Seriously considering a career in building design? You’re probably looking around and noticing many different training options in the GTA.
Should you do a university degree in architecture? Would it make more sense to take a shorter diploma program in drafting? What about getting licensed as an architectural technologist?
Which path should you choose?
If you prefer to get to work faster, a building design diploma makes the most sense. These programs are usually well under two years in length.
You don't need a licence to start work and there is steady demand for building design technicians in Ontario.
Herzing College Toronto has been offering building design training for years. But we recently upgraded our program to include more marketable skills -- the skills today's employers want most.
There is no other building design program quite like it in Ontario. Read on to see what's changed and how students are benefitting.
The building Design Program Now Has a two-Month work placement
Almost every Herzing diploma program comes with a work placement. But up until now, the building design program wasn’t one of them.
This was the first major upgrade we made to this program. Students now get a guaranteed eight-week work placement that immerses them in a real design environment.
Why is this so important? Because the work placement gives students the chance to:
☑️ Gain real work experience for their resume
☑️ Apply design and drafting concepts learned in class
☑️ Get practice using architectural design software to complete professional projects
☑️ Build confidence as a design professional
☑️ Work on a real design team
☑️ Take advantage of job opportunities at the host company (and possibly get hired after the placement)
Jacob Allderdice (licensed architect and Herzing instructor) says the new work placement gives students a major advantage in the job market.
“For a period of two whole months, students will take on a real role in the architectural/engineering/construction industry.
They will work in offices and on jobsites to garner wider, irreplaceable hands-on experience.
The internship will give students the chance to include actual Canadian design or construction work experience on their resume. And who knows, perhaps the internship will turn into something more permanent!”
Residential design project from the building design program, done by Albino Jr. Geanga, class of 2018
courses now Includes Intensive Building Code Exam Prep
If you want to become a building design technician, you must learn the Ontario Building Code. This is a key skill every employer wants.
Once you've mastered the code, you can challenge the Building Code Inspection Number (BCIN) exam. Pass the exam, and you become a “Registered Designer” in Ontario.
Registered designers can create and “stamp” building permit drawings in their own name. This helps them compete better for top jobs—or start up their own design business.
Herzing’s building design program has always included a course on the Ontario Building Code. But now, we’ve extended that course to include full preparation for the BCIN certification exam. Our program teaches students the content and strategies needed to pass the exam and become Registered Designers.
Jacob says this new addition has created a “powerhouse” program, which teaches the full range of design skills—from creativity to computer software to building code knowledge. It’s a very solid base on which to build a career.
“Our course has always been strong in teaching students to use their imagination, but now, by beefing up our course on the Ontario Building Code (OBC), we enhance our students’ familiarity with one of the fundamental tools of the industry.
Students work with the actual OBC and learn techniques for passing the Building Code Inspection Number (BCIN) exams. This gives them a wide range of career options, including starting their own business.”
Jacob tells us students are already benefiting from these program upgrades. Graduates who pass the building code exam say it makes a big difference in their job search, leading more quickly to full-time job offers after college.
Commercial design project from the building design program, done by Ikenna Okpara, class of 2018
What else should you know about the building design program?
Herzing’s new and improved Building Design Technician program runs for 12 months and includes an eight-week work placement (200 hours).
Courses focus on practical design and drafting skills, including:
☑️ AutoCAD 2D and 3D
☑️ Building Information Modelling (using Revit platforms)
☑️ Design fundamentals
☑️ Project management
☑️ Creating and presenting design concepts to clients
☑️ Creating a design portfolio
☑️ Building permits
☑️ Drawing construction details
☑️ Intensive study of the Ontario Building Code and preparation for the BCIN exam
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in the Building Design Technician program, we strongly recommend talking with an admissions advisor.
An advisor can explain application requirements, tuition and financial aid options, start dates, career paths, and the skills you’ll need to succeed in class.
Get started by clicking below. Explore the program and chat live with an advisor right away. We’re here to help!
