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Ministry-approved title: Architectural Technology
With an emphasis on sustainability and green design, this architecture program will appeal to your creative, analytical and mathematical sides with instruction in freehand sketching and computer-aided drawing, renovation and restoration, site planning, calculations of load, structural sizing and estimating project costs, and technical communications designed to prepare you for an exciting career in architectural technology.
Our curriculum integrates architectural drafting fundamentals with advanced building science concepts, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. Through hands-on architecture courses and industry-relevant projects, students develop the technical expertise and creative problem-solving abilities to be successful in architectural technology.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.
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The architectural technology program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in the architectural design field. Our industry-relevant curriculum and hands-on training equip students with specialized skills employers seek.
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The Architectural Technology program offers a comprehensive educational experience, balancing creative architectural design with technical expertise. This advanced diploma in architecture delves into the practical and theoretical aspects of architectural technology, preparing graduates for roles in the architecture and construction industries. In the Architectural Technology program, students focus on the commercial aspect of construction and renovation and gain an in-depth understanding of building and construction technology.
This architecture program is designed to prepare students for an exciting career in architectural technology. It will appeal to your creative and analytical side with instruction in freehand sketching, sustainability and green technology, history of architecture, renovation and restoration, site planning and technical communications.
Students gain knowledge and apply skills in computer-aided drawing, building methods and project management using the most current architectural drafting programs, such as AutoCAD and Building Information Modelling. In addition, students learn construction and sustainable technologies for materials, such as wood frame, steel, masonry and precast concrete, and develop project management skills.
The architecture program emphasizes practical applications of architectural theory, allowing students to work on realistic projects that develop both technical and creative abilities. Students learn to create detailed architectural designs while considering factors such as spatial relationships, environmental sustainability, and structural integrity.
As the program progresses, students build a professional portfolio showcasing architectural drafting and design capabilities. This comprehensive collection of work demonstrates proficiency with industry-standard tools and techniques while highlighting a unique creative approach to architectural challenges.
With a strong emphasis on technical precision and creative problem-solving, an advanced diploma in architecture provides students with the skills needed for a career in architecture. Students explore various aspects of architectural design while developing a solid foundation in building science, structural principles, and sustainable methodologies.
Graduates employed in this field will be skilled in analyzing building codes to determine architectural design requirements, drafting contracts and bidding documents, assisting architects with drafting construction and design plans and constructing design models.
The sustainable design skills students gain are current and relevant in today’s increasingly eco-friendly architectural field. Graduates are eligible to apply for additional industry-relevant certifications, which may be a requirement for some employers.
Students further practical knowledge through a team project/placement component in the third year, strengthening work experience and developing skills in building code, building specifications, estimating, and structural and mechanical knowledge.
Please note: green tag safety boots are required to participate in many laboratory settings.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Graduates from our comprehensive advanced diploma in architecture program are versatile professionals who can adapt to various roles within the architectural and construction industries. With strong foundations in architectural design, building science, and sustainable practices, our graduates are well-positioned to pursue rewarding careers in architectural technology.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a mandatory 80-hour field placement related to your program of study. Placement provides students with relevant work experience and can be completed in various ways. Students are encouraged to search for their own positions in order to enhance their job search skills while in consultation with a program-specific placement officer.
Field placement experience serves as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, allowing students to explore potential career paths while receiving guidance from industry professionals and faculty mentors. This architectural technology placement opportunity often leads to valuable professional references and sometimes direct employment after graduation.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these recommendations if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i7 RAM: 16GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the Faculty office for the latest up-to-date technology requirements.
Ali Taileb, a highly accomplished architect, urban designer, and building scientist, is a distinguished professional with a rich background in architectural practice, academia, and research. Holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a Ph.D. in Architecture from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and a master’s in building science from Ryerson University, Canada, Ali brings a wealth of expertise to the field. His architectural journey began with roles as an architectural assistant at Douglas Abrahams & Partners and Sir Frank Mears Associates Architects in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he meticulously prepared detailed drawings and plans for building projects. Subsequently, at OCA and Array International Architects in Toronto, Ontario, Ali served as an intern architect and architect, contributing to many projects in Canada and abroad. Transitioning to project management at Trow Associates (Exp), Canada, Ali demonstrated his proficiency in LEED projects. His responsibilities included reviewing architectural drawings for durability, conducting building envelopes investigative analyses, and performing energy audits and modeling for various buildings, showcasing his dedication to sustainable and energy-efficient design practices. Throughout his career, Ali has seamlessly blended architectural practice with academia. As a professor at Durham College, he not only imparts knowledge in courses such as building science, heritage, site planning, building construction and sustainable buildings, but also led in the establishment of the architectural program, curriculum development, and program mapping, underscoring his commitment to shaping the next generation of architects and technologists. In addition to his academic pursuits, Ali has made substantial contributions to research, leading funded internal projects at Durham College, such as the NetZerro research on campus house labs and the evaluation of Dynacurrent Heating Technology. His extensive publication record and presentations at international conferences reflect his dedication to advancing architectural knowledge. Ali's professional journey also includes roles as an architectural consultant and intern architect, where he worked on various projects ranging from sustainable housing schemes to urban design proposals. His commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by his involvement in projects that explore energy efficiency standards, green roofs, and collaborative design in construction. Recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award in 2016, Ali continues to stay abreast of industry trends through ongoing professional development, exemplifying his dedication to excellence in architectural practice and education.
Stan is a licensed Architect bringing 30+ years of Industry experience to the college. He continues to practice as an Architect in a variety of building types including multi-story residential, institutional, recreational and single family residential. He has worked in the architectural and construction firms and currently teaches full time in the Durham Architecture program with a strong emphasis of sustainable building and history of the design discipline.
First year students starting the Architectural Technology program in September 2026 will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option are required to complete two four-month, paid work terms totalling 840 hours. Work terms are scheduled between semesters two and three and four and five of the Architectural Technology program.
Supports are available through Experiential Learning to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, Experiential Learning is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their final two academic semesters of the program before graduating.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
E: co-op@durhamcollege.ca
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