What an architectural technologist does
An architectural technologist develops the technical side of building design. They produce working drawings, wall sections and details, research building products and assemblies, check drawings against the Ontario Building Code and prepare permit and construction document sets. On many teams they manage the BIM model day to day and coordinate with consultants on technical issues. During construction they often review shop drawings and answer contractor questions.
Technologists keep architects and project leads focused on design and clients. The strongest know how buildings actually go together, from the building envelope to fire separations, which reduces site questions and change orders. Credentials vary: some are Licensed Technologists OAA with a limited licence to practise, others hold OACETT certification, and some hold BCIN qualifications to design under the Building Code. Finch confirms which applies before you interview.
Typical responsibilities
- Produce working drawings, details and wall sections in Revit or AutoCAD
- Prepare permit drawing sets and respond to municipal plans examiner comments
- Review drawings for Ontario Building Code compliance, including fire separations and exiting
- Research and specify building materials, assemblies and products
- Coordinate technical details with structural, mechanical and electrical consultants
- Review shop drawings and answer contractor requests for information
Qualifications and credentials
- A college diploma or advanced diploma in architectural technology
- Licensed Technologist OAA status for roles that involve limited independent practice
- OACETT certification as a C.Tech or C.E.T. is common and often preferred
- BCIN qualification through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing where the person will prepare permit drawings not covered by an architect's or engineer's seal
- Strong Revit skills and a solid understanding of building envelope and construction details
Who hires an architectural technologist
- Architecture firms
- Residential and commercial builders and developers
- Design-build contractors
- Engineering consultancies with architectural groups
- Building product manufacturers with technical services teams
Where we recruit architectural technologist candidates
We fill architectural technologist roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Registration status with the OAA, OACETT or the Ministry's BCIN registry, as your role requires
- Drawing samples that show the candidate's own details and permit sets
- Building Code knowledge, explored through practical questions about recent projects
- Revit depth, including families, templates and model coordination
- Eligibility to work in Canada and fit with your office or hybrid setup
Interview questions to ask
- Walk me through how you detail a wall assembly to manage air, vapour and water.
- A plans examiner returns comments on your permit set. How do you work through them?
- How do you set up a Revit model so other team members can work in it without errors?