pcc.edu/programs/architectural-design/
Career and Program Description
This two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program helps students develop the design and technical skills needed in the residential and commercial building design industry.
Career possibilities exist for both self-employment and working for hire. Graduates may pursue various design and drafting jobs with residential designers, construction firms, interior designers, engineers, architects, architectural product manufacturers, city, county, state and federal drafting departments and corporate drafting departments.
Students should attend a program group advising session prior to enrollment. See department web page at www.pcc.edu/arch for additional information and a list of group advising session dates.
Consult a program advisor for information on PCC’s policy on acceptance of courses taken at other colleges or high schools or the transferability of PCC courses to other colleges.
The Kitchen and Bath Certificate includes course work from the Interior Design program and prepares the student to take the National Kitchen and Bath Association exams to become an Associated Certified Kitchen and/or Bath Designer.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Architectural Design and Drafting
Architectural Design and Drafting-Residential Option
Less than One-Year Certificate
Kitchen and Bath
Academic Prerequisites
- Students new to the program must take the college’s placement exams for math, reading and writing prior to program advising and registration.
Academic Requirements
- Students whose goal is to earn a degree or certificate must complete all ARCH and ID courses with a letter grade of "C" or better except ARCH 280 CE: Arch Design and Drafting which is offered only as Pass/No Pass only.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Architectural Design and Drafting
Architectural Design and Drafting-Residential Option
Architectural Design and Drafting AAS Degree
Minimum 91 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Course of Study
The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 110 | Introduction to Architectural Drawing | 2 |
| ARCH 124 | Introduction to Building Systems | 3 |
| ARCH 126 | Introduction to AutoCAD | 3 |
| ARCH 161 | Residential Print Reading | 2 |
| Second Term | ||
| ARCH 101 | Introduction to Residential Design | 3 |
| ARCH 121 | Structural Systems I | 2 |
| ARCH 132 | Residential Building Codes | 2 |
| ARCH 136 | Intermediate AutoCAD | 3 |
| ART 215 | History of American Residential Architecture | 3 |
| Third Term | ||
| ARCH 111 | Intro to Residential Construction Documents | 3 |
| ARCH 162 | Commercial Print Reading | 2 |
| ARCH 237 | Introduction to Revit Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 256 | Detail Drawing with AutoCAD | 3 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Fourth Term | ||
| ARCH 112 | Intro to Commercial Construction Documents | 4 |
| ARCH 113 | Site Planning | 2 |
| ARCH 122 | Structural Systems 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 133 | Commercial Building Codes | 2 |
| ARCH 210 | Professional Practices for Architectural Design & Drafting | 3 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Fifth Term | ||
| ARCH 123 | Structural Systems 3 | 3 |
| ARCH 201 | Residential Studio | 6 |
| ARCH Degree Electives | 5 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| ARCH 202 | Commercial Studio | 4 |
| ARCH 224 | Active and Passive Building Systems | 4 |
| ARCH Degree Electives | 3 | |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Seventh Term | ||
| ARCH 203 | Residential Renovation Studio | 6 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Total Credits | 91 | |
Architectural Degree Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 100 | Graphic Communication for Designers | 3 |
| ARCH 131 | Sustainable Building Strategies | 4 |
| ARCH 134 | Energy Conservation Code | 2 |
| ARCH 200 | Principles of Architectural Design | 4 |
| ARCH 204 | Green Residential Studio | 4 |
| ARCH 247 | Intermediate Revit Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 280 | Cooperative Education:Architectural Design and Drafting | 1-4 |
| ART 101 | Understanding Architecture | 4 |
| BCT 125 | Chief Architect for Remodelers | 3 |
| ID 128 | Digital Rendering and Presentation | 3 |
| INSP 126 | Plan Review Software | 2 |
| MCH 291 | Laser Cutting and Engraving Fundamentals | 1 |
Architectural Design and Drafting - Residential AAS Degree
Minimum 90 credit. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Course of Study
The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 100 | Graphic Communication for Designers | 3 |
| ARCH 110 | Introduction to Architectural Drawing | 2 |
| ARCH 126 | Introduction to AutoCAD | 3 |
| ARCH 161 | Residential Print Reading | 2 |
| Second Term | ||
| ARCH 124 | Introduction to Building Systems | 3 |
| ARCH 132 | Residential Building Codes | 2 |
| ARCH 136 | Intermediate AutoCAD | 3 |
