Architecture Design &

Technology
  • Program Credential

    Diploma

  • Program Duration

    73 Weeks

Program Overview

Launch your architectural revolution with VCAD's Architecture Design & Technology program! This cutting-edge program at our campus in the heart of downtown Calgary fuses artistic vision with digital innovation, building your foundation in architectural design's technical and creative core.

Utilizing hands-on projects and industry-recognized software, you will craft spaces where function meets breathtaking aesthetics. Graduates emerge with a professional portfolio showcasing their technical prowess and design ingenuity, ready to impress future employers.

Who should apply?

  • Architecture Enthusiasts: Explore the transformative power of digital design!
  • Creative Visionaries: Design beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces 
  • Tech Innovators: Master design tools recognized throughout the industry
  • Aspiring Designers: Shape the future of leading-edge architecture and design!

Ready to blend creativity and cutting-edge tech? VCAD’s Architecture Design & Technology program is your gateway to architectural innovation! Learn more today.

Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.

Industry-Standard Tools You’ll Master

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe InDesign

  • PowerPoint

  • Excel

  • 3DsMax

  • AutoCAD

  • Revit

  • SketchUp

  • Enscape

Find the right learning method for your needs.

Do you long for live collaboration and real-time feedback?

Our Hybrid Learning Model brings the energy of the classroom to you! Connect with instructors, bounce ideas off classmates, and refine your skills with instant feedback. Engage in regular live sessions for interactive learning and real-time feedback.

60%

Live Classes

40%

Self Study

Do you need a schedule that works for you?

Our Self-paced Learning Model gives you 24/7 access to course materials, so you can learn when inspiration strikes—while balancing work, life, and everything in between. Take control of your learning with an independent, self-paced experience, plus access to live support.

5%

Live Classes

95%

Self Study

Open the Door to New Creative Connections

Explore Future Career Opportunities

Your skills can take you in countless directions within the world of architecture and design. Here are just a few exciting career paths you can pursue:

 

  • Building and construction industry
  • Architectural industry
  • Interior design industry
  • Engineering industry
  • Building project management
  • Property management

These are just some examples...the opportunities are almost limitless!

Gain These Competitive Skills for the Industry

  • Architectural design
  • Architectural drawing
  • Construction drawing
  • Apply knowledge of material design
  • Building Code specifications
  • Environmental Architectural design
  • Project management skills
  • Create digital blueprints using contemporary software
  • 3D digital renderings of buildings
  • Architectural Study Model
  • Assemble and present a professional portfolio

Start your creative journey today.

No prior experience. No waitlists.

Learn from experienced instructors in a studio-like environment.

Why Students Want to Study with Us

Personalized Flexible Learning

Take control of your learning with different online and on-campus delivery models that fit your lifestyle.

Cutting-Edge Tools

Work with industry-standard software and technology, equipping you with the tools you’ll need in the professional world.

Professional Portfolios

Build a portfolio at the end of your studies showcasing your skills and preparing you for the creative industry.

Course Timeline

Every masterpiece starts with a plan! Our course timelines guide your creative journey, taking you from concept to career-ready.

Student Success Strategies

This course will cover the importance of goal setting, prioritizing tasks, and managing time and stress from study and work situations — accomplished through the exploration and practice of active participation. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Enriched Academy© program, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to save, budget, and manage their money and time.

Colour & Design

This course will build students’ understanding of colour and design principles through exploration and application across media, visual, and applied practice. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of colour theory through design, such as layout, composition, balance, colour science and theory and teach them how to apply these principles. These concepts will be reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into functional and purposeful design.

Photoshop I

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the application and importance of image editing and construction as a universal skill in across diverse design genres. This course introduces students to raster image-editing software, Adobe Photoshop. Through this 'hands-on' course, students will acquire skills with workflow fundamentals, as well as advanced features, and tips, and acquire the skills to prepare images for digital output and print. Emphasis will be placed on technical skills, however conceptual development, and creative thinking and approaches will also be considered in all work. By the end of this course, students will be able to create, modify, and enhance sophisticated images using raster editing tools, and features; craft special effects; and prepare files for export to various applications in web, mobile, print, and manufacturing.

Architectural Drafting

This course introduces students to the preparation of 2D architectural drawings. Topics include identification and use of drafting equipment, drafting in scale, basic lettering, line weights, dimension techniques and standard notation conventions, including orthographic projections related to floor plans, elevations, and ceiling plans. Students will prepare drawings of residential and commercial buildings, typically used for construction and obtaining building permits.

