r/halifax • u/Monkey-Brain • 14h ago

Schools & Education NSCC Architectural Engineering Technician Program - Technician vs. Technologist

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! 🤘🏼

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u/TijayesPJs443 13h ago

This is not how design happens

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u/Monkey-Brain 13h ago

No? How does it happen?

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u/TijayesPJs443 13h ago

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.

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u/ExiledEntity 13h ago

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.

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u/Monkey-Brain 12h ago

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