Architectural technicians play a key role in bringing homes, offices, and other buildings to life. They create the detailed technical drawings that transform an architect’s or engineer’s vision into reality.

If you have an eye for structure and form, and enjoy being both creative and methodical, this could be an excellent career choice for you.

Even better: The training to become an architectural technician is relatively quick (no degree required!) And the Quebec government expects demand in this field to remain steady for the next few years.

So how do you go about becoming an architectural technician?

These 5 simple steps can get you started.

Photo: One of Canada's greenest buildings is the Centre for Sustainable Development in Montreal, Quebec

Like the idea of helping to create the next generation of sustainable buildings? Don't want to invest years in university, training to become a licensed architect?

A career in green building design and drafting could be a perfect fit.

Green building design focuses on creating safe, functional structures that have minimal impact on the environment. The aim is to produce buildings that satisfy human needs and respect the surrounding ecosystem.

But what does that mean in practice? What makes a building "green"?

How is a green building drafter different from a regular draftsperson? And what kind of training do you need to get into this field?

All those answers are in this post. And by the end, you'll be better prepared to decide if a career in sustainable architecture is right for you.

Let's begin.

Updated January 2023

If you're interested in architecture and passionate about the environment, it makes good sense to consider a sustainable architecture diploma.

Diplomas teach practical design and drafting skills, with a focus on green building principles. Where degrees go deep into the history and theory of sustainable architecture, diplomas focus on job-ready drafting skills.

A diploma is a good option for someone who wants to work in architecture, but doesn't want to invest years of training to become a licensed architect.

But programs of this kind are fairly new, so a lot of students have questions about how training works. It's important to know what skills you'll graduate with and where you can work after college.

How is sustainable architecture different from traditional architecture programs? What "extra" or different coursework is involved?

Here's everything you need to know about diplomas in sustainable design, including the main areas of study and career paths after college.

Updated October 2022

Climate change, pollution, and over-populated cities have become major issues all across the globe. From the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the cars we drive, to the buildings we live in—sustainability is the new watchword.

Updated October 2022

Sustainable architecture is all about finding better ways to construct buildings so their environmental impact is as small as possible. It's about innovation, creativity, technology, and a total commitment to sustainability.

But there are other good reasons to go green. Buildings that happily co-exist with nature are often cheaper to run—a major bonus for clients who want to save costs over the long term, while staying true to their eco values.