Architectural Building Technology

Courses

• Architectural Drafting (Manual)

  Learn introductory-level manual drafting techniques and how to understand and read construction drawings in both metric and imperial units. Develop proficiency in line weight, hand lettering and dimensioning conventions. Produce a basic set of architectural working drawings including floor plans, site plans, elevations, sections, and plan oblique.

• History of Architecture

  The designs you will create as an interior designer or building technologist will use style and other aesthetic considerations to communicate. Every style you choose to deploy brings a complex network of cultural and historical associations that will shape how people understand a space and behave within it.

  Explore the language of important historical styles, using them to describe existing spaces and create new ones. Learn the key characteristics of each style and practice applying these styles to project work.

• Space Planning

  Establish fundamental knowledge of space planning through academic theoretical study and project-based practice. Examine a broad set of parameters based on the design process of professional practices, such as prerequisite research and planning, programming models, and demonstration of efficient workflow. Explore documentation and evaluation through design development and get an introduction to the study of neuroaesthetics and its relationship to the built environment.

  Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of spatial composition, the integrated orchestration of visual elements and principles, and the measured value of human interaction within the built environment.

• Construction Methods I

  Study core construction concepts to develop a comprehensive understanding of evolving industry standards and the building process. Learn essential construction terminology, the operation of various tools, and the overall construction process.

  Analyze construction contracts and key project documents, understanding the design process from development through to building occupancy. Build practical skills in creating sample budgets, preparing construction schedules, and estimating construction costs, equipping you to effectively manage construction projects.

• Construction Methods II

  Develop knowledge and skills related to the construction industry. Study core construction concepts to understand changing industry standards and the building process. Get hands-on experience using a variety of construction materials and power tools.

  Learn about building design and planning. Create and interpret working drawings and sections. Explore construction standards and how to apply them to projects.

• Construction Materials

  Explore the fundamental aspects of the general materials used in today’s construction industry. Learn common construction elements alongside new and developing construction materials.

• Sustainable Design

  Consolidate a broad range of Interior Design concepts and aptitudes to achieve intelligent, compliant solutions. Use foundational skills and software knowledge from other classes to research, develop, and execute a single-family dwelling project. Learn to design with an environmentally conscious purpose and apply various sustainability standards in building.

• CAD – AutoCAD I

  Explore the basics of computer-aided design. Apply the most important elements of hand line drawing (freehand sketches) to digital technical drawings. Learn basic code and accessibility issues applicable to a space through the details required in line drawings. Study line weight, composition, and figurative clarity for the visual communication of interior design.

• CAD – AutoCAD II

  Build upon the foundational CAD skills acquired in AutoCAD I with a deeper examination of the tools and techniques required for professional grade 2D drafting and introductory 3D modeling. Apply a strong understanding of technical drawing principles and computer proficiency as you learn to maximize efficiency and precision in CAD workflows. Key topics include advanced editing commands, layer management, block creation and attributes, dynamic blocks, external references (Xrefs), and annotation scaling.

  Explore advanced plotting techniques, user interface customization, and proper file management. Discuss various layout techniques and publishing methods and create a successful permit ready drawing set.

• CAD – Vectorworks I

  Learn the fundamentals of Vectorworks 2D, including tool sets, layers, and classes while completing a series of projects to learn how to generate floor plans and elevations using industry-standard guidelines. Incorporate these techniques into presentation renderings of residential homes. Develop the skills necessary to develop a residential set of drawings according to specific criteria.

• CAD – Vectorworks II

  Build on the fundamentals of Vectorworks I, including tool sets, layers, and classes. Complete numerous projects, learning how to generate floor plans and elevations using industry-standard guidelines. Incorporate these techniques into presentation renderings of residential homes. Explore the landscape and hardscaping tools, advanced roofing techniques, and custom extrude creation. Develop the skills necessary to create a residential drawing set according to specific criteria.

• CAD – SketchUp

  Explore the fundamentals of computer-aided design using SketchUp Pro. Create 2D and 3D models for visualizing spaces or developing projects. Develop models quickly using measurements, imported CAD files, plan view images of the site or building, and space modeling techniques. Apply materials and textures to surfaces through effects such as shadowing.

