Architectural Technology
Imagine it and create it: your career in architecture starts now. Our program emphasizes graphic communication, design skills and knowledge of construction types.
What is Architectural Technology?
The Architectural Technology program teaches skills for careers in architecture and related fields. Central to the curriculum are studios where students create construction documents.
The series starts with residential construction and ends with commercial. It focuses on quality graphic communication, design skills, and understanding different construction types. From ancient stones to modern steel, students explore the foundations of design. Structures, systems, and techniques shape the curriculum. Theory and history provide context, while hands-on practice hones skills. This comprehensive approach equips future architects with essential knowledge and insights.
Students can choose electives to tailor their education. The program covers various topics. Graduates stand poised for diverse engineering careers. From construction estimating to civil and structural projects, mechanical and electrical roles await. Their training equips them for these technical fields' unique challenges and opportunities.
They can also work in:
- Construction management
- Computer-aided drafting
- Building code enforcement
- Specification writing
- Urban planning
- Historic preservation
- Contracting
- Sub-contracting
- Building material sales and marketing
For more details, see the program plan below.
BCTC's Architectural Technology program is the only program of its kind in Kentucky.
The program's faculty has three full-time, Kentucky-licensed architects. Adjuncts are specialists in areas like construction management, building codes, and architectural illustration.
The program teaches students to prepare construction documents. These are for the built environment. They must prepare them from the approved design to the end of the contract phase.
This program provides key educational activities beyond the classroom. These include field trips, design contests, networking, and internships. The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is a student-led group. It supports many of these activities.
BCTC's Architectural Technology program has transfer agreements with four-year schools. They apply to programs in Architecture, Construction Management, and Landscape Architecture. This is for students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree.
- Computer-Aided Draftsperson
- Building Designer
- Construction Manager
- Building Inspector
- Construction Estimator
- Construction Products Representative
Getting Started
Get started with Architectural Technology
BCTC's Architectural Technology program blends lectures with hands-on labs. It focuses on personalized teaching and problem-solving.
Assignments include creating documents or models. Students apply principles to real-world situations. They gain practical experience in writing, speaking, and presenting. This prepares them for future jobs.
Financial aid and scholarships specifically for Architectural Technology students are available.
Employers seek Architectural Technology graduates. Starting salaries for entry-level positions may range from $15 to $25 per hour.
We have agreements with the University of Kentucky College of Design and Savannah College of Art and Design. They are for students wanting an architectural license by attending an accredited college. We have agreements with EKU and NKU for students seeking a Construction Management degree.
Contact Wm. Kevin Murphy, Architectural Technology Program Coordinator: kevin.murphy4@kctcs.edu / (859) 246-6542
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
The catalog describes the course requirements for completing the credential. Students are required to schedule an appointment with their assigned academic advisor to ensure achievement of their academic goals.
We are in the approval process for a both a Certificate and Diploma in Residential Design that can be completed entirely online. If interested, please contact our Program Coordinator for more information.
How Do I Pay For This?
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Additional Information
The Architectural Technology program's full-time faculty consists of two licensed architects. It's important to us to have licensed professional architects to guide our students. They provide a high-quality level of practical instruction.
Our adjunct faculty members bring their expertise in various areas of architecture to the classroom.
Our full-time and adjunct faculty are well-equipped to help you. They come from fields like architecture, construction, and building code enforcement. The full-time faculty have over 30 years of combined experience in architectural offices. Meanwhile, adjunct faculty enrich the program with their diverse expertise.
They each specialize in:
- Construction management
- Building materials
- 3D modeling
- Code enforcement
- Presentation drawings
See more photos of past projects and events on Flickr!
Transfer Opportunities
Transfer agreements are in place with these partners:
- University of Kentucky
- Northern Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Southern Illinois University (SIU)
Our partners make it easy for BCTC graduates to complete a bachelor's degree. Learn more about transferring out to four-year schools on our Transfer Service page (new window)
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science, a degree, or a diploma in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
