This major provides a focused course of study for students in preparation for careers as designers of architectural projects and potential licensure as architects. Emphasis is placed on project visualization, industry-standard drawing techniques and conventions, computer-aided drafting (CAD) skills, and the specific preparation of architectural building plans. Additionally, the integral coursework includes a focus on the official code requirements necessary for residential and commercial building projects. The curriculum also includes introductory coursework in the associated fields of project engineering and construction.
As a degree (in contrast to a certificate), this program requires the completion of general education courses; however, if transfer to a university for a baccalaureate or advanced degree is desired, interested students should carefully consider the specific admission and transfer requirements for individual colleges and universities. This program is not designed to fulfill the most common requirements for transfer to a university in architecture; please refer to the Associate of Science Degree in Architecture for such preparation.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
ENGT 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawing & GraphicsM | 3.0 | |
ENGT 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawing & Graphics (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This basic course in technical drawing and graphics is for students with no previous drafting skills or training. The course is designed for students who wish to pursue training in fields and careers related to architecture, civil design, and engineering design drafting. Practical application is provided with the tools, techniques, standards, and practices used in the industries that need technical drawings and graphics. | ||
ENGT 105 - Introduction to Technical Freehand SketchingM | 2.0 | |
ENGT 105 - Introduction to Technical Freehand Sketching (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed to develop skill in freehand drawing as used by design professionals in architectural and technical applications. Using pen, pencil, and marker; and basic principles of proportion, composition, and freehand techniques, students prepare technical isometric, oblique, perspective, and orthographic sketches to industry standards. Design considerations for various projects involving preliminary design sketches are also introduced. This course is open to all students who want to develop freehand drawing skills. It is required for all students working towards a degree or certificate in the Architecture and Engineering Design Drafting program. | ||
ARCH 110 - Construction Document Reading and EstimatingM | 3.0 | |
ARCH 110 - Construction Document Reading and Estimating (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 033 or appropriate placement This course is designed for architecture students as well as apprentices and employees in all areas of the construction industry, and covers residential, light commercial, and industrial building construction. The course introduces the use of prints, construction documents, and the theory of construction estimating as used in the building industry. Principles of reading working drawings and plans; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specifications; details and elevations; and electrical specifications are included, as are materials estimating, and estimating rules, tables, and procedures. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchGE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This is a composition course that enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary to academic and professional success. Students will become proficient in research techniques, learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections, and apply these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills. Students will complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
ARCH 115 - Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and DesignM | 4.0 | |
ARCH 115 - Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and Design (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting This introductory course is for students interested in the field of architectural drawing and design. The course includes the study of architectural graphic standards related to creating construction drawings for residential projects (e.g., site plans, floor plans, roof plans, and elevations). Electrical, foundation and framing, and other drawings for a single-family residential structure are discussed. Emphasis is placed on symbology, conventions, and techniques to develop technical skills an entry-level architectural drafter needs. Construction methods, building codes, design factors, planning, and the use of reference materials are discussed and applied. All construction documents are developed using traditional board drafting methods and standards. | ||
Select one: ENGT 150 / ENGT 170 M | 4.0 | |
ENGT 150 - AutoCAD for Basic CADD Applications (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting This course is for students preparing for high technology careers who need the skills necessary to function as an entry level computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) operator, or to apply CADD to the specific disciplines of mechanical and architectural design, manufacturing, illustration, and engineering-related documents. An overview of computer graphics and CADD utilizing the latest release of AutoCAD software is provided. Students produce 2D orthographic, isometric, and basic 3D model solutions of mechanical and architectural applications. ENGT 170 - MicroStation for Basic CADD Applications (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting This course is for students preparing for high technology careers who need the skills necessary to function as an entry level CADD operator or to apply CADD to specific disciplines of mechanical and architectural design, manufacturing, illustration and engineering related documents. An overview of computer graphics and CADD (Computer Assisted Design and Drawing) utilizing the latest release of MicroStation software will be provided. Students will produce 2D orthographic and basic 3D model solutions of mechanical and architectural applications. | ||
RHC GE 2 - Math CompetencyGE | 3.0† | |
† some classes may have higher units. Note: Students intending to transfer should begin at transfer level math. Transfer math courses are numbered 100+. Please meet with a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
ARCH 225 - Commercial Architecture: Design and ConstructionM | 4.0 | |
