Architectural Design
Technology-
Success
Thousands of grads working in art and design. -
Experienced Instructors
Learn from instructors who work in the industry. -
Endless Opportunity
Use your skills anywhere in the world.
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Diploma
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72 Weeks
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vancouver Campus
Program Overview
The Architectural Design Technology diploma program focuses on providing graduates with a solid foundation in architectural design principles and technical skills needed to be successful in the building design and construction industries. Students will gain a genuine understanding about how buildings are built, through study and application of industry standards software, techniques, and theory.
Students will build a solid foundation in their understanding of building technology, building codes, and drafting. At the end of this program students will have a strong industry standard portfolio.
This program is delivered 100% online.
Please check with the campus for availability.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- Construction Firms Construction Firms are businesses responsible for constructing buildings, bridges, and various forms of architecture.
- Interior Design Firms Interior Design Firms functionally and aesthetically improve various interiors, such as homes or commercial spaces.
- Project Management Firms Project Management Firms manage budgets, relationships, resources, and schedules to ensure the completion of large projects.
- Engineering Firms Engineering Firms offer expertise on various systems, such as a building's electrical, structural, mechanical and technological aspects.
- Quantity Surveying Firms Quantity Surveying Firms advise clients on the selection and preparation of bills, contractors, supplies, and overall project costs.
SKILLS GAINED
- Apply critical thinking, problem-solving and design thinking to architectural design and planning problems.
- Articulate the differences between the roles and responsibilities of architects, civil engineers and contractors.
- Produce architectural presentation drawings.
- Produce construction presentation drawings.
- Apply knowledge of materials to architectural design problems.
- Apply specification knowledge to architectural design problems.
- Apply Building Code specifications to architectural and construction problems.
- Apply contemporary building construction and building technologies to architectural and construction problems.
- Apply project management skills, techniques and technologies in managing a building project
- Create digital blueprints using contemporary software.
- Create 3D digital renderings of contemporary environments and buildings in response to a design problem.
- Create an Architectural Study Model in response to a design problem.
- Assemble and present a professional portfolio that showcases design skills and talent.
Courses Timeline
Your program begins by introducing you to the industry by building up your fundamental skills like drawing and drafting by hand.
Now we build on the basic skills we have developed. Technology becomes more important as we move our work onto our computers. You begin to draw and draft at a higher level. The foundation is now in place.
Get hands-on digital techniques and training to understand the next steps in development and how to bring your visions into reality utilizing current software and methodologies.
Expand your previous skillset and learn to visualize and conceptualize digital concepts. Through a series of projects and assignments, learn to synthesize your creativity with industry standards and subject matter experts.
Here you will start to learn about the specialties in our industry. You have the skills and foundation. Term 5 is about applying them and building your vision from scratch to execution. We introduce sustainability in-depth and start building your portfolio and skills.
This term is about honing your craft and getting ready to enter the industry. This semester consists of final projects, portfolio building, and job preparation through career development and training. Here you present to the industry and begin your career.
- Term 1
- Term 2
- Term 3
- Term 4
- Term 5
- Term 6
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Drawing I
This course will focus on the development of perceptual and descriptive skills through an introduction to a variety of drawing media, techniques, and subject matter. Through this course, students will acquire a thorough understanding of the elements of art and the principles of organization as related to drawing. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of contour lines, positive and negative space, perspective, sighting of angles, and measurements of...
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Architectural Drafting 1 – Hand Drafting and Standards
This course will introduce students to the preparation of twodimensional architectural drawings. Topics will include the identification and use of drafting equipment, drafting in scale, basic lettering, line weights, dimension techniques, and standard notation conventions. Emphasis will be placed on orthographic projections related to floor plans, elevations, and ceiling plans. Students will gain the skills and techniques necessary to express any design concept gra...
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Colour & Design
This course will build students’ understanding of colour and design principles through exploration and application across media, visual, and applied practice. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of colour theory through design, such as layout, composition, balance, colour science and theory and teach them how to apply these principles. These concepts will be reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will...
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Architectural Design History
Throughout history, humans have built spaces. This course will look at the history of structure in architecture and design and will explore the built environment through time. This course will examine how the design of great structures and buildings has evolved and the impact this has on design in the 21st century. Students will gain an understanding of where we have come from through history to where we are at today.
