Architectural Drafting & Design (ARCH), AAS
At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural Drafting & Design trains students to become ideal employees in the architecture, building design, digital fabrication, and computational design industries.
Students develop skills in a wide array of design technologies including sketching, drawing, manual drafting, digital drafting, physical modeling, digital and parametric modeling, building information modeling, architectural visualization, and digital fabrication. Students acquire a strong knowledge of building technologies including structural systems, building envelope systems, building service systems, building environment systems, building codes, and project management.
Students also develop professional skills through portfolio and project management courses, opportunities for governance, and frequent interaction with professionals in and out of the classroom.
Concurrently, students engage in Arts & Sciences courses in oral and written communications; math and science; social and behavioral studies; and the arts and humanities.
Credits earned in the Architectural Drafting & Design AAS directly transfer into the following Dunwoody programs
Length of Program: 2 years (4 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day
Available Starts: Fall Semester; Spring Semester
Accreditation: NAAB: National Architectural Accrediting Board (as part of the 5 year BARCH)
By the end of this program, students will be able to:
- Collaborate on design solutions.
- Demonstrate professionalism, ethics, and leadership.
- Constructively review and critique and welcome feedback.
- Communicate visually and verbally with a variety of stakeholders.
- Apply knowledge of human experience and global context to design solutions.
- Apply the design process.
- Apply the principles and elements of design.
- Document and integrate design solutions.
- Utilize standards that protect the health, safety, and well-being of stakeholders.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and responsibility for sustainable design.
- Demonstrate technical knowledge.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| ARTS1250 | Design History | 3 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| Technical Requirements | ||
| SODN1011 | Foundation Studio | 5 |
| SODN1012 | Design Representation | 3 |
| ARCH1013 | Site Analysis | 3 |
| SODN1014 | Industry & Profession | 1 |
| SODN1021 | Drafting Studio | 5 |
| ARCH1022 | Materials & Structures | 3 |
| SODN1023 | Design Principles | 3 |
| SODN2012 | BIM Modeling | 3 |
| ARCH2011 | Residential Studio | 5 |
| SODN2013 | Detailing | 3 |
| ARCH2021 | Commercial Studio | 5 |
| ARCH2022 | Building Regulations | 3 |
| SODN2023 | Portfolio Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which General Education courses and electives you take and when you take them.
The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SODN1011 | Foundation Studio | 5 |
| SODN1012 | Design Representation | 3 |
| ARCH1013 | Site Analysis | 3 |
| SODN1014 | Industry & Profession | 1 |
| ARTS1250 | Design History | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| SODN1021 | Drafting Studio | 5 |
| ARCH1022 | Materials & Structures | 3 |
| SODN1023 | Design Principles | 3 |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SODN2012 | BIM Modeling | 3 |
| ARCH2011 | Residential Studio | 5 |
| SODN2013 | Detailing | 3 |
| Natural Sciences/Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credits | |
| ARCH2021 | Commercial Studio | 5 |
| ARCH2022 | Building Regulations | 3 |
| SODN2023 | Portfolio Design | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Descriptions
SODN1011 | Foundation Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Foundation Studio explores design problems and solutions through the understanding of the design process. Emphasis is placed on design thinking, making, and technical, spatial and conceptual composition. Develop effective design solutions through the exploration of fundamental design principles and processes.
SODN1012 | Design Representation | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design Representation is an introduction to methods of visual graphics and the basic tools and skills needed to develop professional presentations. Develop an understanding of analog and digital tools, composition, visual narrative, and verbal and visual communication.
ARCH1013 | Site Analysis | Lecture (3 Credits)
Site Analysis explores how the building's site and environmental context influence architectural design. Develop technical understanding of site design through observation and documentation of physical, cultural, and sustainable practices.
SODN1014 | Industry & Profession | Seminar (1 Credit)
Industry and Profession explores the history, structure, and organization of design practices. Discover and develop communication and collaborative skills along with an appreciation and understanding of the unique roles of design disciplines.
SODN1021 | Drafting Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Drafting Studio introduces the tools, techniques, and principles of architectural drawing through hand and computer-aided methods. Emphasis is placed on architectural representation, technical agility, design standards, and spatial relationships. Communicate design intent through a small-scale design project.
ARCH1022 | Materials & Structures | Lecture (3 Credits)
Materials and Structures introduces the basic principles of building assemblies, systems, materials use, sustainability, and construction practices. Explore performance criteria, material properties, design and construction considerations, technological innovation, and the impact on the built and natural environment.
SODN1023 | Design Principles | Lecture (3 Credits)
Design Principles introduces the fundamental processes and concepts of design thinking and making used in the development of design projects. Explore 2D and 3D space through experimentation, handson projects, and iterative making to achieve design outcomes.
ARCH2011 | Residential Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Residential Studio explores the design process in a residential project through design documentation and representation. Emphasis is placed on the role of context, drawing as a design and communication tool, and the development of the design concept and building solution. Develop effective construction drawings and specifications for residential construction documentation.
SODN2012 | BIM Modeling | Lecture (3 Credits)
BIM Modeling introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts, practices, and drafting techniques. Explore virtual architectural environments that aid in the creation of construction documents and design presentations.
SODN2013 | Detailing | Lecture (3 Credits)
Detailing examines an introduction to construction practices, specifications, fabrication, and appropriate use of materials through sketching, hand-drafting, and computer-aided modeling. Explore the relationship between design intent, craft, and the execution of built work.
ARCH2021 | Commercial Studio | Lecture/Studio (5 Credits)
Commercial Studio explores conceptual development for a commercial building through construction documentation and representation. Emphasis is placed on understanding the building site context, schematic design, preliminary code review, and advanced architectural visualization. Develop effective construction drawings and specifications for commercial construction documentation.
ARCH2022 | Building Regulations | Lecture (3 Credits)
Building Regulations reviews the history and application of building codes, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory factors. Examine the impact of zoning and building ordinances and their relationship to public health, safety, and welfare.
SODN2023 | Portfolio Design | Lecture (3 Credits)
Portfolio Design explores personal brand, visual identity, and professional portfolio through selfreflection, research, ideation, and assessment. Curate and compose current design work, focusing on selection, organization, and presentation for professional career goals.