Co-op program details

Bachelor of Applied Technology (Honours) - Architecture - Project and Facility Management

Program details

Credential: 4-Year Bachelor of Applied Technology (Honours)

This unique program in architecture offers studies of the "built environment" from the focal point of project and facility management. Integrating the issues of design, maintenance and management of the built environment, the program offers a detailed study of the principles, methods and applications for technically and financially-sound decision making.

The role of the graduates will be a comprehensive one, preparing documents, analyzing information, liaising with a range of consultants, clients and stakeholders, and generally managing projects and facilities for the built environment.

Job opportunities in this field range from working in an architectural or engineering organization to major real estate management companies, industrial plants and corporations, management companies, furniture and building product enterprises and various levels of government. This program also provides a solid foundation for further studies in the field of Architecture, Construction and Management.

Student availability & wage data

Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.

Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.

Work/Study Sequence

Year Fall (Sept - Dec) Winter (Jan - Apr) Spring (May - Aug)
Year 1 Classes Classes
Year 2 Classes Classes Work Term 1: $16.55-23
Year 3 Classes Work Term 2: $16.55–25 Classes
Year 4 Work Term 3: $16.55–26 Classes Classes

Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.

Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.

Work term capabilities

Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.

Work term 1

  • Apply the basics of planning, codes and regulations to site planning
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of building systems including structural, heating, basic ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), and work with appropriate persons to creatively implement and coordinate these systems in design, construction and project and facility management
  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles of heat, light and sound
  • Collect research about human factors, environmental forces and technologies
  • Prepare simple drawings using CAD
  • Use AutoCAD 3-D modeling and REVIT to develop three-dimensional architectural models and renderings
  • Apply Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code
  • Prepare a CAD library of construction assemblies that include wood, metal, masonry, thermal and moisture protection, and composites
  • Assist in project management/coordination
  • Calculate R-values of wall and roof assemblies
  • Design an energy efficient/sustainable building system
  • Calculate preliminary airflow rates and design an appropriate duct layout for a large building HVAC system
  • Select building materials and systems in context of Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code including concepts of health and safety
  • Assist in planning and design of buildings
  • Assist in project planning and scheduling
  • Work effectively as part of a team

Work term 2

  • Assist in the preparation of preliminary cost estimate process reports using computer applications
  • Assist with the administration of construction contracts including the management of relations among the client, the consultants and the general contractor
  • Develop policies, practices and business procedures for facility maintenance and management
  • Develop a facility maintenance schedule to monitor and evaluate the performance of building systems
  • Research and develop disaster recovery plans for facilities which have experienced a disaster
  • Design a needs analysis study for installation, maintenance and disposal of furniture and equipment considering cost and environmental issues
  • Design a needs analysis study for the exterior elements and grounds
  • Monitor facility utilization changes and make recommendations for adjustments
  • Design a Floor Space Index (FSI) study and make recommendations
  • Conduct due diligence studies to fulfill an environmental assessment
  • Assist with the development of environmentally-conscious strategies
  • Develop a site plan including service requirements using zoning plan and regulations
  • Assist in feasibility studies to establish programmatic and siting strategies
  • Assist in design, project and facility management
  • Work effectively as part of a team

Work term 3

  • Research structural elements and systems in relation to steel, wood or concrete renovations or restorations
  • Develop acquisition and installation strategies for facility management automation
  • Use and apply Computer Aided Facility Management software
  • Conduct Phase 1 & 2 property assessments/audits and report findings
  • Design and participate in policy development and emergency planning, safety policies and procedures
  • Prepare cost estimates
  • Develop an occupancy management plan for a facility undergoing both major and minor renovations and include final payment schedules
  • Plan and schedule projects using bar charts and Critical Path Management (CPM) methods for an occupied facility experiencing renovation change
  • Participate in the policy development for utilities utilization policies
  • Utilize the mechanics of simple and compound interest, nominal and effective interest rates, continuous compounding, and cash flow diagrams to illustrate costs and benefits
  • Assist in design, project and facility management
  • Work effectively as part of a team

Sample job titles

  • Architectural Assistant
  • Project Coordinator Assistant
  • Facilities Planner Assistant
  • Facilities Coordinator Assistant
  • Project Manager Assistant
  • Grounds and Building Maintenance Coordinator

Program courses

To see a typical course list for this program, see the current program course information.

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Contact information

Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:

Ken Buitenhuis
Employer Relations Consultant
kbuitenhuis@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220 ext. 3216