| ART 215 | History of American Residential Architecture | 3 |
| Third Term | ||
| ARCH 101 | Introduction to Residential Design | 3 |
| ARCH 121 | Structural Systems I | 2 |
| ARCH 256 | Detail Drawing with AutoCAD | 3 |
| Residential Electives | 4 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| ARCH 104 | Intermediate Residential Design | 3 |
| ARCH 111 | Intro to Residential Construction Documents | 3 |
| ARCH 113 | Site Planning | 2 |
| ARCH 122 | Structural Systems 2 | 3 |
| ARCH 224 | Active and Passive Building Systems | 4 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Fifth Term | ||
| ARCH 131 | Sustainable Building Strategies | 4 |
| ARCH 201 | Residential Studio | 6 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Sixth Term | ||
| ARCH 200 | Principles of Architectural Design | 4 |
| ARCH 204 | Green Residential Studio | 4 |
| ARCH 210 | Professional Practices for Architectural Design & Drafting | 3 |
| ARCH 237 | Introduction to Revit Architecture | 3 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Seventh Term | ||
| ARCH 203 | Residential Renovation Studio | 6 |
| General Education: 1 course | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
Residential Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 134 | Energy Conservation Code | 2 |
| ARCH 247 | Intermediate Revit Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 280 | Cooperative Education:Architectural Design and Drafting | 1-4 |
| ART 101 | Understanding Architecture | 4 |
| BCT 116 | Alternative Building Design | 3 |
| BCT 125 | Chief Architect for Remodelers | 3 |
| ID 128 | Digital Rendering and Presentation | 3 |
| INSP 126 | Plan Review Software | 2 |
| MCH 291 | Laser Cutting and Engraving Fundamentals | 1 |
ARCH 100. Graphic Communication for Designers. 3 Credits.
Addresses the fundamentals of perspective drawings as a communicative device. Develops perspective, freehand sketching and diagramming skills, by building a graphic vocabulary and establishing a language of architectural communication. Audit available.
ARCH 101. Introduction to Residential Design. 3 Credits.
Introduces the process for developing and drawing residential designs for new homes. Prerequisite: ARCH 110, ARCH 121, ARCH 124, ARCH 126, and ARCH 161. Audit available.
ARCH 104. Intermediate Residential Design. 3 Credits.
Expands on the residential design process for homes. Covers space planning, kitchen design, and lighting design. Prerequisite: ARCH 101. Audit available.
ARCH 110. Introduction to Architectural Drawing. 2 Credits.
Covers basic Architectural drawing skills including lettering, line quality, plans, elevations, sections and axonometric drawings. Audit available.
ARCH 111. Intro to Residential Construction Documents. 3 Credits.
Covers standards of architectural drafting and preparation of construction documents for typical residential construction. Examines construction processes and terminology. Prerequisite: ARCH 110, ARCH 124, ARCH 132 and (ARCH 126 or ID 125 or DRF 126). Recommend: ARCH 136, ARCH 161. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 121. Audit available.
ARCH 112. Intro to Commercial Construction Documents. 4 Credits.
Covers standards of architectural drafting and preparation of construction documents for typical light frame commercial construction. Examines construction processes. Prerequisites: ARCH 111, 136, 162. Audit available.
ARCH 113. Site Planning. 2 Credits.
Covers site development, including surveying existing grades, locating existing and future buildings, driveways erosion control, storm water management and drawing site plans. Recommend: ARCH 121 and ARCH 124. Prerequisite: ARCH 110 and ARCH 136. Audit available.
ARCH 121. Structural Systems I. 2 Credits.
An overview of residential structural systems, including identification of structural members, loads and load paths and reading structural framing plans. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 124. Audit available.
ARCH 122. Structural Systems 2. 3 Credits.
Covers the structural analysis of residential buildings including sizing of wood rafters, joists, and beams. Prerequisite: ARCH 121 and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.
ARCH 123. Structural Systems 3. 3 Credits.
Covers basic residential retaining walls, concrete foundations, and residential prescriptive path solutions for wind and seismic loads. Prerequisite: ARCH 122, and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.
ARCH 124. Introduction to Building Systems. 3 Credits.
An overview of residential building systems, including building construction, and heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and passive solar systems. Audit available.
ARCH 126. Introduction to AutoCAD. 3 Credits.
Introduces AutoCAD software as a design and drafting tool for architecture and interior design. Only one of ARCH 126, ID 125, or DRF 126 can be taken for credit. Audit available.
ARCH 131. Sustainable Building Strategies. 4 Credits.
