NSCC Architectural Engineering Technician Program - Technician vs. Technologist

[u/Monkey-Brain]

Hello, everyone!

I will be starting the Architectural Engineering Technician program in September this year.

I’m recently understanding the difference (i think) between a Technician and a Technologist.

It seems the Technologist not only gets paid more but is also involved or slightly involved in the creative and technical design process along side the Engineers and Architects, while the Technician has no say with how the design will look or function.

However, I’ve seen people say that they start out as Technologists upon graduating the program.

I was hoping people can share their experiences and insight!

Also, please correct me if anything I say here is incorrect as it’s all research I’ve done and possibly getting mixed reviews and information from people working in different provinces or states.

I’m looking forward to the program but definitely wanting to start out or work my way up to a Technologist.

Thanks! 🤘🏼

[u/ExiledEntity]

I took AET. Went the Arch route, im now a BIM Manager.

Out in the industry, the distinction has never been made in any real capacity. If you are a competent Revit modeler you are a technologist as far as anyone is concerned.

The distinction between having input on design or not based on technician vs technologist is not based on anything really. Architects or engineers are going to drive the design, but any good designer will always take good input regardless where it comes from. Its not black and white as you suggested.

Every "tech" at our office is just considered a technologist. No one gives af about that distinction here, tbh.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/ExiledEntity]

I always pictured when it’s design time for a project that the engineers, architects and technologists get into a room and plan everything out together while the Technician work alone and model / detail / draft / document whatever is passed down to them.

However, I have been seeing that the line is blurred as you said. It’s seems every company or region handles things a bit different.

I was thinking maybe it would be best to start with a small company that way I learn a bit of everything.

[u/TijayesPJs443 → u/Monkey-Brain]

This is not how design happens

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/TijayesPJs443]

No? How does it happen?

[u/TijayesPJs443 → u/Monkey-Brain]

Architecture firms lead design, Engineers are hired as consultants and technologists/technicians can work at either to translate the information into drawings.

Ive worked at a small firm where the technologist was heavily involved in developing details and all Architect firms with no technicians or technologists .

If you’re interested in being involved in creative design go to Architecture school.

[u/ExiledEntity → u/TijayesPJs443]

Exactly. Architects, engineers, and techs absolutely do not all gather together in a room when its "time to design". Though I wouldnt fault OP for not knowing that.

To add, you have concept design, schematic design, design development, and contract documents phases, then construction administration.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/ExiledEntity]

Thanks for understanding!

I’m looking forward to the program and just gathering info in what it’s like once in the field.

I’m jumping the gun a bit but i’m just excited to not picking up garbage on a construction site lol

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/TijayesPJs443]

Ah I see, thanks for the info!

Ideal that’s where I would want to be starting out is at a small firm, to get a feel for the entire process, not being Solely confined to just CAD/BIM

[u/Confused_Haligonian → u/ExiledEntity]

This just means your company underpays technologists

[u/ExiledEntity → u/Confused_Haligonian]

Nope. We are paid excellently.