FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS ATECF-DP Architectural Technology

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Overview


  • 20-month diploma
  • August entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • Co-op work experience
  • Mandatory four-month co-op work experience between Year 1 and Year 2
  • Laptop delivery
  • Possible Accreditation: Architectural and Building Technologists Association of Manitoba (ABTAM) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC)
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability, and online application instructions.

Description

Gain the skills and knowledge to turn ideas into fully functional plans that improve our world.

Architectural technologists play a vital role in the planning of building projects, transforming conceptual designs into the functional technical documents needed for construction.

The Architectural Technology Diploma program introduces and develops the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work in this dynamic industry. This program uses state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to develop visualizations, analyses, and informed project planning and administration. Using collaborative strategies, you will complete residential and commercial projects based on the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry and develop practical, career-focused skills.


Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

A strong background in science is recommended.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 12 Math (40S) (Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math is recommended)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Academic Requirements
    • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully complete alternative assessments for Math and Reading Comprehension. You can be referred for these assessments by your Admissions Officer during the application process.
    • Please see Assessment Services for further information
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8888
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60606060
CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8888
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.56.56.0
LSI (Language Studies International)
6.56.56.56.5
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
58585850
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.56.56.56.0
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.56.56.56.0
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
20201921

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$7,158.001
Year 2
$6,135.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$900.00
Year 2
$1,200.00
Other Fees
Year 1
$1,200.00
Program/Student Fees (International)
Year 1
$19,116.002
Year 2
$18,093.00
1Includes a Co-op Term at $1023
2Includes a Co-op Term at $1023

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
CAPS-2018Capstone Project
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This culminating Capstone Project requires students to apply the concepts and methods of building design and construction as studied throughout the Architectural Technology program. Working in project teams, students will complete a comprehensive project that will incorporate the critical thinking required to support the planning and organization for all phases of an architectural project. Plans, sections, details and supporting contract documents will be completed to a professional standard as appropriate for an Architectural Technologist. In addition to the technical requirements of this project, students will address pertinent social issues in a thoughtful and creative manner.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-4016 is a prerequisite
CIAC-4011 and CIAC-4012 are corequisites and must be taken in the same term.
CIAC-1002Technical Drawing FundamentalsRPL
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This course introduces students to the knowledge and skills necessary to produce 2D technical drawings using hand sketching and computer aided design (CAD) methods. Students will gain an understanding of construction drawing conventions, annotation methods, scaling, and the fundamental tools and techniques using Autodesk AutoCAD software. Furthermore, students will examine how to add and modify objects, text, dimensions, hatching, and blocks through the completion of moderately complex, two-dimensional working drawings using both imperial and metric units. This course is a prerequisite for detailing and drawing courses throughout the program.

CIAC-1003Principles of Construction Documentation
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The Principles of Construction Documentation course is a foundational course where students will develop an understanding of construction documentation (specifications, drawings, and schedules), building materials, bidding procedures, and contracts. This course will emphasize the relationship that exists between specifications and drawings, and the role and responsibilities of industry participants regarding documentation. Ethical behavior and the legal and professional accountabilities that apply in the workplace will be covered, using industry code(s) of ethics and practical case studies to clarify these topics.

CIAC-1004Building Materials and Environment
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This course introduces students to the most common building materials used in the construction industry. Students will review the typical manufacturing, processing, structure, properties, and performance of each material. Case studies will be used to evaluate the use of building materials in new and existing buildings. The course will enable students to select and specify appropriate materials for construction, evaluate the condition of building materials, propose possible causes of deterioration, and note if maintenance and remediation are required. Sustainable building technology as it relates to material composition and selection will be reviewed.

CIAC-1005Structural Fundamentals
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In this introductory course, students will study how forces and loads act on a structure and the effects these have on structural elements such as beams and columns. They will be introduced to the properties and behaviour of building materials such as timber, concrete, steel, and masonry through classroom exploration of theory and lab demonstrations. The principles covered in this course will enable students to have meaningful communication with structural designers and other industry professionals. This course is a prerequisite for Building Structural Systems.

CIAC-1006Building Mechanical Systems
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This foundational course provides an overview of mechanical systems for buildings. Students gain knowledge of the fundamental concepts of mechanical equipment, components, and controls used in building mechanical systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and fire protection). Emphasis is placed on the consideration required for mechanical systems integration into the overall building project. Students will explore how mechanical systems affect human comfort, building performance, the environment and life safety. The concepts of mechanical systems in this course prepare students for the Building Systems Coordination course.

