Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology
George Brown College
Key Information
Campus location
Toronto, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 17,200 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* for international tuition. All fees are subject to change, without notice
Introduction
Design can change the world. Architectural technologists are key members of a project team and play a vital role in turning conceptual design ideas into technical construction documents and practical, buildable solutions. This three-year program provides you with the essential knowledge base and fundamental skills required to work as an architectural technologist within the many companies and sectors of the architectural and construction industry. Performing tasks of a technical nature, you will be part of a team of professionals and tradespeople involved in the building design, construction and management process.
Learning in interactive studios with the most current equipment and software, you will develop a solid foundation of diverse and practical skills required to be involved in projects ranging from new construction to alterations and renovations in the residential, commercial and high-rise sectors of the architectural, engineering and construction industry. The Architectural Technology program prepares you to apply current practices of the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, including:
- building design
- green and sustainable design
- sustainability
- building codes and regulations
- building science
- construction law and contracts
- technical writing
- specifications
- cost planning
In addition to technical design skills, you will also develop and apply skills in Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D rendering and digital modelling. Students collaborate in teams within a simulated office environment to complete projects involving proposals, designs and construction documents for both new and existing facilities.
Note: If you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete Semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.
Your Field Education Options
A co-operative work experience component in the Architectural Technology program will be available for a selected number of students. The intake for this co-op program is limited and applications are subject to approval by the School of Architectural Studies academic department.
Those who enter the program will complete Semester 5 from May to August, and co-op placement will take place from September to December. The final sixth semester will be offered through a blend of in-class and online studies, allowing students to graduate in April of their final year of study. It will also allow students the opportunity to continue part-time work while completing their final semester of studies. More details are available through the department.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships for international students at George Brown College are generally in-program awards based on students’ academic performance (and other criteria) at George Brown College after the beginning of the academic program.
Curriculum
Required Courses
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
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Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
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Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
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**Based on the results of your placement tests, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
Program Outcome
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 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.
Career Opportunities
Your Career
Graduates are qualified for employment in many areas of the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. Architectural technologists typically hold important roles with advanced responsibilities as part of a team of professionals in the building design, project delivery, and management process. There are also job opportunities with the different levels of provincial and municipal bodies and other governing authorities.
Architectural Technology graduates have the advantage of understanding buildings from multiple perspectives, such as architectural and structural elements; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems; contractual and managerial processes. Graduates may also choose to become entrepreneurs and own architectural drafting and building design businesses.
Career Options
Opportunities for Architectural technologists vary within the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Career options available to graduates of this program may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Architectural technologist
- Architectural assistant
- Self-employed designer and/or contractor
- Project director/coordinator
- Job captain
- Municipal plans examiner
- Building inspector
- Architectural document production
- Specification writer
- Property developer
- Property manager
- Architectural technologist with builders/developers
- Site supervisor
- Technical representative for building/equipment suppliers
Future Study Options
Eligible graduates of the School of Architectural Studies (SAS) Architectural Technology program have the opportunity to continue in an architectural-specific academic career and apply course credits completed at George Brown College (GBC) to earn a Master of Architecture Degree with either Boston Architectural College (BAC) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. or The College of Architecture and Design (CoAD) at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield, Michigan, USA. Both these opportunities are the result of Articulation Agreements signed between GBC and BAC as well as GBC and LTU.
Graduates of the program also have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in Architectural Technology and Construction Management from the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KEA) in Denmark upon completion of two semesters of study and an internship. The Copenhagen School of Design and Technology offers practice-oriented higher education for the business community in the form of both business academics and professional bachelor programs.
Qualified graduates may be eligible for advanced standing in the George Brown College Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) degree program. Bridge courses may be required for advanced standing.