Architectural Technician Program (T132)
Program Description
Program Overview
This two-year Architectural Technician program will prepare you to work alongside architects, designers, contractors and builders. As an architectural technician, you can participate in the design and development of the buildings that define our living and working environments using sustainable building practices and constructability techniques.
*Domestic students only — see page for details.
Full Description
Learning in state-of-the-art architectural studios with the most up-to-date equipment and software, you will develop a thorough knowledge of architectural drawing and technical design skills, as well as an understanding of sustainable building design and construction materials grounded in current green principles.
Courses cover 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting, design, rendering and modelling, design and development drawings, construction drawings and architectural presentation. You will also learn and apply the concepts of building science, building systems, building codes and construction law. Teamwork in a project-based learning environment is emphasized.
Note: If you enroll in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year to continue into semester 3 in the fall.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
Graduates find employment in many areas of the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, working as technical assistants in the AEC or the building industry. As an architectural technician, you participate in the teams that produce design drawings, construction drawings, digital modelling and fabrication drawings.
In addition to the architectural and construction industries, Architectural Technician graduates work as technical sales representatives and manufacturing technicians for product manufacturers and building material suppliers. Technicians may also be provided with opportunities within government building departments.
Educational Pathways
This program shares the first four semesters with the three-year Architectural Technology program (T109) and graduates may qualify to transfer with advanced standing into the third year of the Architectural Technology program (T109).
This program shares the first two semesters with the three-year Interior Design Technology program (T170) and graduates may qualify to transfer with advanced standing into the second year of the Interior Design Technology program (T170).
Pathways to the Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) degree program are also available from the three-year Architectural Technology program. For more information, see georgebrown.ca/Diploma to Degree page.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ARCH 1005 | Architectural Technology & Studio 1 |
| ARCH 1014 | Canadian Industry Practices |
| ARCH 1048 | Structural Systems 1 |
| ARCH 1050 | Visual Communications 1 |
| ARCH 1060 | Design Fundamentals |
| CADE 1012 | CAD Drawing 1 |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
| MATH 1139 | Mathematics for Arch/IDT 1 |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ARCH 1006 | Architectural Technology & Studio 2 |
| ARCH 1013 | Building Code & Regulations 1 |
| ARCH 1070 | Materials, Methods & Components 1 |
| CADE 1014 | CAD Drawing 2 |
| ARCH 1109 | Building Systems – Mechanical and Electrical |
| ARCH 1164 | Fundamentals Of Building Science |
| MATH 1149 | Mathematics for Arch/IDT 2 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ARCH 1058 | Structural Systems 2 |
| ARCH 2004 | Architectural Technology & Studio 3 |
| ARCH 2007 | Building Code & Regulations 2 |
| ARCH 2009 | Practice Management |
| ARCH 2010 | History Of Architectural and Building Technology |
| CADE 2001 | Digital Practices for Architecture 1 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ARCH 2005 | Architectural Technology & Studio 4 |
| ARCH 2033 | Visual Communications 2 |
| ARCH 2034 | Structural Systems 3 |
| ARCH 2035 | Materials, Methods & Components 2 |
| ARCH 3017 | Building Code & Regulations 3 |
| ARCH 3037 | Project Cost Estimating |
| CADE 3001 | Digital Practices for Architecture 2 |
| COMM 1113 | Professional Communications for Building Technologies |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement tests, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate with clients, contractors, other building professionals and approval authorities.
- Assist in the preparation, reading and interpretation of drawings, and other graphical representations used in building projects.
- Read and assist in the preparation of specifications and other project documents used in design and construction.
- Assist in the preparation of estimates of time, costs and quantity.
- Assist in solving technical problems related to building projects through the application of principles of building science and mathematics.
- Collaborate with members of the building team.
- Assist in the development of architectural designs.
- Review and assist in the preparation of site-planning documents.
- Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of an architectural technician in the practice of building design and construction.
- Assist in the assessment of buildings related to repurposing and renovation projects.
- Ensure personal safety in the workplace.
- Identify sustainable design and building practices.
- Use current and emerging technology to support building projects.
- Assist in the administration of the construction phase of building projects.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Architectural Studies
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4365
Email: architecturalstudies@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., room D303
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it's like to be in a George Brown College classroom.