CIAC-1007Building Science
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This course focuses on the fundamental theory of the effects of air movement, heat and moisture has on building operations and occupants. Students gain knowledge of the application of building science principles to the design and detailing of building envelope systems. They will examine the relationship between materials, components, and assemblies to different environmental conditions. Students will explore practical applications of building science principles through the drawing of wall sections, section details, and plan details. This will illustrate the importance of material selection and detail design, along with understanding the building process, through the function and performance of building components.

CIAC-1008Codes and Standards
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In this course, students will learn to apply codes related to construction with an emphasis on Manitoba Building Code (MBC) and the National Building Code (NBC) parts 3 and 9, including the relevant and latest Manitoba Amendments, and the manner in which these provisions of the Code impact design and construction of relevant buildings. Topics will include the format, terminology, and definitions in the mentioned codes, including an emphasis on barrier free design. The course is designed to learn the principles of the codes in a hands-on approach, where the practical use of the codes gives the necessary familiarity with these documents.

CIAC-2009Site Assesssment
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This course is an introduction to the concepts and skills required to assess a site and the existing condition of a building (both interior and exterior). Data collection and communication will be emphasized. In addition, students will be exposed to construction site safety, focusing on how to conduct oneself to adhere to site safety protocols. Students will develop skills around collecting the data required to support project focus and values. Throughout the course, the role of the Architectural Technologist as part of an architectural team will be emphasized.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-2010Building Structural Systems
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Buildings have become more and more complex, from early shelters to the constructions of wood, concrete, steel, and glass built today. All types of buildings have some form of structural system capable of withstanding the forces put upon them. In this foundational course, students will learn the types of structural elements, materials and connections used on typical residential and large-scale construction projects. Additionally, students will learn industry terminology, conventions and symbols used in the design and planning of building structural systems and gain an understanding of interpreting structural drawings. This course is a prerequisite for other courses in the program.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-2011Architectural Drawing 1
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In this course, students will reinforce concepts from Technical Drawing Fundamentals, learning principles such as proportion, shape analysis in 2D and 3D, and applications of architectural drawings. The focus will be on producing working drawings as they relate to the scope of work in a professional architectural office to industry standards from written, sketched, and oral data. Students will learn about various building materials, systems, and construction techniques to produce architectural working drawings for a building project. Fundamental skills developed in this course are applied in other Architectural Technology courses. This course must be taken concurrently with BIM Fundamentals.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-2012 is required prior to taking CIAC-2011 (can be taken in the same term).
CIAC-1002
CIAC-2012BIM Fundamentals
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that improves how architects, engineers and construction professionals design and construct buildings. Students will explore how to plan, organize and model building elements using Autodesk Revit software while learning fundamental modeling processes and project workflows. While building comprehensive 3D models, students will utilize the BIM to generate concept drawings, construction documents – plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules and 3D views of architectural projects. This course is a prerequisite for other courses in the program.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-2013Sustainable Building
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Building on the learning from Building Materials and Environment, this course will provide students the opportunity to explore current sustainable building materials and concepts. Students will identify issues of sustainability in the construction industry, as well as discipline specific practices that lead to sustainable and integrated approaches. Students will apply the learning from this course to their team-based Capstone project. This course will focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility. 

Prerequisites:
CIAC-2014Contract Administration
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Building on concepts covered in Principles of Construction Documentation, this course extends student learning by applying various contract administration procedures and processes. Students will develop content and organize contract documents and specifications to be used in the estimating, bidding and construction phases of a project. Students will be introduced to the accurate assessment, quantification, and costing of commercial building construction.  Ethical behaviour and the legal and professional accountabilities as related to contract administration will be emphasized.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-3011Architectural Drawing 2
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In this course, students will reinforce and expand their understanding of architectural drawings, building practices, techniques, systems, assemblies, and materials used in the construction of residential and small commercial buildings. Students will produce architectural drawings and working drawings of a design-controlled single-family residence. Learning will focus on wood-frame construction and the wood-frame module using common industry terminology. Students will study the implications and effect of zoning and code regulations on the building. Skills developed in this course will be applied to concepts in other Architectural Technology courses.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-3012Intermediate BIM
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to make better decisions earlier on in the project process. Building upon the concepts learned in BIM Fundamentals, students will work towards the mastery of software used in the production and management of BIMs for architectural projects. While building BIMs, students will develop their skills in template management, project phasing, family creation, BIM collaboration, schedules, and management of architectural graphics standards using Revit. This course is a prerequisite for other courses in the program, including the Capstone.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-3015Building Systems Coordination
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This culminating course builds on concepts learned in Building Structural Systems and Building Mechanical Systems to provide students with the skills required to interpret, understand, and coordinate structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems on a building project. Students will be introduced to the standard and requirements of such drawings/models?for coordinating building systems with the architectural constraints of a building project. Students will also apply these principles in the BIM process using a sample BIM authoring software. Students will develop a practical approach to detailing, documenting,?and resolving interferences among systems using industry-appropriate software also used in other Architectural Technology courses. 

