Career Overview
Architectural technologists and technicians:
- May work independently or provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in carrying out research; preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts; and in overseeing construction projects
- Work for architectural firms, construction firms and governments
Job Titles
Duties
Architectural technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Help in the development of architectural designs
- Analyze building codes, bylaws, 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
- Build architectural, display, and 3-D virtual models of architectural designs
- Prepare contract and bidding documents
- Supervise drafters, technicians and technologists on the architectural team
- Oversee construction projects and coordinate, monitor and inspect work done by others
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
1,850% Employed Full Time
63%Work in this occupation is typically performed in a structured environment, such as an office.
Career Pathways
There is mobility to other related occupations such as drafters, civil engineering technologists and technicians, construction estimators and construction inspectors. Also, with experience promotion to supervisory positions is possible.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
- 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
- In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist"
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Architecture

Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
1,850Employment by Region
Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
---|---|---|
Cariboo | 15 | 0.8% |
Kootenay | 50 | 2.7% |
Mainland/Southwest | 1,410 | 76.2% |
North Coast and Nechako | 10 | 0.5% |
Northeast | 0 | 0.0% |
Thompson-Okanagan | 190 | 10.3% |
Vancouver Island/Coast | 175 | 9.5% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
870Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
---|---|---|
Cariboo | 10 | 0.3% |
Kootenay | 20 | 1.3% |
Mainland/Southwest | 630 | 2.1% |
North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
Northeast | Not available | Not available |
Thompson-Okanagan | 120 | 2.9% |
Vancouver Island/Coast | 100 | 1.8% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
---|---|
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 780 |
Construction | 60 |
Public Administration | 10 |
Accommodation and Food Services | 10 |
Educational Services | 10 |
Resources
Resource information is currently not available.