Architectural technologists and technicians

Overview

Architectural technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects. They are employed by architectural and construction firms, and governments.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • 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.

Job titles

  • architectural assistant
  • architectural design technician
  • architectural design technologist
  • architectural technician
  • architectural technologist
  • registered building technician

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$43,798

Median

$65,175

High

$102,716

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

375

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of a two- to three-year college program in architectural technology or a related subject is usually required.

  • Certification in architectural technology or in a related field through provincial associations of architectural or engineering/applied science technologists and technicians may be required by employers.

  • A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.

Additional information

  • There is mobility to other related occupations such as drafters, civil engineering technologists and technicians, construction estimators and construction inspectors.

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Architectural technologists and technicians in B.C.

  • Architectural Technologist AIBC

Architectural Technologist AIBC

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as an architectural technologist or technician in B.C., you must register with the Architectural Institute of B.C. Eligibility is achieved through completion of a combination of education and work experience, including the AIBC Ethics, Act, and Bylaws course, and successful writing of the Architectural Technologist Exam.

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Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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