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Certificate of Achievement
Architectural Design & Drawing Technician

This certificate of achievement 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 draft- ing (CAD) skills, and the specific preparation of architectural building plans. Additionally, the integral coursework includes a focus on the official code requirements necessary for resi- dential and commercial building projects. The curriculum also includes introductory coursework in associated fields of project engineering and construction.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ENGT 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawing & Graphics (Same as ARCH 101, CIV 101)M3.0
ENGT 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawing & Graphics (Same as ARCH 101, CIV 101) (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC,CSU

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 want to pursue training in fields and careers related to architecture, civil design, and engineering design drafting. Practical application with the tools, techniques, standards, and practices used in the industries that need technical drawings and graphics is a feature of the course.

ENGT 105 - Introduction to Visualization, Sketching, & RenderingM2.0
ENGT 105 - Introduction to Visualization, Sketching, & Rendering (2.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to develop skills in drawing as used by design professionals in architectural and technical applications. Using visualization and deploying 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 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 EstimatingM3.0
ARCH 110 - Construction Document Reading and Estimating (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, be able to read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

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.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
2nd Semester
ARCH 115 - Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and DesignM4.0
ARCH 115 - Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and Design (4.0 units)

Advisory:ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to: CSU

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 M4.0
ENGT 150 - AutoCAD for Basic CADD Applications (4.0 units)

Advisory: ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to:UC,CSU

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:ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to: CSU

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.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
3rd Semester
ARCH 225 - Commercial Architecture: Design and ConstructionM4.0
ARCH 225 - Commercial Architecture: Design and Construction (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115
Advisory:ENGT 150 or ENGT 170 or industry experience in CADD applications
Transfers to: CSU

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 & Construction FundamentalsM4.0
CIV 140 - Civil Engineering & Construction Fundamentals (4.0 units)

Advisory: ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting; It is also advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of various civil engineering subdisciplines, including common tasks required of civil engineers and their support staff for the design and construction of projects. Students 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. Students are also introduced to future trends in construction technology, and explore building information modeling (BIM) and virtual design and construction (VDC) technologies and their impact.

Select 3 units from: ARCH 215 / ARCH 260 / ARCH 280 / ARCH 290 / ARCH 299 M3.0
Notes:
ARCH 280 is only offered in the Spring.

ARCH 215 - Architectural Perspective and Rendering (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115
Advisory:ENGT 105
Transfers to:UC,CSU

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
Transfers to: CSU

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 or appropriate CADD work experience
Advisory: ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students pursuing 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 digital modeling applications. Students apply previously learned drafting conventions to produce 2D and 3D CADD- and BIM-generated mechanical and architectural drawings and virtual design models. This course benefits all students studying architecture, civil engineering of all types, drafting, design, and computer graphics. Emphasis is placed on the high technology skills necessary to function as a designer or CADD drafter.

ARCH 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Architecture Related Fields (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

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:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

ARCH 299 - Directed Study in Architecture Design (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/ or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take Directed Study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.

Total Semester Units:11.0 
4th Semester
ARCH 125 - Residential Architecture: Design & ConstructionM4.0
ARCH 125 - Residential Architecture: Design & Construction (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115
Advisory:ENGT 150 or ENGT 170, or industry experience in CADD applications
Transfers to: CSU

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.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
Total Units for Architectural Design & Drawing Technician COA program 31.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

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.


2

Students will be prepared for industry employment and advancement within a variety of related AEC professions.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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