Architectural Design & Practice

This course will familiarize students with architectural design and practice and introduce ideas, principles, and architectural problem-solving methodologies emphasizing urbanism and landscape as influenced by the rapidly changing landscape of the arts and sciences. In this course, students will develop critical design thinking skills and the ability to imagine solutions in four dimensions.

Drawing I

This course will focus on the development of perceptual and descriptive skills through an introduction to a variety of drawing media, techniques, and subject matter. Through this course, students will acquire a thorough understanding of the elements of art and the principles of organization as related to drawing. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of contour lines, positive and negative space, perspective, sighting of angles, and measurements of relationships in drawing. The course will encourage experimentation with techniques and materials, both traditional and non-traditional, and explore creative expression beyond preconceived boundaries. Students will learn the principles of perspective drawing and how to apply them.

History of Architecture

This course explores the history and dichotomy between utilitarian structural design and the influence of art and design in architecture. The course will examine how designs, structures, and buildings have evolved and influenced each other throughout history and the impact this influence has had in the 21st century.

Planning Theory

This course introduces students to the environmental aspects of architectural design and the analysis of building landscape forms. Students will learn the creative, analytical and planning techniques and processes used in small and large site development, how architects can convey their ideas and societal values in built form, including the purpose of architecture as a cultural artifact.

Digital Drafting I

This course is an introductory level course that will explore the fundamental features of industry-standard Autocad software. Through developing a small design project, students will learn to use the tools, features, and commands to create simple drawings.

Design Studio I - Single Dwelling

By providing students with their first opportunity to create imaginative design solutions working on a single-dwelling design project under Type V Construction, this course aims to develop architectural design skills.

Drawing II

This course builds upon Drawing I. In this course, the student continues to explore using complex shapes and drawing techniques. Topical coverage includes drawing styles, observation of reality, plans, elevations and projections, perspective views, shading, forms and structure, drawing architecture and working with colour and black and white drawings.

Building Construction I

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of building construction and practices, the technology, materials, and techniques used in constructing small-scale buildings, the role of the environment, and the importance of considering what materials to use. Students will conduct practical structural modeling exercises and develop a basic understanding of the quantitative and qualitative behaviour of structures.

Digital Modelling & Rendering I

This course introduces students to industry-standard architectural rending software that increases the level of detail in their 2D/3D drawings and renderings. Students learn Building Information Modeling (BIM)— a process that facilities the generation, sharing and management of 3D visual representations of physical space and functional components and systems found in them.

Digital Drafting II

In this course, students will explore the advanced features of AutoCAD. They create and modify complex digital design documents representing detailed 3D interior and exterior spaces. Students start by exploring advanced drawing and modifying tools and techniques before moving to advanced drawing and modeling of 3D solids and surfaces.

Design Studio II - Multi-Dwelling

This course leverages the knowledge and skills gained in Design Studio I by introducing students to additional design and building complexities in creating conventional and nonconventional multi-unit buildings. Students take into consideration environmental and urban issues.

Building Technology I - Lighting

This course explores lighting as one of the fundamental elements in the design of interiors and exteriors. Students learn the principles and techniques of working with lighting to create a desired impact on space. The course will explore light sources, daylight, the layered approach to lighting and the different types of lighting applications for residential, office, and other specialty institutions.

Building Construction II

This course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in Building Construction I. Students apply their growing technical expertise in designing small to medium-scale buildings focusing on structural systems, building elements, materials, components, connections, construction methods and detailing. Students develop an understanding of the materials and technical dimensions of building design, current trends in the construction industry, and collaborative practices.

Digital Modelling & Rendering II

This course introduces industry standard 3D computer rendering software. Students will use the software to produce three-dimensional renders.

Materials & Specifications

This course introduces the types of materials used in exterior façade treatments and their usages, properties, and conformity. Students research, and analyze sample sources and cost materials based on specifications. The importance of material selection in the construction process is stressed.

Design Studio III - Commercial I

This course builds upon Design Studio II by understanding the construction and design of commercial buildings. The course will introduce students to the accepted processes and design stages; concept study, space planning, research, analysis, code requirements, materials specification, construction and sustainability. Students will prepare a design package that includes models, drawings and reports — with emphasis on the design, function, efficiency and buildable construction methods.

Construction Detailing

This course introduces the next stage after the design process is complete. When a building’s design intent has been established and approved, detailed technical drawings are then created. In this course students will learn how to transform the design using their knowledge of methods of construction into a series of technical drawings.

Environmental Design

Human activity is having a significant impact on the planet’s resources, ecology and environment. This course introduces the student to the systems and ecologies impacted by global climate change and examines how this influences resource management, building design and construction practices.

Project Management

Students will be introduced to project management as it relates to design and building construction. Students will learn about roles and responsibilities, procedures and protocols, meeting management, documentation, scheduling, and inspections in a typical project from the initial phases of construction through to completion. This course will focus on interactions and coordination with consultants and specialists.