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Photoshop I
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the application and importance of image editing and construction as a universal skill in across diverse design genres. This course introduces students to raster image-editing software, Adobe Photoshop. Through this 'hands-on' course, students will acquire skills with workflow fundamentals, as well as advanced features, and tips, and acquire the skills to prepare images for digital output and print. Emph...
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Drawing 2 – Perspective in Structures
This course builds on the principles learned in Drawing 1 and looks at how we apply them to the field of architecture and design. Students will build their skill set in order to be able to deliver industry standard drawings, and will hone their ability to use drawing as a tool of expression to convey design intent. Focus will be paid to applying the concepts and principles of perspectives to built structures.
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Architectural Drafting 2 – AutoCAD and Layout
This introductory-level course will explore the fundamental features of the industry standard AutoCAD software. Students will learn to use the tools, features, and commands to create simple drawings in the context of developing a small design project.
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Building Codes and Regulations
This course will explore the basic residential, commercial, and public building fire and safety codes as they apply to external and internal building features and the immediate building environment. The course will focus on the influence of the application of building codes on a building’s internal design and construction. Students will learn how codes and standards impact the design process and how they must be applied to ensure that the final design is comp...
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Studio 1 - Residential
This course aims to introduce students to the studio process by giving them the opportunity to further develop their design narrative and applying it to single family residential structures. Students will be exposed to the design process and learn the steps required to successfully create and execute a residential home design.
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Building Structures 1
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of building construction and practices; the technology, materials, and techniques used in constructing small-scale buildings; the role of the environment; and the importance of considering what materials to use. Students will conduct practical structural modeling exercises and develop a basic understanding of the quantitative and qualitative behaviour of structures. Students will be drafting final drawings for all...
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3D Modelling 1 – Sketchup
This course will introduce students to industry standard architectural rendering software that allows the user to increase the level of detail in their 2D/3D drawings and renderings. Students will also be introduced to the Building Information Modeling (BIM) system and learn how to manage projects across programs and platforms. BIM is a process that facilities the generation, sharing, and management of 3D visual representations of physical space and the functi...
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Architectural Drafting 3 – Advanced AutoCAD
In this course students will explore the advanced features of AutoCAD and how they can apply them to the standards of working drawing creation, A & D Practice, and for the creation and sharing of designs. Students will be required to create and modify complex digital design documents representing detailed 3D interior and exterior spaces. The course will begin by exploring advanced drawing and modification tools and techniques.
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Construction Detailing
This course introduces the next stage after the design process is complete. When a building’s design intent has been established and approved, detailed technical drawings are then created. In this course students will learn how to transform the design using their knowledge of methods of construction into a series of technical drawings.
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Studio 2 – Multi Residential
In this course students will build on the principles and concepts learned in Studio 1 and learn skills and approaches they can apply to multi-family residential structures. Students will be exposed to the complexity and coordination required to create a successful design, layout, materiality, and documents.
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Architectural Drafting 4 - Revit 1
Building upon the information learned in the Architectural Drafting stream, students will learn the applications of these concepts through the use of Revit Software. Students will learn how to use and apply this software while exploring BIM methodology and applications that can translate between drafting and 3D platforms.
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Project Management
Students will be introduced to project management as it relates to design and building construction. Students will learn about roles and responsibilities, procedures and protocols, meeting management, documentation, scheduling, and inspections in a typical project from the initial phases of construction through to completion. This course will focus on interactions and coordination with consultants and specialists.
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Model Making and Details
In this course students will be exposed to the process of building a physical model and creating and documenting details of building structures. Emphasis will be placed on terminology, the process of building, problem-solving, and material management.
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Materials, Equipment, and Specifications
This course introduces the various materials used in exterior façade treatments and their types and properties. Students will research, analyze, sample source, and cost materials based on a set of specifications. The importance of material selection in the construction process is stressed and explored in depth.
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Architectural Drafting 5 – Revit 2
Building on the concepts learned in Arch Drafting 4, students will further develop their Revit skills to apply on design projects. A deeper understanding of conventions of model creation and working drawings will be honed and applied.
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Building Structures 2
This course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in Building Construction I. Students will apply their growing technical expertise in designing small to medium-scale buildings focusing on structural systems, building elements, materials, components, connections, construction methods and detailing. Students will develop a practical understanding of the materials and technical dimensions of building design, current trends in the construction industry, and coll...
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Architectural Theory and the Design Process
This course will familiarize students with architectural design,and architectural theory to apply to their craft. A variety of architectural design disciplines will be examined. Students will be introduced to ideas, principles, and architectural problemsolving methodologies. Students will begin to develop critical design thinking skills and the ability to imagine solutions in 3 dimensions. They will learn the process and model for how projects are set up and comple...
