Architectural Technologies
Arts, Communication & Design Pathway
CCD.edu/Architecture
The next generation of architectural designers will be challenged to give shape to a sustainable world. CCD’s architectural technology programs are designed to provide a springboard into a rewarding career, whether it involves transfer into a four-year degree program or direct employment within the design community as an architectural technologist paraprofessional. CCD’s pathways offer a balance of technical skill training with the development of collaborative design-thinking abilities that are crucial to solving the complex range of today’s building tasks. Community College of Denver currently offers four Associate of Applied Science degrees in architectural technology.
Architectural Technologies
This degree prepares you for a career as an architectural technologist, whose primary role is in the development of detailed design for the construction and renovation of buildings to meet the needs of a sustainable world. The focus of the curriculum is on the knowledge base and decision-making processes involved with shaping building form and assembling architectural materials and components in a manner that supports minimal energy and resource consumption and produces functional, robust architecture.
The contemporary building technology certificate and Revit certificate both seamlessly transfer into the A.A.S. in architectural technologies.
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Meet minimum assessment scores or prerequisites required for general education courses in the program. Meet with the program chair or your academic advisor to discuss this program.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1100 | Introduction to Design Theory 1 | 3 |
| AEC 1510 | Building Materials | 3 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 1 | 3 |
| MAT 1340 | College Algebra: GT-MA1 | 4 |
| Choose One Art Course | 3 | |
| Drawing I 1 | ||
| Visual Concepts 2-D Design | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| AEC 1220 | Architectural Drawing Theory 1 | 4 |
| AEC 1110 | History of Architecture | 3 |
| PHY 1105 | Conceptual Physics with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| CAD 2204 | AutoCAD Architecture | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| AEC 1231 | Residential Construction Drawing | 4 |
| AEC 2300 | Sustainable Building Systems | 3 |
| AEC 2410 | Applied Statics and Strengths of Materials | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| COM 2220 | Group Communication: GT-SS3 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| AEC 2230 | Architectural Design and Development | 4 |
| AEC 2700 | International Building Codes | 3 |
| AEC 1600 | Construction Practices and Documents | 2 |
| AEC 1232 | Commercial Construction Drawing | 4 |
| Choose One Computer Aided Drafting Class | 3 | |
| Rhino | ||
| Advanced Revit Architecture | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 62 | |
Architectural Studies
This program prepares students for transfer into the four-year undergraduate program in Architecture at the University of Colorado Denver through fulfillment of basic General Education, GTE, and foundational architecture and design courses. This is an articulated agreement with CU Denver; students who are accepted into CU Denver's College of Architecture and Planning BS Architecture program with this degree are able to achieve junior-year status, contingent on maintenance of minimum course grades and portfolio review of completed work from AEC 104.
CCD advises students interested in this pathway to consult CCD Advising and the Architectural Technology Program Chair as well as the anticipated transfer institution (CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning) for development of the most optimal selection of available electives.
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1100 | Introduction to Design Theory | 3 |
| ART 1201 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| MAT 1340 | College Algebra: GT-MA1 | 4 |
| Choose One Geography Course | 3 | |
| World Regional Geography: GT-SS2 | ||
| Human Geography: GT-SS2 | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| AEC 1220 | Architectural Drawing Theory | 4 |
| AEC 1110 | History of Architecture | 3 |
| ENG 1022 | English Composition II: GT-CO2 | 3 |
| MAT 1420 | College Trigonometry: GT-MA1 | 3 |
| Choose One Humanities Course | 3 | |
| Humanities: Early Civilization: GT-AH2 | ||
| Humanities: Medieval-Modern: GT-AH2 | ||
| Humanities: Modern World: GT-AH2 | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| AEC 1510 | Building Materials | 3 |
| PHY 1111 | Physics Algebra-Based I with Lab: GT-SC1 | 5 |
| Choose One Sociology Course | 3 | |
| Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3 | ||
| Introduction to Sociology II: GT-SS3 | ||
| Environmental Sociology: GT-SS3 | ||
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Astronomy of Ancient Cultures: GT-SC2 | ||
| Principles of Animal Biology: GT-SC2 | ||
| Geology of National Parks GT-SC2 | ||
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| AEC 2410 | Applied Statics and Strengths of Materials | 3 |
| PHI 2018 | Environmental Ethics: GT-AH3 | 3 |
