Architectural Drafting Classes for Design and Construction

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A young man intensely focused on drafting architectural plans in a library setting, showcasing concentration and work in progress.
Credit: pexels.com, A young man intensely focused on drafting architectural plans in a library setting, showcasing concentration and work in progress.

If you're interested in a career in design and construction, architectural drafting classes can be a fantastic way to get started. These classes teach the skills needed to create detailed drawings and plans for buildings and other structures.

In architectural drafting classes, students learn to use software like AutoCAD and Revit to create accurate and precise drawings. This software is industry-standard and widely used in the field.

With the skills learned in these classes, you can pursue a career as a drafter, designer, or even an architect. The median salary for drafters in the United States is around $56,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By taking architectural drafting classes, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field and start building a successful career in design and construction.

Career Opportunities

Architectural drafting classes can lead to a variety of career opportunities. With a certificate or degree in architectural drafting, you can work as an Architectural Technician, Architectural Drafter, or CAD Technician.

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You can also work in entry-level roles in design or production departments of architecture firms, or take steps towards earning an architecture license. Many graduates of the PCC Architectural Design and Drafting program have found a favorable job market to use their skills.

Some possible job titles upon graduation include Architectural Intern, Computational Designer, BIM Manager, Digital Fabricator, and Revit Draftsperson. You can work for residential designers, homebuilders, architects, interior designers, and engineers, or for construction firms, architectural product manufacturers, and facilities management departments of corporations.

Program Outcomes

Upon completing a degree program, graduates can expect to achieve a range of career outcomes that align with their chosen field.

Graduates can expect to be proficient in the latest software and technologies, with 80% of graduates reporting that they have the skills to use industry-standard software.

The program's emphasis on practical experience means that graduates will have completed at least 200 hours of hands-on training, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

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This hands-on experience has been shown to increase job placement rates by 25% compared to graduates without similar experience.

Graduates can also expect to have developed strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with 90% of graduates reporting that they are able to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

These skills are highly valued by employers, with 85% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation.

What Can You Do with an Architectural Certificate?

With an Architectural Designer Certificate, you can get started or get ahead in architectural fields that use Revit software in their building and design process.

You can begin in an entry-level role working in the design or production departments of an architecture firm.

Some students take steps toward earning an architecture license after receiving their certificate.

Your role could be an Architectural Technician, Architectural Drafter, or CAD Technician, depending on your current education and experience.

Here are some potential entry-level roles:

  • Architectural Technician
  • Architectural Drafter
  • CAD Technician

Job Prospects

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Architectural designers and drafters are hired into a range of firms and businesses, including residential designers, homebuilders, architects, interior designers, and engineers.

You can expect to find job opportunities in construction firms, architectural product manufacturers, facilities management departments of corporations, land and geospatial surveyors, and governmental drafting departments.

Some of the possible job titles upon graduation include Architectural Intern, Computational Designer, BIM Manager, Digital Fabricator, Architectural Technician, Revit Draftsperson, and AutoCAD Technician.

According to the PCC Architectural Design and Drafting program, graduates have found a very favorable job market to use their skills, with some firms and businesses that have hired their graduates including ArciForm, Ankrom Moisan Architects, Corbin Engineers, DCI Engineers, D.R. Horton homebuilders, Framework Engineering, and GBD Architects.

Here are some potential job roles that you could be considered for with an Architectural Designer Certificate:

  • Architectural Technician
  • Architectural Drafter
  • CAD Technician

Design and Learning

In architectural drafting classes, you'll learn a variety of skills to become a proficient architectural designer. Students can expect to gain hands-on experience in class with instructors who work in the field.

You'll learn to use industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Revit to create architectural drawing sets. This includes choosing the right tools for each design to increase productivity.

Through coursework, you'll cover topics such as measuring and reading dimensions using scales, which is a crucial skill for any architectural designer.

What to Learn

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In the Architectural Design and Drafting program, you'll learn a wide range of skills to become a successful Designer/Drafter/3-D Modeler. You'll cover the fundamentals required for a career in this exciting field.

You'll learn to use industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Revit to complete architectural drawing sets. This will give you the skills to work as a contractor or for firms where you assist on creating digital plans, visit construction sites, and more.

The program will also teach you how to choose the right drawing tools for each design to increase productivity. You'll learn to measure and read dimensions using scales, which is essential for creating accurate architectural drawings.

Some of the specific topics you'll cover include drawing mechanics, building codes and regulations, material strengths, design development, project management, and the economics of building.

In terms of specific skills, you can expect to learn about:

  • Using AutoCAD and Revit to complete architectural drawing sets
  • Choosing appropriate drawing tools for each design to increase productivity
  • Measuring and reading dimensions using scales
  • Drawing mechanics
  • Building codes and regulations
  • Material strengths
  • Design development
  • Project management
  • Economics of building

By the end of the program, you'll have a strong knowledge of building systems, codes, policies, documents, and integrated design techniques. You'll be prepared to work as an Architectural Technician, Architectural Drafter, or CAD Technician, and you'll have the skills to assist architects in developing architectural plans and creating designs.

Restricted Electives

Architect focused on drafting plans in a modern library workspace.
Credit: pexels.com, Architect focused on drafting plans in a modern library workspace.

Restricted Electives are a crucial part of your educational journey, offering a chance to explore various design disciplines and interests.

You must select an additional twelve (12) credit hours from the following course options, which will not apply to both Required Courses and Restricted Electives areas.

To make the most of this opportunity, you can choose from a range of courses in areas like Architecture, Building Safety and Construction Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting, and more.

Here's a breakdown of the course options:

These courses offer a mix of technical skills, creative expression, and historical context, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of design principles and practices.

By exploring these course options, you can tailor your education to your interests and career goals, setting yourself up for success in the design industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What major is architectural drafting?

Architectural drafting is a design-related field that can lead to a career in architecture or facilitate transfer to a professional degree program. This Associate in Science (AS) degree prepares students for a career in architectural drafting.

Brett Cain

Senior Writer

Brett Cain is an experienced blogger with a passion for writing. He has been creating content for over 10 years, and his work has been featured on various platforms. Brett's writing style is concise and engaging, making his articles easy to read and understand.

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