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
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
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 or the Sustainable Architectural Design Ontario College Graduate Certificate.
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 1
Course Description:
Architectural Technicians rely upon the Ontario Building Code to guide the selection and use of appropriate materials for residential constr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8601
Course Name:
Working Drawings 1
Course Description:
Working drawings are essential to communicate design layouts and details to contractors and involved parties to achieve expected constructio... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
CAD8407
Course Name:
Architectural Cad 1: Intro to Drafting
Course Description:
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a tool used throughout the architecture industry to produce construction drawings. It is essential for Archit... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8401
Course Name:
Visual Communication 1
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:
Architectural design projects require a fundamental understanding of algebra and geometry to engage with and develop architectural designs. ... + 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:
ARC8382
Course Name:
Trends and Principles in Architecture
Course Description:
Navigating within architectural design principles and emerging trends and technological influences within an architectural design is essenti... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8422
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials 2
Course Description:
Understanding material properties and applications is an essential element to project design and construction assembly. Students are introdu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8602
Course Name:
Working Drawings 2
Course Description:
The province of Ontario requires working drawings to receive building permits for residential construction. With the use of Computer Aided D... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
ARC8630
Course Name:
Codes and Standards
Course Description:
The construction industry relies upon building codes and standards to ensure compliance with occupational safety, accessibility and fire pro... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
CAD8409
Course Name:
Architectural Cad 2
Course Description:
Architectural working drawings often require a combination of 2D and 3D technical drawings to convey information to involved parties e.g., c... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8402
Course Name:
Visual Communication 2
Course Description:
Using digital applications are essential tools to provide a more realistic representation for building design and communication of ideas to ... + 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:
21.0
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 3
Course Description:
Understanding building envelope design principles are essential to develop technical design and drawing resolutions. Students apply resident... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8603
Course Name:
Working Drawings 3
Course Description:
Renovation and addition projects require an in-depth understanding of building envelope design principles to produce technical drawings. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
BSC8451
Course Name:
Environmental Systems 1
Course Description:
Residential building design and construction requires the application of mechanical systems and services to be incorporated as part of a pro... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CAD8414
Course Name:
Architectural Cad 3
Course Description:
Advanced knowledge in Computer Aided Design and drafting applications is an essential skill for Architectural Technicians to produce constru... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8441
Course Name:
Design 1
Course Description:
Architectural schematic design and design development are one of the essential steps in the creation of a building concept. Students are int... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENG8491
Course Name:
Structures 1
Course Description:
Being able to understand and interpret commercial structural drawings allows for coordination with involved parties and contributes to succe... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEP2001
Course Name:
Co-Op Job Search 1
Course Description:
Students are guided through a self-directed co-op job search using Algonquin's web-based resource centre, HireAC, as well as independent res... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
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:
0.0
Code:
ARC8424
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials 4
Course Description:
Understanding the methods and materials required for the construction and assembly of commercial buildings is essential to produce technical... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8500
Course Name:
Project Administration 1
Course Description:
The design and construction of buildings involves an integrated collaboration between various construction industry partners to achieve a su... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ARC8604
Course Name:
Working Drawings 4
Course Description:
Construction of a commercial building requires a well-executed drawing set to communicate the technical information related to the building ... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
BSC8452
Course Name:
Environmental Systems 2
Course Description:
Mechanical and electrical systems play an important role in the building design. It is essential to understand how to coordinate a building'... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CAD8415
Course Name:
Architectural Cad 4
Course Description:
Advanced knowledge of computer modelling software allows for further resolution of building design parameters as well as the development and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN8442
Course Name:
Design 2
Course Description:
Commercial designs require significant initial research to ensure client and site requirements are clear and are achievable for construction... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
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:
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:
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:
0.0
Code:
ARC8425
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials 5
Course Description:
Understanding and evaluating construction materials and examining various methods of their application is essential to determine the design ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8497
Course Name:
Architectural Project 1
Course Description:
It is essential for Architectural Technology students to understand the full scope of the activities of an architectural practice from pre-d... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ARC8605
Course Name:
Working Drawings 5
Course Description:
As part of the commercial building design, the development of a Working Drawing set plays a key role to the successful implementation of pro... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
BIM8400
Course Name:
Architectural Cad 5: Fundamentals 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:
42.0
Code:
BSC8453
Course Name:
Environmental Systems 3
Course Description:
Comfortable, efficient, and sustainable buildings depend on understanding heat gain, lighting, and acoustics, which shape occupant well-bein... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENG8591
Course Name:
Structures 2
Course Description:
Structure design of a commercial building requires knowledge on various structural systems. Interpreting and integrating structural drawings... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ARC8426
Course Name:
Construction Methods and Materials 6
Course Description:
Advanced knowledge of methods and materials for a commercial building project is essential to ensure safety, durability, function and sustai... + Read More
Hours:
39.0
Code:
ARC8520
Course Name:
Project Administration 2
Course Description:
The architectural and construction industry requires an in-depth knowledge related to construction documentation and project administration ... + Read More
Hours:
26.0
Code:
ARC8598
Course Name:
Architectural Project 2
Course Description:
Architectural Technologists typically work with multidisciplinary teams within the construction industry. Therefore, it is essential to unde... + Read More
Hours:
52.0
Code:
ARC8606
Course Name:
Working Drawings 6
Course Description:
The development of a working drawing set for a commercial renovation/addition project requires an in-depth understanding of various integrat... + Read More
Hours:
65.0
Code:
BSC8454
Course Name:
Environmental Systems 4
Course Description:
Mechanical and electrical systems play an important role in a building project design. It is essential for Architectural Technologists to un... + Read More
Hours:
39.0
Code:
ENG8496
Course Name:
Structures 3
Course Description:
The coordination between the structural elements and Building layouts is essential to achieve a design that addresses safety and function. S... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
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 and collaborate with the project team, project stakeholders,and authorities having jurisdiction to support project delivery.
- Prepare, analyze, and revise drawings and other graphical representations to support the design and completion of building projects.
- Obtain, analyze, and prepare project documentation and specifications used for site planning, building design, and project execution.
- Prepare time, costs, and quantity estimates to contribute to a scheduling and tendering process.
- Propose technical solutions supported by principles of building science during the design and construction phases of building projects.
- Consult and collaborate with members of professional disciplines, such as structural, mechanical, and electrical building systems to confirm technical information.
- Collaborate in the development of building designs, for new and existing buildings, by analyzing project requirements.
- Comply with the legal, professional, and regulatory requirements, as well as established standards and current building codes, in the practice of building design and construction.
- Implement sustainable and resilient design principles and practices to manage impacts related to building projects.
- Implement and use current and emerging technologies to manage documents and information to support the construction and design of building projects.
- Contribute and collaborate in the administration of the construction phase of building projects by applying principles of project management.
- Develop strategies for professional development to enhance performance and maintain currency within the industry.
- 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.
2025/2026 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
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
WORK PLACEMENT:
In Level 06, students complete a 40-hour work placement within an architecture and/or construction related organization. This placement is arranged through the academic department.
CO-OP INFORMATION:
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms.Students must complete the first co-op program as part of the Architectural Technician Program in order to qualify to enter the second co-op program as part of the Architectural Technology Program.
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.
PATHWAYS:
Architectural Technology graduates are eligible to apply to the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate program: Sustainable Architectural Design. Graduates may also be eligible for Advanced Standing in the Bachelor of Building Science degree program.
Degree Pathways allow graduates to use their college education towards the completion of a degree in partnership with a university. View current articulation agreements at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pathways/list/.