Architectural Technologist and Technician

Architectural technologists and technicians work with professional architects and civil design engineers.

NOC Code: 2251

Job Duties

Architectural technologists and technicians work with professional architects and civil design engineers. You may work for architectural, engineering, or construction firms, in government, or in other industries. As an architectural technologist, you have more responsibility than a technician, and you may work in your own private practice providing building design services to the public. If you want to provide design services to the public, you need to be qualified and registered with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing by getting a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN). To get a BCIN you have to prove your knowledge of certain sections of the Ontario Building Code. See Post-Secondary Programs for more information about getting a BCIN.

Generally, architectural technologists or technicians:

  • Develop architectural designs manually and with computer-aided design (CAD).
  • Examine building codes, by-laws, space requirements, site requirements, and other technical documents and reports.
  • Follow building regulations and other legal requirements.
  • Determine costs and needed materials from conceptual drawings and instructions.
  • Construct architectural and display models and 3-D virtual models of architectural designs.
  • Prepare contracts and bids.
  • Supervise drafters, technicians, and technologists on the architectural team.
  • Supervise construction projects and co-ordinate, monitor, and inspect construction work.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: College or University

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobLevel of Education Required
Architectural Technologist and TechnicianCollege or University
CAD TechnicianCollege or University
Construction ManagerCollege or University
Construction EstimatorCollege or University
Graphic Arts TechnicianCollege or University

Experience

This job requires 2 - 5 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobYears of Work Experience Required
Architectural Technologist and Technician2 - 5
CAD Technician0 - 2
Construction Manager5+
Construction Estimator0 - 2
Graphic Arts Technician0 - 2

Source: Ontario Job Futures

Essential Skills

As an architectural technologist or technician, you need to:

  • Speak, write, and read English.
  • Have strong design and drawing skills.
  • Have good attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Be knowledgeable about the Ontario Building Code.
  • Have experience in CAD (AutoCAD and/or Revit).
  • Have good interpersonal skills.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with architects, other technicians and technologists, contractors, construction workers, and clients. You should also be able to deal with city building departments and product representatives.

Labour Market Information

Trends

Many new engineers and architects are now doing CAD and production tasks.  Previously, only architectural technicians and technologists did these tasks. This trend may limit the growth of employment opportunities for technicians and technologists in the future.

Employment for architectural technologists and technicians depends on activity in the construction sector.

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: FAIR

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobWork Prospects
Architectural Technologist and TechnicianFair
CAD TechnicianFair
Construction ManagerFair
Construction EstimatorGood
Graphic Arts TechnicianFair

Source: Ontario Job Futures

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$24.55/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobAverage Wage/Hour
Architectural Technologist and Technician$24.55
CAD Technician$25.00
Construction Manager$33.65
Construction Estimator$29.33
Graphic Arts Technician$18.00

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT).

Work Experience Programs

Many college programs in this field include cooperative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

Helpful Links

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.