• CAD – Presentations (SketchUp/Lumion)

  Build advanced SketchUp skills by combining the intuitive 3D modelling capabilities of SketchUp with advanced CPU-based rendering engine Lumion. Learn how to organize a SketchUp model efficiently to reduce render times while getting hands-on experience producing visually compelling designs, animations, and walkthroughs for architectural projects. Start by creating 3D geometry in SketchUp and then import this into Lumion to apply textures, lighting, and various inbuilt visual effects (FX).

• CAD – Revit I

  Learn the fundamentals of Revit and its use and application in the modern construction industry. Explore the tools and techniques used in Revit to create a 3D model of any structure or component. Build the necessary skills to start designing your own projects.

• CAD – Revit II

  Learn advanced Revit modelling, documentation, and how to integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows to create real-world permit drawings. Explore parametric designs, family manipulation, key legends, and advanced data extrapolation through proper file management. Get hands-on, practical experience creating Tenant Improvement (TI) and Building Permit drawings that comply with local bylaws and BC Building Code.

• Design Development I

  Study introductory residential home design principles. Use an analytical problem-solving approach that includes programming and space planning to complete a variety of design projects and expand your understanding of industry-standard construction methods. Explore presentation methods used to develop and solidify the design during the development process, connecting thoughts with visual images as a means of expression.

• Design Development II

  Examine commercial interior design, including programming, space planning, schematic design, and conceptual development like materials selection and mood board creation. Explore design development involving fixtures, selection and specification packages, as well as construction floor plans, reflection ceiling plans, and elevations.

  Complete a project based on an existing property to meet the demands of real-world project briefs by updating spatial layouts, materials, and finish selections that no longer meet the owner’s lifestyle objectives.

• BC Building Code

  Study the regulations and standards within the BC Building Code that govern the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings to ensure safety, accessibility, and structural integrity. Examine methods for maintaining the safety, health, and welfare of building occupants. Learn how to apply and interpret the building code with an emphasis on Part 9.

  Discuss sustainable building practices, inspections and enforcement, zoning and permits, and energy efficiency through case studies and real-world applications.

• Project Management & Estimating

  Study the core concepts and techniques required for successful project management. Cover essential aspects of planning, managing, and organizing a project to ensure its successful completion, emphasizing time, cost, and resource management.

• Collaborative Design Workshop

  Learn essential ideation, design, and workplace skills within the framework of the design process. Prepare for the complex problems you’ll face in the workforce by thinking critically and creatively, communicating your ideas effectively, and applying your specialized skills in a collaborative environment.

  Whether you’re working on a largescale building development, making a movie, contributing to an online magazine, developing an app, or taking a new fashion line to market, the success of the project will rely on your ability to work with others.

  Learn to work collaboratively in a team project-based environment, using the methods of design thinking to respond to a brief presented by a real community client.

• Kitchen & Bath Design I

  An introduction to the knowledge and practice of kitchen and bath design through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) standards and practices that govern the industry. Explore planning and design principles, product selections and specifications, and integration of a multi-trade disciplinary approach. Study effective communication for project management; use manual sketches and drawing techniques to create appealing client renders.

• Kitchen & Bath Design II

  Advance your knowledge of kitchen and bath design practices through the second of two courses based on the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)’s standards and practices. Integrate advanced material and product knowledge into planning and design. Study cabinetry fabrication, construction, and installation.

  Explore multi‐disciplinary trades including lighting, electrical, plumbing, and smart/automation technologies. Focus on client conveniences by incorporating cutting edge technologies and modern-day appliances with advanced lighting, smart devices, and high-performance materials.

• Lighting

  Learn the fundamental principles of designed lighting systems for residential and commercial spaces, emphasizing lighting design for technically intensive zones like kitchens, bathroom, work, and display areas. Discuss advancements in manufacturing and digital technologies for contemporary lighting as well as their associated ecological effects. Apply knowledge from Space Planning to complete full design development documents for a basic design project.

• Sales and Promotion

  Knowing and understanding sales skills and techniques allows you to use them in the working world. Using materials such as National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) standards and other industry sources, examine sales and promotion through three main aspects: designer, customer, and brand.

• Professional Practice

  Explore the fundamentals of professionalism and the general business aspects of design. Topics include contract documentation, approaching and retaining clients, and the overall design process. Study business Incorporation, GST/PST accounts, WorkSafeBC (WSCB), and insurance requirements.