Codes & Regulation

This course explores residential, commercial and public building, fire and safety codes and how they apply to external building features and the immediate building environment and influence the application of building codes in a building's internal design and construction. Students will learn how codes and standards impact the design process and how they must be applied to ensure compliance in the final design.

Design Studio IV - Commercial II

Students will consider material specifications, methods of construction and sustainability principles and prepare a design presentation package that includes models, drawings and reports. They will be assigned a high-rise mix-use commercial building with basement parking facilities under Type 1 Construction and conduct research, analysis, and space and concept planning studies. The assessment will focus on the design, function, efficiency and buildable construction methods.

Building Technology II - Mechanical & Safety Systems

This course introduces students to Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing systems (MEP), where they will learn each system and how they play an integral part in efficiency, the relationships between the building envelope and mechanical system design, particularly sustainability, energy use and human comfort. Mechanical systems include HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, fire protection, electrical and mechanical building codes, indoor air quality, communications, life safety and security.

Contract Administration

Students learn the construction industry standards, procedures and requirements owners, consultants, contractors, and trades are subject to on a construction project. Students will become familiar with the required standards for all contracts and agreement specifications concerning the supply and installation services, materials and products, as well as the importance and implementation of liabilities, penalty damages and other legal issues.

Portfolio

This course will prepare the student for graduation and final portfolio completion by focusing on content that showcases primary skills. The portfolio will showcase the strengths and talents of each student in a visually-appealing branded presentation.

Construction Documentation

This course introduces the construction drawing documentation process. Students will become familiar with the process of developing the initial part of the documentation through drawing lists, drawing contents, formats, sheet numbering, labels, annotations, and procedures as per construction industry standards. Emphasis is placed on understanding the legal issues with respect to accurate documentation.

Design Studio V – Thesis A

This course prepares students by introducing relevant research, methodology, and design themes. Students are provided with a detailed project brief where they apply knowledge and skills acquired in the program to produce an architectural design thesis, emphasizing planning, function, efficiency, buildability, and sustainability. Students are mentored through the process and will present their final project to a review committee.

Design Studio V – Thesis B

This course builds upon Final Thesis I, the student's final thesis compiled into a completed final presentation package that includes all supporting drawings and documentation, which will demonstrate an innovative solution to a design problem. It will be presented and defended to a panel of instructors and industry professionals.

Learn about our University Pathways

VCAD partners with leading institutions to empower graduates into pursuing a Bachelor's degree.

Click here to learn more.

Testimonials

VCAD accommodated my schedule because I am currently working two jobs. I like that my instructors are all architects or interior designers from the industry.

Cameron F.

Architectural Design Technology Graduate

The admissions team at VCAD was very inquisitive and helpful in guiding me through my financial path for VCAD.

Jaqueline L.

I just finished the first semester, and wow, I am loving it. The teachers and the courses are amazing. I wish I had enrolled sooner. I can't wait for the next semester. They make sure that you are doing your assignments and doing well at them.

Antonio D.

I am almost finished with my diploma program; the school is great at providing ample coverage of all the topics one will need in professional life. A big advantage is the small classes that allow you to have a lot of one-on-one time with the instructors, who are all professionals working in the field.

Gianluca M.

STUDENT PORTFOLIOS

See how this program elevates creativity into high-quality work across diverse fields

Our Instructors

Behind every great mind is an inspiring mentor. Meet the creative visionaries who will spark ideas, fuel your passion, and uplift your talent.

FAQ's

How long does the program take?

You can find the length of your program on our website under programs! If you have further questions regarding the length and hours of any of our offered programs, please click HERE to speak to an admissions representative.

What is the cost of my program?

To learn more about tuition in BC and Alberta, click here. For international student tuition, click here.

Online Studies

Programs may be available in various modalities. Please refer to the specific program page to learn more.

Loans and Grant Information

Our experienced Student Financial Planners can provide further information on program funding, such as available scholarships. You may also refer to your provincial funding webpage for more information. 

Start Dates

Our campuses offer a variety of start dates. To learn more about our upcoming start dates, please reach out to your campus of choice.

School and Program Accreditation

VCAD Calgary offers vocational training licensed under the Private Career Colleges Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.

VCAD Vancouver programs were reviewed and approved by the Registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, which regulates private training institutions in British Columbia. British Columbia's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation is Canada's first and only provincial brand of quality for post-secondary education. VCAD's EQA designation is recognized globally as a symbol of quality education and consumer protection.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Click below to learn more or apply today. Our team is here to help you start your journey.

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