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3D Modelling and Rendering 2 – 3DSMax
This course further develops students’ abilities to interpret industry standard architectural rendering software that allows the user to increase the level of detail in their 2D/3D drawings and renderings. Students will also be introduced to Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is a process that facilitates the generation, sharing, and management of 3D visual representations of physical space and the functional components and systems found within them.
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Construction Administration and Coordination
In this course, students will be introduced to the Construction Industry Standards of document management, and procedures and requirements for owners, consultants, contractors, and trades that they will be subject to when working on a construction project.
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Studio 3 – Commercial
Students will be exposed to the design structures that are highrise, mixed-use, and commercial, with basement parking. Students will conduct research, analysis, and space & concept planning studies. They will be taking into consideration material specifications, methods of construction, and sustainability principles. Students will prepare a design presentation package that includes models, drawings, and reports. Assessment and emphasis will be on the design, fu...
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Build Technology MEP
This course teaches students the conventions of coordination with Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing System (MEP). Students will gain an in-depth understanding and knowledge of each system and how they play an integral part in the efficiency of a building. This will include the relationships between building envelope design and mechanical system design, particularly with regards to sustainability, energy use, and human comfort. Mechanical systems include HVAC, re...
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Sustainability in Design
This course will cover the principles and applications of sustainability and focus on the use of Passive House technology. Students will be introduced to different sustainability measures, systems, theory, and construction methods.
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Construction Documentation
This course introduces the construction drawing documentation process. Students will become familiar with the process of developing the initial part of the documentation through drawing lists, drawing contents, formats, sheet numbering, labels, annotations, and procedures as per construction industry standards. Emphasis is placed on understanding the legal issues with respect to accurate documentation.
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Design Studio 4a – Capstone Design
Students will build a detailed project brief. Using and applying knowledge and skills acquired in the program, students will produce an architectural design project complete with design drawings and renderings. Emphasis will be placed on design, planning, function, efficiency, buildability and sustainability. Students will be mentored throughout the process. Students will present their final project to the class at the end of term.
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Design Studio 4b – Capstone Documentation
Design Studio 4b focuses on the creation of a full working drawing package to be built in tandem with the design being developed in Design Studio 4a. At the end of this class, students will have an industry-standard working drawing package and will develop an understanding of how to develop drawings as well as designs simultaneously as done in the industry.
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Portfolio and Presentations
This course will prepare students for graduation and final portfolio completion. The portfolio will showcase the strengths and talents of each student in a branded visually appealing presentation. Time will be spent focusing on content that showcases primary skills such as presentation techniques, sharing information, and creating a strong portfolio for entering the industry.
Costs & Requirements
High school graduation or equivalent (From an English language teaching institution)
Or
Mature student status (19 years of age upon starting classes, and pass college’s admissions test
For tuition prices and costs, fill out the request info form to speak with an admissions representative.
VCAD's Refund Policy abides by the Private Training Regulation of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) Private Training Act.
For more information, click here.
Check out and connect with some Alumni on LinkedIn.
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Noel Gabriel Ambrosio 2020
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Nikki Katouzian 2022
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Dryden Sereda 2022
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Madison Prangnell 2020
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Tuong Kim Thuy Nguyen 2020
Student Testimonials
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If it wasn't for VCAD I don't think I would be where I am today. I've had some amazing opportunities, I've met some wonderful people - amazing connections, and I'll be forever grateful.
- Sabrina Laprise -
The most important thing that I learned at VCAD was how to use software - graphic design software.
- Ewa Wawryszuk -
What drew me to the interior design program was that it was a creative industry and also that it's business oriented.
- Luc Kwan -
I chose VCAD because of all the options and programs that they offered, and I wanted to succeed and through not just my classes but also making like really cool things that I'm proud of.
- Luke Johnston -
The instructors are really helpful, even outside school projects. They gave me a lot of advice about improving my skills as a graphic designer.
- Maricel Benjamin -
The most valuable part of the program is the one on one time with the teachers. They are always willing to go out of their way to make sure you understand what you are doing.
- Katrina Selkirk
Portfolio
Learn from graduates what it's like to study at VCAD.
Meet our Instructors
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Heather Arthurs
Architectural Design Technology
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Ilan Bitterman
Architectural Design Technology
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Chee Choy
Architectural Design Technology
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