Architectural Technology
Professionals in the field of architectural technology play a pivotal role in transforming architects’ designs into actual buildings. In addition to being fluent in architectural software tools like advanced computer-aided design (CAD), architectural technicians must understand building codes, construction methods, and engineering concepts.
What You Will Learn
Graduates from the Architectural Technology program enter the workforce with a strong skill set and diverse portfolio, ready to pursue licensure or continue their studies.
Through the Architectural Technology program, you will:
- develop design plans for various structures using manual drafting techniques, as well as computer-aided drafting (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM)
- understand of how construction drawings are organized, laid out, and coordinated
- learn industry terminology
- gain familiarity with construction materials and construction and deconstruction processes
- study environmental and legal regulations
- analyze sustainable design practices in building
- conduct research to locate building codes and bidding information for residential and commercial settings
- participate in project and contract management, construction oversight, and contract negotiating
- develop your ability to communicate well with architects, creatives, drafters, surveyors, construction teams, and clients.
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Central Piedmont Architectural Technology program students have all the tools they need to realize their architectural designs and be prepared for transfer or employment once they graduate. Light-filled architecture studios on Cato and Harper campuses are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including large touch screen monitors, iPads, laptops, laser cutters, plotters, scanners, and 3D printers. Meanwhile, in Central Piedmont’s computer labs, students can access the latest drafting and design software.
Beyond the classroom, Central Piedmont students can join the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) to hone their leadership and design skills while also providing service to the community.
Finally, the Architectural Technology program is affiliated with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. As a result, students in this program are invited to attend conferences and compete in design competitions, which means more opportunities to network, build a portfolio, and sharpen relevant skills.
Program Options
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Associate of Applied Schience Degrees
Associate of Applied Science Degrees
Central Piedmont offers two Associate in Applied Science degree pathways in architecture:
• Associate in Applied Science in architectural technology (A40100) - offers a design and technical education for those wanting to pursue employment in the architectural field
• Associate in Applied Science in architectural technology-UNC Charlotte transfer track (A40100T) - offers students the opportunity to apply to UNC Charlotte’s School of ArchitectureStudents can visit UNC Charlotte’s website for further details on completing a four-year degree as a transfer student. Central Piedmont’s Transfer Resource Center can also provide information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to UNC Charlotte and other four-year institutions.
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Academic Certificates
Certificates are shorter, more focused credentials offered as stand-alone credentials or stackable toward your degree. Learn more about our Architectural Technology certificates in the Course Catalog.
Architectural Technology Career FAQs
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What can I do with an Architectural Technology degree?
Completing an architectural technology degree at Central Piedmont will prepare you for careers in architectural, engineering, construction, and residential design professions. Additionally, you can work in various trade professions, such as working as a draftsman, CAD technician, or designer. You can also work in housing associations, facility management, commercial companies, and government as an architectural technologist/technician.
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What is the difference between an architect and an architectural technician?
An architect develops the overall vision for a building, takes on legal accountability, and oversees the entire project.
An architectural technician turns those concepts into precise technical plans, concentrating on building science and practical construction details.
A drafter, or draftsman, creates technical drawings with specialized software, often focusing on particular systems—such as electrical or mechanical—and typically contributes less to the creative design process.
Architects are licensed professionals with extensive education who shape the big ideas, whereas technicians and drafters provide the technical expertise to make those ideas buildable, with technicians serving as the link between design and construction.
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How much do architectural technicians make?
For up-to-date information on architectural technician salaries, please visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach.
Architectural Technology Careers and Average Salaries
Visit Career Coach for detailed architectural technology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.
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