Focuses on creating buildings that are sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained for the health and well-being of the occupants, while minimizing impact on the environment. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or INSP 151. Audit available.
ARCH 132. Residential Building Codes. 2 Credits.
Introduction to land use zoning and international residential building codes. Selected portions of the code will be discussed, with application to sample building plans. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 124 or BCT 103. Audit available.
ARCH 133. Commercial Building Codes. 2 Credits.
Introduction to land use zoning and Oregon Building Codes for commercial buildings, using International Building Code. Selected portions of the code will be discussed, with application to sample buildings. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 124 or BCT 103. Audit available.
ARCH 134. Energy Conservation Code. 2 Credits.
Provides an introduction to the Energy Conservation Code. Discusses selected portions of the code with application to sample building plans. Explores options for alternative materials and methods of code compliance. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
ARCH 136. Intermediate AutoCAD. 3 Credits.
In-depth study of computer-aided-drafting using AutoCAD software and its applications to architecture. Prerequisite: ARCH 126 or ID 125. Audit available.
ARCH 161. Residential Print Reading. 2 Credits.
Introduces methods to identify, communicate and apply information found on typical residential construction drawings. Audit available.
ARCH 162. Commercial Print Reading. 2 Credits.
Introduces methods to identify, communicate and apply information found on typical commercial construction drawings. Recommended: ARCH 161. Audit available.
ARCH 200. Principles of Architectural Design. 4 Credits.
Introduces concepts, theories, and practices of the discipline of architecture. Includes study of perceptual, environmental, technical and organizational concepts through lectures and individual projects in observing architectural spaces and forms. Audit available.
ARCH 201. Residential Studio. 6 Credits.
Covers design development and construction documents for a new single family residence. Prerequisites: ARCH 101, ARCH 111, ARCH 113, ARCH 122, ARCH 124, ARCH 132, and ARCH 136. Prerequisite/concurrent: ART 215. Audit available.
ARCH 202. Commercial Studio. 4 Credits.
Covers the design process and schematic/presentation drawings for a light frame commercial building. Prerequisites: ARCH 101, ARCH 113, ARCH 122, ARCH 133, and ARCH 237. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 112, ARCH 162. Audit available.
ARCH 203. Residential Renovation Studio. 6 Credits.
Covers as built drawings, design and construction documents for a residential remodel/addition. Prerequisites: ARCH 101, ARCH 111, ARCH 113, ARCH 122, ARCH 124, ARCH 132, ARCH 136, and ARCH 237. Prerequisite/concurrent: ART 215. Audit available.
ARCH 204. Green Residential Studio. 4 Credits.
Covers advanced study of sustainable building design and systems, applied to residential buildings. Includes site analysis, passive technologies, and use of sustainable building materials. Involves application of concepts applied to an actual house design in a studio format. Prerequisites: ARCH 101, ARCH 113, ARCH 122, ARCH 126. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 131 and ARCH 224. Audit available.
ARCH 210. Professional Practices for Architectural Design & Drafting. 3 Credits.
Covers the business administration of the architectural design and drafting profession. Includes topics on project administration and management, contracts, project scheduling, permitting, coordination of consultants, business communications, marketing and portfolios, billing structures, ethics, liability, and legal considerations. Prerequisite: ARCH 101, ARCH 121, ARCH 132, and ARCH 161. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 111. Audit available.
ARCH 224. Active and Passive Building Systems. 4 Credits.
Covers environmental building systems for residential applications and evaluation of building performance. Prerequisite: ARCH 101, ARCH 124. Audit available.
ARCH 237. Introduction to Revit Architecture. 3 Credits.
Introduces Revit Architecture and its applications to architectural design and drafting. Audit available.
ARCH 247. Intermediate Revit Architecture. 3 Credits.
Explores Revit Architectures intermediate commands and features and its application to architecture. Prerequisite: ARCH 237 Audit available.
ARCH 256. Detail Drawing with AutoCAD. 3 Credits.
Develops skills in creating construction detail and section drawings using appropriate scale, line weights, symbols and annotations. Prerequisite: ARCH 136. Audit available.
ARCH 280. Cooperative Education:Architectural Design and Drafting. 1-4 Credit.
Work or observe on approved job sites. Student receives as varied and complete an experience as possible under job conditions. Credits are variable and based on the number of clock hours student spends on job site. Must be coordinated with the supervisor, instructor, and cooperative education specialist. Department permission required.