Program Overview
An Architectural Technologist assists the architect or engineer in the assembly of drawings and documents for residential, commercial and industrial projects. The graduate is involved with building design, construction drawings, project estimating, and construction specifications. As a detailer, they help develop drawings for the assembly of a building’s structure. As a worker on site, their duties may include quality control and job site supervision. This program is designed for creative individuals with a strong interest in building design, construction and planning. An aptitude for math and strong technical skills are important along with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Program Highlights
- Proven pathways to university through Lawrence Technological University or Boston Architectural College, for graduates to obtain a degree in Architecture.
- Practical application of employable construction skills (ie. residential framing).
- Real-world experiences with educational field trips to different cities such as Chicago, Pittsburgh and others to study the built environment and tour buildings under construction.
- Integration of Door’s Open Ontario (Windsor), Habitat for Humanity (Windsor Chapter) and industry-related conferences.
- Courses in Urban Studies and Planning.
- Further integration of BIM modelling.
- Dedicated resource room for Architectural Technology students.
- Optional Ontario Building Code certification towards a registered BCIN number.
- As one of the original programs offered at St. Clair College, with over 45 years of rich history tied to the program, we benefit from a diverse alumni group which keeps us linked to the industry's current and emerging trends.
Career Opportunities
Typical entry-level positions include junior designer or draftsperson, junior estimator and project coordinator. Opportunities exist with architectural and engineering firms, general and sub-contractors, government agencies, homebuilders, building product manufacturers and in sales.
Degree Completions
Graduates of this program that meet our partnering institutions' criteria may elect to pursue a professional degree in Architecture, leading to licensure, at the following universities:
- Lawrence Technological University - Students receive credit towards an undergraduate degree and a Master’s of Architecture at LTU.
- Boston Architectural College - Students receive direct entry into a Master's of Architecture Program and are eligible for full participation in the work placement components of the curriculum at the BAC.
- ARCHIP Prague - Eligible students have an opportunity to take a 2-week Summer Workshop at ARCHIP in Prague, Czech Republic.
For detailed information on either of these articulation agreements, please contact the Architectural Technology Department at St. Clair College.
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:
- Grade 12 Math (C) or (U).
Highly recommended courses (not a formal requirement):
- Technical Drafting
- Construction
- Physics (C) or (U).
- English (C) or (U).
- Art
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Past Cohorts:
Semester 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC101B | Drafting & Design I | 4 |
| AEC102 | Construction Theory | 3 |
| AEC103 | Building Services I | 3 |
| AEC104 | Building CAD I | 3 |
| AEC115 | Surveying | 3 |
| ENG212LS | Communications I | 2 |
| MTH143 | Mathematics I | 3 |
Semester 2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC209 | Drafting & Design II | 4 |
| AEC202 | Estimating & Specifications | 3 |
| AEC204 | Building CAD II | 3 |
| AEC211 | Construction Applications | 3 |
| AEC239 | Ontario Building Code I | 3 |
| MTH243 | Mathematics II | 3 |
| AEC205 | Statics And Strength Of Materials | 4 |
Semester 3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC301B | CAD Drafting & Design III | 5 |
| ARC302B | Construction Theory II | 2 |
| ARC303B | Building Services II | 3 |
| ARC304B | Building CAD III | 3 |
| ARC305 | Structural Steel Design | 3 |
| ARC306 | Architectural Detailing I | 2 |
| ARC339B | Ontario Building Code-Large Buildings | 2 |
Semester 4
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC300GE | Influences Of Art On Building | 3 |
| ARC401B | CAD/Drafting & Design IV | 5 |
| ARC404B | Building CAD IV | 3 |
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
| ARC405 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3 |
| ARC406 | Architectural Detailing II | 2 |
| ARC400 | Visual Communications | 2 |
Semester 5
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC502A | Computer Estimating II | 3 |
| ARC504A | Building CAD V | 3 |
| ARC505 | Material Testing | 3 |
| ARC410 | Environmental Design | 2 |
| ENG312LS | Communications II | 2 |
| Choose one of: | ||
| ARC501 | CAD Drafting & Design V | 5 |
| ARC501A | CAD Drafting And Design V | 5 |
Semester 6
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARC600 | Personal Portfolio | 2 |
| ARC602A | Contracts & Specifications | 2 |
| ARC604 | Building CAD VI | 3 |
| ARC610 | Project Management | 2 |
| Choose one of: | ||
| ARC601 | Drafting & Design VI | 6 |
| ARC601A | CAD Drafting And Design VI | 6 |
| Choose one of: | ||
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
| ARC155G | Habitat And Humanity | 3 |
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Architectural Technology (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (MTCU Code 60600)
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.
Architectural Technology (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (MTCU Code 60600) - Effective September 2025
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.