Architectural Practice

The Architectural Practice Certificate prepares students to work in the industry and to upgrade the skills of persons presently employed in the industry. This 16-17 unit certificate will train students in the fundamentals of Architectural Practice utilized in industry.

Required Courses:

ARCH 111  Architectural Drafting and Design I - 3 units

ARCH 123  Introduction to 2D Computer Aided Drafting - 4 units

ARCH 212  Architectural Design Theory I - 3 units

Chose two of the following:

ARCH 110  Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design - 3 units

ARCH 112  History of Architecture

ARCH 113  Building Codes - 4 units

ARCH 114  Green Architecture and LEED - 3 units

Total units 16-17

This new program is a subset of the current Architectural Technology Certificate and AA degree programs. Based upon discussions with our students we anticipate that approximately a third of those who enroll in ARCH 212 will complete this new program. During the past three years enrollment for this class has averaged 24 per year so the program is projected to have 8 certificate completers per year. 

The primary goal of the Architecture Department is to prepare students to enter the industry with a secondary goal to provide additional training for those currently in the industry. Employers are seeking students with technical skills who are knowledgeable about the fundamentals of Architectural Practice utilized by a majority of those in the industry. This 16-17 unit certificate will train students in the fundamentals of Architecture Practice utilized in industry.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ARCH 111	Architectural Drafting and Design I	3	S1
ARCH 123	Introduction to 2D Computer Aided Drafting	4	S1
ARCH 212	Architectural Design Theory I	3	S1
ARCH 110	Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design	3	S2
ARCH 112	History of Architecture	3	S2
ARCH 113	Building Codes	4	S3
ARCH 114	Green Architecture and LEED	3	S3

ARCH 110 - Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design (3 units)

This course provides an overview of the architectural profession allowing the student to make an informed career choice. Topics include professional ethics, licensing and educational requirements, career opportunities in related fields, typical organizational structure of architectural firms, legal requirements, and a review of contemporary issues facing the profession.

ARCH 111 - Architectural Drafting and Design I (3 units)

This course is an introduction to the preparation of architectural working drawings. The course includes drawing conventions, design considerations, and the relationship between different types of architectural drawings, specifications, and construction techniques. Emphasis is placed on residential construction and commercial buildings. The theory of computer-aided drafting is included.

ARCH 112 - History Of Architecture (3 units)

This course is a survey of the history of architecture from the birth of civilization to the present. Emphasis is placed upon the understanding of the technological, sociological, aesthetic, and artistic influences which determine our built environment. This course will familiarize students with the different architectural periods as well as their characteristic design elements and significant architects.

ARCH 113 - Building Codes (4 units)

This course is an in-depth study of the statutes and regulations which have been established by law to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Analysis of the construction of buildings, their use, and accessibility requirements in compliance with applicable laws will be stressed.

ARCH 114 - Green Architecture and LEED (3 units)

This course is an introduction to sustainable architecture and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Exercises emphasize the development of basic skills used in the design of environmentally friendly architectural projects. Focus is on the investigation of the relationship between planetary concerns, energy, indoor air, quality, site selection, building orientation, and alternative construction techniques.

ARCH 123 - Introduction to 2D Computer Aided Drafting (4 units)

This course provides an introduction to two-dimensional computer aided drafting and design using AutoCAD software. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating and modifying objects, the placing of text and dimensions, working with blocks and hatches, and creating professional quality output. Hands-on exercises will be used to reinforce the functions of AutoCAD.

ARCH 212 - Architectural Design Theory I (3 units)

This course is an introduction to the creative thinking process and its application to basic architectural design theory. Exercises emphasize the development of basic skills and presentation techniques used in the design of simplified architectural projects. Focus on the investigation of the relationship between theoretical concepts, color, space, form, and texture is emphasized.

This new program is a subset of the current Architectural Technology Certificate and AA degree programs.

East Los Angeles College offers a Skills Certificate (5 units) in Architectural Professional Practice I and a Skills Certificate (6 units) in Architectural Practice II. Los Angeles Valley College offers a Certificate of Achievement (22-24 units) in Architecture. Los Angeles Harbot College offers a Certificate of Achievement (16 units) in Architecture: Architectural Technology Orange Coast College offers a Certificate of Achievement (15-16 units) in Design/Build.

Based upon discussions with our students we anticipate that approximately a third of those who enroll in ARCH 212 will complete this new program. During the past three years enrollment for this class has averaged 24 per year so the program is projected to have 8 certificate completers per year.