Architectural Technology

Architectural Technology

You are skilled in math, observant, and organized. Put those skills to use by earning an Associate of Applied Science in architectural technology at Central Piedmont. You can also earn certificates with specializations in residential architectural technology, sustainability, or Computer Assisted Design/Building Information Modeling.

What You Will Learn

In our Architectural Technology program, you will practice architectural drawing techniques with computed-aided drafting (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) to develop design plans for various structures. You will develop industry terminology and become familiar with construction materials and construction and deconstruction processes. You will study environmental and legal regulations and analyze sustainable design practices in building. In training, you will conduct research methods to locate building codes and bidding information for residential and commercial settings. You will participate in project and contract management, construction oversight, and contract negotiating. As an architect’s right-hand-person, you will communicate well with the architect, surveyors, construction teams, and clients. Upon completion of the program, you will:

  • have acquired the knowledge and skill to produce a set of architectural construction drawings which are up to basic industry standards and conventions; this outcome addresses the communication Core Competency as students will have learned to communicate design intent through drawing
  • demonstrate an understanding of how construction drawings are organized, laid out, and coordinated
  • have learned to craft construction drawings through both manual drafting techniques and computer technology using computer aided drafting/design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, commonly used by regional professionals

Completing an architectural technology degree at Central Piedmont will prepare you for career opportunities in architectural, engineering, construction, residential design, and trade professions. You can also work in housing associations, facility management, commercial companies, and government as an architectural technologist/technician.

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Why Choose Central Piedmont

The architectural technology program at Central Piedmont is a member of the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP). We also encourage students to join our school chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), a student-led club that recruits local design professionals to discuss the profession and offer networking opportunities. The chapter is affiliated with the Charlotte Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Real World Education

At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.

The Details

  • Program Options

    Choose from an Associate in Applied Science in architectural technology as well as several architectural technology certificates. The college catalog details the architectural technology program options currently available at Central Piedmont as well as program eligibility and course requirements.

    Transfer Credit

    An architectural technology articulation (transfer) agreement is in progress. While Central Piedmont does not yet have a formal articulation agreement for architectural technology, the Associate in Applied Science in architectural technology may be used as a foundation to transfer to an engineering program at a four-year institution, such as at:

    • Western Carolina University Engineering and Technology - Technical Operations
    • Eastern Carolina University Industrial Design or Construction Management
    • UNC Charlotte Engineering Technology
    • Queens University Interior Architecture (with successful Portfolio review)
    • UNC Greensboro Interior Architecture (with successful Portfolio review)
    • Appalachian State University Building Sciences - Architectural Technology Concentration
    • North Carolina A&T State University - Architectural Engineering

    Always contact the institution to which you intend to transfer to determine which credits, if any, from the Central Piedmont Associate in Applied Science in architectural technology may transfer. Upon successful completion of a bachelor’s degree at any of these institutions, graduates may then apply to a three-year master of architecture program, providing interested students the opportunity to receive a Master of Architecture in as few as seven years. If you would like information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.

    Visiting Students

    If you wish to transfer architectural technology course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.

    Corporate and Continuing Education

    Central Piedmont's Corporate and Continuing Education provides non-credit, non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.

    College and Career Readiness

    If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.

    College Credit for High School Students

    Visit Career and College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.

  • Architectural Technology Program Requirements

    There is a good chance that credit hours completed at other colleges/universities can be applied towards a Central Piedmont degree. Students transferring in credit from other colleges or universities must have a transcript sent directly from that institution to the Central Piedmont student records office. Additionally, in order for transcripts to be evaluated, the Request for Transcript Evaluation form must be filed. For questions concerning the transcript evaluation process, contact the Central Piedmont records office. For detailed information on architectural technology course and program requirements, visit the Central Piedmont Community College catalog.

    The associate in applied science degree can be completed in as few as five semesters by full-time students following the recommended course sequence outlined in the college catalog. However, the program may be completed on a part-time basis as your schedule allows. 

  • Locations

    Please note that course offerings and availability are subject to change from semester to semester. Always confirm which courses are required to complete this program in the college catalog and confirm where courses are available using Schedule Builder.

  • Course Delivery Methods
    • Classroom/Lab
    • Combined (Classroom/Lab and Online)
    • Online

    You may choose to complete required general education courses at any campus. Many classes are offered in the evening and online. If you want to complete a program through night classes only, you should allow at least twice the amount of time shown in the recommended degree progression list and take a maximum of one or two courses per semester. Please note that course offerings and availability are subject to change from semester to semester. Always confirm which courses are required to complete this program in the college catalog and confirm course delivery methods using Schedule Builder. Architectural technology courses are in high demand — get started as soon as possible!

  • Architectural Technology Careers

    Completing an architectural technology degree at Central Piedmont will prepare you for careers in architectural, engineering, construction, residential design, and trade professions, such as a drafting/CAD technician/designer. A drafting/CAD technician (also often referred to as a designer), works under the supervision of an architect or engineer to produce drawings and documents from which buildings are constructed. A successful technician will have a working knowledge of construction materials and techniques as well as both hand and computer drawing abilities. You can also work in housing associations, facility management, commercial companies, and government as an architectural technologist/technician. Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach for detailed architectural technology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.

  • Costs and Aid

    Central Piedmont provides real-world, affordable, hands-on education and career training. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

  • Related Programs

  • Admitted Students: Find Your Faculty Advisor

    Students at Central Piedmont have a faculty advisor for each program of study offered. Find your faculty advisor based on your last name:

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