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Sustainable Building Systems | ||
| International Building Codes | ||
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Rhino | ||
| Revit Architecture | ||
| Choose One History Course | 3 | |
| Colorado History: GT-HI1 | ||
| History of American West: GT-HI1 | ||
| 20th Century World History: GT-HI1 | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 61 | |
Digital Design Media
This program, which shares a core set of courses with the other A.A.S. architectural technology degrees, focuses on developing proficiencies across a broad spectrum of current and widely used digital design software. The degree prepares you for career pathways involving leadership in architectural drawing production, architectural rendering and presentation, and digital visualization roles in professional design practices.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1100 | Introduction to Design Theory | 3 |
| ART 1201 | Drawing I | 3 |
| AEC 1510 | Building Materials | 3 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| MAT 1340 | College Algebra: GT-MA1 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| AEC 1220 | Architectural Drawing Theory | 4 |
| AEC 1110 | History of Architecture | 3 |
| PHY 1105 | Conceptual Physics with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| CAD 1110 | Sketchup | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CAD 2204 | AutoCAD Architecture | 3 |
| ART 1002 | Visual Concepts 2-D Design | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| MGD 1001 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 |
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| International Building Codes | ||
| Applied Statics and Strengths of Materials | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| CAD 1115 | Rhino | 3 |
| CAD 2221 | Advanced Revit Architecture | 3 |
| CAD 2540 | 3DS Max | 3 |
| AEC 2300 | Sustainable Building Systems | 3 |
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| International Building Codes | ||
| Internship | ||
| Applied Statics and Strengths of Materials | ||
| Visual Concepts 4-D Design | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Sustainable Design
This program, which shares a core set of courses with the other A.A.S. architectural technology degrees, focuses on developing concepts for energy and resource conservation in architectural design and the methodologies used to implement them. Studies include regional and global implications of sustainable design and training in the use and administration of green building standards in professional practice. The degree enables you to pursue a career in sustainable design consultation and green building certification administration.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1100 | Introduction to Design Theory | 3 |
| AEC 1510 | Building Materials | 3 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| MAT 1340 | College Algebra: GT-MA1 | 4 |
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Drawing I | ||
| Visual Concepts 2-D Design | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| AEC 1220 | Architectural Drawing Theory | 4 |
| AEC 2300 | Sustainable Building Systems | 3 |
| PHY 1105 | Conceptual Physics with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| CAD 1110 | Sketchup | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ENV 1111 | Environmental Science with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| AEC 1110 | History of Architecture | 3 |
| AEC 2410 | Applied Statics and Strengths of Materials | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Environmental Anthropology | ||
| Anthropology of Energy | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| AEC 2230 | Architectural Design and Development | 4 |
| AEC 1600 | Construction Practices and Documents | 2 |
| AEC 2310 | LEED Exam Preparation | 3 |
| PHI 2018 | Environmental Ethics: GT-AH3 | 3 |
| Choose One Elective Course | 3 | |
| International Building Codes | ||
| Advanced Revit Architecture | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 61 | |
Arts, Communication & Design Pathway
CCD.edu/Architecture
Community College of Denver currently offers six certificates in architectural technology. These certificates reflect the core course makeup of each A.A.S. degree concentration. As a student pursuing any of the three A.A.S. degrees, you can typically add an additional full semester to complete any of the other two certificate concentrations.
Additionally, as a student with a prior bachelor's degree or a mid-career professional seeking to enhance your skill sets, you are able to complete these certificates without fulfilling additional general education requirements
This is a stand-alone certificate recognizing successful completion of the two-semester progression of Revit courses.
These two certificates are designed to support a successful career in the building trades as a well-rounded, skilled field worker. Both certificates blend a mix of classroom, digital design and construction learning opportunities.
Contemporary Building Technology
This certificate seamlessly transfers to the Associate of Applied Science degree in architectural technology.