ARCH 225 - Commercial Architecture: Design and Construction (4.0 units) Prerequisite: ARCH 115 This advanced level course is for students pursuing an A.S. Degree or Certificate in Architecture and Architectural Design and Drawing. The course includes the study of common planning concerns as well as the most significant building ordinances and codes which influence the design of commercial spaces. As a component of the course, students will prepare select architectural plans for a commercial building project. Emphasis is placed on effective space utilization, technical plans, elevations, aesthetics, accessible requirements, site utilization and development, traffic flow, and landscaping. | ||
CIV 140 - Civil Engineering FundamentalsM | 4.0 | |
CIV 140 - Civil Engineering Fundamentals (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting; ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 053 or appropriate placement This course is for all students interested in the career fields of civil design drafting and civil engineering. It provides an overview of the various civil engineering sub-disciplines and the common tasks required of civil engineers and their support staff. Students will complete basic level engineering calculations and use hand drafting techniques or computer aided design and drafting (CADD) software to complete projects relating to subdivision development, roadway planning and layout, structural design and detailing, site grading, project scheduling, wastewater management, and similar engineering tasks. | ||
Select 3 units from: ARCH 215 / ARCH 260 / ARCH 280 / ARCH 290 / ARCH 299 M | 3.0 | |
Notes: ARCH 280 only offered in the Spring. ARCH 215 - Architectural Perspective and Rendering (4.0 units) Prerequisite: ARCH 115 In this course, students are introduced to the theory and practical application of perspective drawing and rendering as used in architecture. Topics include one and two-point perspectives, entourage, and an introduction to rendering techniques such as markers, pastels, pencil, pen, and ink. Presentation techniques also are discussed. ARCH 260 - Residential Architecture Using Revit and 3D Software (4.0 units) Prerequisite: ARCH 115; ENGT 150 This course is for students pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Architecture or Architectural Design and Drawing with the intent of transferring and continuing their study of architecture. It presents an intensive study of building information modeling (BIM) applications as they relate to architecture. Utilizing the latest releases of Revit BIM software and technical and architectural drafting conventions learned in previous courses, students will produce two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) BIM-generated residential architectural drawings and 3D virtual models. High technology skills necessary to function as a designer or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) drafter are emphasized. ARCH 280 - Advanced MicroStation for CADD & BIM Applications (Same as ENGT 280) (4.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGT 170 with a grade of "C" or better, or verifiable work experience and proficiency in MicroStation XM or V8i This course is for students pursuing an advanced study in MicroStation 3D parametric CADD (Computer Assisted Design and Drafting) and the BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach to building design using Bentley Architecture. Students will apply previously learned drafting conventions to produce two and three dimensional CADD and BIM generated mechanical and architectural drawings and virtual design models. This course benefits all students studying Architecture, Civil Engineering, Drafting, Design and Computer Graphics. High technology skills which are necessary to function as a designer or CADD Drafter are emphasized. ARCH 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Architecture Related Fields (1.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under supervision of a college instructor, and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. The course is intended for students whose job is in architectural design- or drafting-related fields and who have completed or enrolled in the appropriate courses. Instructor approval is necessary to enroll in this course. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures. Student Unpaid Internship: ARCH 299 - Directed Study in Architecture Design (1.0 units) Prerequisite: 2.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor This course provides an opportunity for students to expand their studies in Architectural Design and Drawing beyond the classroom by completing projects and/or assignments arranged by agreement between students and an instructor. Students are required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of the assignments and the unit value assigned for successful completion of the course. Students may take a maximum of 3 units of directed study within a discipline and 9 units college-wide. | ||
RHC GE 8b - Communication/Analytical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
ARCH 125 - Residential Architecture: Design & ConstructionM | 4.0 | |
ARCH 125 - Residential Architecture: Design & Construction (4.0 units) Prerequisite: ARCH 115 This intermediate-level course is for students pursuing a degree or certificate in architectural design and drawing, and is a requirement for both the A.S. degree and certificate. The course includes the study of common planning concerns as well as the most significant building ordinances and codes that influence the design of single-family residential spaces. As a component of the course, students prepare select architectural plans for a residential building project. Emphasis is placed on site planning, appropriate and accurate space dimensioning, door/window (safety) requirements, plumbing requirements, multi-story access, exterior surface coverings, and basic structural framing. | ||
RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE | 4.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one Natural Science with Lab: | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
ElectiveEL | 2.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0 | |
Total Units for Architectural Design & Drawing AS program | 60.5† | |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Given various visual communication technologies, such as traditional drafting, CADD, and BIM (Building Information Modeling); industry standards such as AIA and AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction); graphic standards and the building code, students will effectively communicate graphically, and understand and interpret design concepts and criteria for various disciplines related to the AEC industry.
Students will be prepared for industry employment and advancement within a variety of related AEC professions.
Students will be prepared to transfer to advanced fields of study in related occupations.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
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Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
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Phone: (562) 692-0921
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