Prerequisites:
CIAC-4011Architectural Drawing 3
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This course will build upon the skills learned in Architectural Detailing 2, as well as incorporating content from other disciplines and courses. Students will produce architectural working drawings with a focus on a fully developed set of construction drawings, integrating applicable building codes and programming implications, with emphasis on the required elements of a project's working drawings. This course supports work in the Capstone Project, as all drawings will be developed to provide excellence on Capstone Project delivery.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-3011
CAPS-2018 and CIAC-4011 are corequisites and must be taken in the same term.
CIAC-4012Advanced BIM
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides design professionals with the tools to design, plan, analyze and construct building projects from concept to building operation. Building upon the concepts learned in Intermediate BIM, students will develop skills to contribute to the planning and management of BIM projects including BIM Execution Plans, BIM Level of Development (LOD), collaboration strategies and coordination management. While building BIMs, students will be introduced to conceptual massing tools, advanced modeling processes, and advanced model detailing.

Prerequisites:
CIAC-3012
CAPS-2018 and CIAC-4012 are corequisites and must be taken in the same term.
CIAC-4016Interior Detailing
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In this course, students will explore the concepts required to detail an architectural project as it applies to interior details. Students will be introduced to the detailing requirements of complex millwork, casework, interior architectural elements, material characteristics, component connections and custom furnishings. The deep connection existing between the interior detailing and other disciplines with the collaborative nature of this work will be explored. The work in this course will support the Capstone Project.

Prerequisites:
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
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Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry. 

COMM-2170Communicating Technical Thinking
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In this course students will build on the skills they learned in COMM-1173 Communication Strategies by gathering and sharing technical information with professionals from different trades and industries. Students will plan and create technical documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences, including seeking out and incorporating feedback and using multiple modes of communication and media. They will also continue to practice communicating professionally, inclusively, collaboratively, and empathetically in both written and non-written communications.

Prerequisites:
COMM-2172Communication for the WorkplaceRPL
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This foundational course focuses on essential communication skills for entering and advancing in industry. Students will develop skills for effective resumes, cover letters, and job interviews that are tailored to the specific needs of prospective employers. Additionally, students will enhance their interpersonal skills and digital fluency while applying speaking, writing, and collaboration techniques crucial for job searching, adapting to new roles, and achieving long-term career goals. Students will also develop strategies for continuous learning to remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.

COOP-3001Co-op
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The Architectural Technology Co-op Work term allows students to integrate their academic studies with relevant industry experience prior to completion of the program. Students will have the opportunity to develop their prior theoretical learning and applied skills while advancing professional abilities and attitudes that are relevant for successful employment within the industry. This course will allow students to develop skills, knowledge and habits that will support them in lifelong learning.  

Prerequisites:
COMM-2174 and 4 of 6 Term 2 courses completed or in progress.
MATH-1198Math for Technical Applications
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This course covers basic mathematical operations, ratios, percentages, decimals, roots, exponents, and unit conversion. Students will use geometry and trigonometry with some additional formulas to solve technical applications. Algebraic techniques will be studied in tandem with these basic principles to solve equations and simplify expressions.     

PROJ-1017Project Management
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This course serves as a general introduction to project management theory and an overview of project management practice in the design and construction process. Students will become familiar with key terms and both internal and external factors that influence a project’s success. The life cycle and organization of a project is described. The course introduces students to concepts from the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). A variety of tools and techniques used in the management of projects will be introduced.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Students in the program are required to purchase a laptop that meets or exceeds the specifications required for the program.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

  • Use current and emerging technologies and practices in the preparation of construction documents, estimates and specifications to support building projects.
  • Apply applicable codes, bylaws, and regulations, and comply with the legal and ethical requirements of an architectural technologist, in the practice of building design and construction.
  • Apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
  • Contribute to the architectural team as appropriate for an Architectural Technologist.
  • Participate as required in architectural design development.
  • Collaborate with, and integrate information from, structural, mechanical, and electrical building systems professionals.
  • Contribute to the administration of construction contracts to ensure compliance with project contract documents.
  • Contribute to the administration of project resources, including establishing, scheduling, and monitoring project activities and tasks within the constraints of time, costs, and quality.
  • Solve technical problems related to building projects through the application of principles of building and physical sciences and mathematics.
  • Use verbal, graphic, written, and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively in teams.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Graduation Requirements

After successful completion of all courses in this program with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and required co-op education work term(s), you will graduate with a diploma in Architectural Technology.

You must submit an application to graduate during your final term of study. It is your responsibility to ensure this is completed.
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Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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