Architectural Technology ATY
6- 12 hrs/ week hands on in labs four co-op work terms
Moderate workload
- Eight courses in your first semester
- One hour of study or assignments required for each hour in class
- 21 - 27 hours of class (42 - 48 hr/week commitment)
Holland Code: R (Realistic)
What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?
This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.
Arts & Literacy Communicate effectively in English (written reports) Able to communicate well graphically, orally, and in writing.
Math & Science Moderate math skills required, physics is not required, but an asset.
Technology Moderate computer skills required (email, Internet, AutoCAD). The moderate use of the student portal system, students will need to check email and posts many times per week.
What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?
- An interest in design and aesthetics
- Enjoy analyzing requirements and finding solutions to problems
- Methodical
- Enjoy working with instruments and equipment at tasks requiring precision
- Able to visualize the details of building components in three dimensions and reproduce them in two dimensions
- Spatial awareness
- Concerned about detail and accuracy
- Creative and imaginative
- High moral and ethical standards
- Able to work effectively in a team environment and with people in the construction industry
- Precise, persistent
- Able to work well under pressure to meet deadlines
What kind of work could I do when I graduate?
Graduates of this program may go on to become an
Architectural technologist/ assistant, job captain, senior draftsman, CAD technician/draftsperson, Field supervisor, plans examiner, building inspector, facilities manager, clerk of works, designer, specification writer, project manager, technical sales representative, project coordinator, or visualizer.
Typical working conditions for this kind of work:
- Office work
- May work on construction sites
Places you may find yourself employed include
Architectural consultants, engineering consultants (civil and structural), construction companies, municipal, provincial, and federal agencies concerned with construction, real estate, facilities management, building component manufacturers, or self-employed.
Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace
- 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.
- Operate computer-assisted design systems
- Assist in the development of structural designs
- Analyze technical documents and reports
- Prepare construction documents for pricing and permit purposes
- Construct architectural and display models; both physical and virtual
- Investigation of Zoning By-laws and Planning Requirements
- Record Existing Building Measurements
- Assist with space planning designs; Offices, Industrial Warehouse & Commercial Retail
- Prepare conceptual Designs - New custom homes & cottages; Home additions & renovations; Small Buildings; industrial & commercial retail
- Administer site Plan Approval/ Building Permit application & submission
- Coordinate projects with various consultants
- Assist client with material specifications and selection of finishes
- Assist clients with selecting a General Contractor
- Assist clients with reviewing construction extras or changes
- Prepare construction Reviews
- Project management
Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity
Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program
- Graduates can apply for the following: Building Code Qualification & Registration; Building Code Identification Number (BCIN); or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional credential through the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)
- Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO)
- Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS)
- Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
- Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
- Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB)
- Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
Opportunities for further development or education
- Graduates can continue to further studies at Canadian, American, and Irish institutions.
Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.
NOC Codes
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.
- NOC Code 2251 Architectural technologists and technicians
The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.
Career Outlook
Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.
Last Modified: January 11, 2024