Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting And Design

The Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Certificate prepares students to work as computer-aided drafting/designers in industry and to upgrade the skills of persons presently employed as drafters/designers. This 16 unit certificate will train students in the major CAD programs utilized in industry.

Required courses:

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

ARCH 213  Introduction to 3-D Computer Aided Drafting - 4 units

Complete two of the following:

ARCH 221  AutoCAD Architecture - 4 units

ARCH 223  Revit Architecture - 4 units

ENGT 259  Solidworks Introduction - 4 units

Total Units - 16

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 half of those who enroll in ARCH 213 will complete this new program. During the past three years enrollment for this class has averaged 20 per year so the program is projected to have 10 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 advanced technical skills in computer-aided drafting and design who are knowledgeable about the programs utilized by a majority of those in the industry. This 16 unit certificate will train students in the major CAD programs utilized in industry.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ARCH 123	Introduction to 2D Computer Aided Drafting	4	S1
ARCH 213	Introduction to 3-D Computer Aided Drafting	4	S2
ARCH 221	AutoCAD Architecture	4	S3
ARCH 223	Revit Architecture	4	S3
ENGT 259	Solidworks Introduction	4	S3

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 213 - Introduction to 3-D Computer Aided Drafting (4 units)

This course provides an introduction to three-dimensional computer aided drafting and design using AutoCAD, Architectural Desktop and VIZ Render software. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating and modifying three-dimensional objects, the placing of cameras and lights, the creation and application of materials, computer rendering techniques, and creating professional quality output. Hands-on exercises will be used to reinforce the functions of the applicable software.

ARCH 221 - AutoCAD Architecture (4 units)

This course provides an introduction to the production of three-dimensional building design models and working drawings using AutoCAD Architecture software. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating and modifying three-dimensional massing objects, creating floor plans with doors and windows, the placing of roof and stairs, generating building elevations and sections, annotating and documenting the drawing, creating a building walk-through, and creating professional quality output. Hands-on exercises will be used to reinforce the functions of AutoCAD Architecture.

ARCH 223 - Revit Architecture (4 units)

This course provides an introduction to the production of parametric three-dimensional building models and working drawings using Revit Architecture software. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating and modifying three-dimensional topography and building mass objects, parametric building walls with floor and roof slabs, creating floor and reflected ceiling plans, generating building elevations and sections, annotating and documenting the drawing, and creating professional quality renderings. Hands-on exercises will be used to reinforce the functions of Revit Architecture.

ENGT 259 - SolidWorks Introduction (4 units)

This course assists students in creating three-dimensional (3-D) parametric part modeling, assembly modeling, surface modeling, and bills of materials. Students receive instruction utilizng the most recent release of SolidWorks software.

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

East Los Angeles College offers Skills Certificate (11 units) in Architectural Computer-Aided Design AutoCAD, a Certificate of Achievement (12 units) in Architectural Computer-Aided Design Microstation, and a Certificate of Achievement (33-34 units) in Computer-Aided Design. Fullerton College offers a Certificate of Achievement (27-29 units) in Architectural CAD Technology. Orange Coast College offers a Certificate of Achievement (12 units) in Digital Fabrication for Architecture.

Based upon discussions with our students we anticipate that approximately half of those who enroll in ARCH 213 will complete this new program. During the past three years enrollment for this class has averaged 20 per year so the program is projected to have 10 certificate completers per year.