This certificate focuses on two aspects of critical skills necessary for the successful development of robust, sustainable architecture: the knowledge base of architectural materials and components, their selection and proper assembly, and the graphic documentation skills required to communicate their extent and relationships to a builder or fabricator. The successful completion of this certificate prepares you for employment as an entry-level architectural technologist and drafter.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1231 | Residential Construction Drawing | 4 |
| AEC 1510 | Building Materials | 3 |
| AEC 2410 | Applied Statics and Strengths of Materials | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| Subtotal | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CAD 2204 | AutoCAD Architecture | 3 |
| AEC 2700 | International Building Codes | 3 |
| CAD 2221 | Advanced Revit Architecture | 3 |
| AEC 1232 | Commercial Construction Drawing | 4 |
| AEC 1600 | Construction Practices and Documents | 2 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
Digital Design Media
This certificate seamlessly transfers to the Associate of Applied Science degree in digital design media.
Increasing specialization within architecturally related design practices — particularly larger ones — has created niches for individuals with interest and skills in 2- and 3-D project visualization and presentation. Technologists with training in a wide variety of digital media will be in growing demand as client and user expectations for these kinds of products and services during a typical project design process grows.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CAD 2204 | AutoCAD Architecture | 3 |
| CAD 1110 | Sketchup | 3 |
| ART 1002 | Visual Concepts 2-D Design | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| MGD 1001 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CAD 1115 | Rhino | 3 |
| CAD 2221 | Advanced Revit Architecture | 3 |
| CAD 2540 | 3DS Max | 3 |
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Building Materials | ||
| Sustainable Building Systems | ||
| International Building Codes | ||
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Sustainable Design
This certificate seamlessly transfers to the Associate of Applied Science degree in sustainable design.
Sustainable design as a client and end user expectation is a fast-developing aspect of current architectural practice, and the sometimes complex administration of green building certification is increasingly taken up by a specialized staff of consultants experienced and dedicated to these particular tasks within a larger design team. This certificate enables you to pursue foundational studies in emerging areas of specialization.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENV 1111 | Environmental Science with Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| AEC 1510 | Building Materials | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| CAD 1110 | Sketchup | 3 |
| Subtotal | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| AEC 1600 | Construction Practices and Documents | 2 |
| AEC 2310 | LEED Exam Preparation | 3 |
| PHI 2018 | Environmental Ethics: GT-AH3 | 3 |
| AEC 2300 | Sustainable Building Systems | 3 |
| Choose One Course | 3 | |
| Introduction to Design Theory | ||
| History of Architecture | ||
| International Building Codes | ||
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Revit
**This program is not eligible for federal student aid.**
This certificate seamlessly transfers to the Associate of Applied Science degree in architectural technology, which provides for the development of critical skills needed to fill both current and evolving roles in the mechanical design and advanced manufacturing industries.
The Revit certificate delivers curriculum and well-designed competencies using current and emerging 2D/3D-digital design technologies. By blending classic 2D drafting (ISO, ASTM, ANSI) requirements, our students are ready to understand and meet all mechanical design and manufacturing needs for 2D documents and document control. Then the engineering graphics program builds a strong 3D foundation in modeling, assembling, and documenting their 3D solid designs. Lastly, to keep up with cutting-edge technology, we include 3D printing and 3D scanning, rounding out skills in concurrent design.
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Meet with the program chair or your academic advisor to discuss this program.
Course Map
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| CAD 2221 | Advanced Revit Architecture | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Basic Building Crafts
This certificate prepares you with a well-rounded combination of conceptual and manual skills centered around light-frame construction materials and methods to enable competitive employment as a skilled construction field worker.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1231 | Residential Construction Drawing | 4 |
| AEC 1220 | Architectural Drawing Theory | 4 |
| AEC 1520 | Construction Materials and Systems | 3 |
| AEC 1600 | Construction Practices and Documents | 2 |
| AEC 2080 | Internship | 3 |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Advanced Building Crafts
This certificate is intended to build on the coursework and field experience acquired through the completion of the basic building crafts certificate. The advanced certificate develops skills in digital construction documentation, building code principles, and connects classroom design and documentation training with relevant field experience.
Successful completion of the basic certificate will be a prerequisite for pursuit of the advanced certificate.
This certificate seamlessly transfers into the A.A.S. in architectural technologies.
COURSE MAP
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 1232 | Commercial Construction Drawing | 4 |
| AEC 2700 | International Building Codes | 3 |
| CAD 2220 | Revit Architecture | 3 |
| CAD 2204 | AutoCAD Architecture | 3 |
| AEC 2087 | Cooperative Education | 3 |
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
