Architectural Technology
Turn your passion for design and technology into a meaningful career in architecture. As a student in the Architectural Technology program, you will develop design-thinking skills and proficiency in industry-relevant design software through hands-on experience. As a professional in the field of architecture, you will have diverse opportunities to help transform concepts into real buildings.
What You Will Learn
Graduates from the Architectural Technology program enter the workforce with a strong skill set and diverse portfolio, ready to seek employment as an architectural technician or entry-level designer with architecture, engineering, or construction firms. Graduates may also decide to further their studies at a NAAB accredited institution in pursuit of professional licensure.
Through the Architectural Technology program, you will:
- learn design principles and drawing practices, which are essential skills in architecture and related fields
- learn industry terminology and standards
- develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills
- gain familiarity with software like SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit, and more
- understand how construction drawings are created, organized, and coordinated
- gain familiarity with construction materials and methods
- study environmental, legal, and social regulations that help inform design and construction
- engage and collaborate with architectural professionals
- develop communication skills to present design work verbally and graphically
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 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 Architecture
Students 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?
Architects are licensed professionals with extensive education who shape the big ideas and overall vision for a building project. The architect takes on legal accountability and oversees the entire project, including coordination with consultants and construction administration.
An architectural technician collaborates with architects and designers to help turn preliminary drawings into more refined, technical drawings. The technician usually concentrates on building science, buildability, and clarity of the drawings as a set.
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.
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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.
Career Coach