:
Students study the methods and materials used in commercial construction with a focus on interior elements and fit-up.Students assemble a Wh... + Read More
Hours:
39.0
Code:
ARC8498A
Course Name:
Architecture Project II
Course Description:
Students build on their understanding of the full scope of activities of an architectural firm, including pre-design, preliminary design, su... + Read More
Hours:
39.0
Code:
ARC8606
Course Name:
Working Drawings VI
Course Description:
Students continue with the project started in Working Drawings VARC8405C to complete a Working Drawing set for a commercial renovation/addit... + Read More
Hours:
65.0
Code:
BIM3000
Course Name:
Fundamental of Building Information Modeling
Course Description:
Building Information Modeling is a process that involves all stakeholders in a building project from owners/users, designers, consultants, b... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
BSC8454
Course Name:
Environmental Systems IV
Course Description:
Mechanical and electrical consultation for an architectural project is offered to the students. Students produce partial mechanical and elec... + Read More
Hours:
39.0
Code:
ENG8496
Course Name:
Structures III
Course Description:
Students consult with a professor to finalize their structural design from Structures II. Structural drawings and details will be finalized ... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Code:
ENL1001
Course Name:
Report Advising
Course Description:
Students draw upon skills acquired in previous communications courses to plan and create a technical report based upon a topic in their fiel... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
WKT8400
Course Name:
Architecture Work Placement
Course Description:
Students are placed in a related agency to assist with the integration of their academic skills to industry. The theory portion of the cours... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment with architects, engineers and contractors, and in municipal, provincial and federal agencies dealing with construction, real estate and facilities management.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- 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 construct.
- 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.
- Apply business principles to design and building practices.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $1200 in the first year and $450 in each of the second and third years and can be purchased from the campus store. For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
- Students may be required to purchase CSA-approved safety footwear and safety glasses to participate in site visit activities.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
Program Eligibility
- Students must successfully complete Levels 01 to 04 of the Architectural Technician program with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and must pass ARC8404C (Working Drawing IV), ARC8424 (Methods and Materials IV), ENG8491 (Structure I) and CAD8415 (Revit II) each with a minimum grade of C+. Students cannot fail ARC8404C more than once prior to registering to Level 05 of the Architectural Technology program. Students will be placed on the current program of study associated with Level 05 of the program.
The number of seats in the Technology program is limited. Should the number of students exceed the number of seats, selection will is based on academic performance in the program.
Application Information
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 0018X03FWO
The two first years of the three-year Architectural Technology program is the Architectural Technician program. Students must initially apply to 0188X Architectural Technician or 0188W Architectural Technician (weekend offering). Upon completion of the Architectural Technician program, students who want to continue on to Levels 05 and 06 of the Architectural Technology program may apply directly with the Coordinator.
Note: Levels 05 and 06 of the Architectural Technology program are not offered on weekends.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
CO-OP INFORMATION:
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.
Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.
Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.
International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.
For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.
Architectural Technology graduates are eligible to apply to the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate programs: Green Architecture, Building Information Modelling - Lifecycle Management (BIM-LM).
Graduates may also be eligible for Advanced Standing in the Bachelor of Building Science degree program.