Architectural Technology
The Architectural Technology curriculum prepares individuals to apply architectural design skills and technical knowledge to architecture, construction, construction management, facility management, architectural visualization and other associated professions.
Course work for our programs includes instruction in architectural design and drafting (BIM), construction materials and methods, sustainability, architectural graphics, and other relevant topics within the industry.
Graduates of this pathway should qualify for entry-level jobs in architecture, engineering, construction, and positions in industry and government. Students also have the opportunity to transfer into several undergraduate design and building sciences BA degree programs with advanced standing. Upon successful completion, The Associate of Applied Science Degree - Architectural Technology is awarded by the college.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in architecture, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Architectural Technology (A40100)
Degree Awarded
The Associate of Applied Science Degree - Architectural Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Central Piedmont Placement tests are required in English and mathematics. Developmental Studies for math and English classes are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- A counseling/orientation appointment follows placement testing.
- Students should see a faculty advisor before registration.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Note: The curriculum at Central Piedmont includes an emphasis on computer-aided drafting (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and related computer courses. Students also gain experience in creating Virtual and Augmented Reality environments, and in laser-cutting and 3D printing fabrication techniques.
Contact Information
For more information, call the Program Chair at 704.330.2722 extension 4425, the Skilled Trades Division at 704.330.4424 or visit the Architectural Technology Program website.
Architectural Technology (A40100)
General Education Requirements | ||
ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3.0 |
ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Major Requirements | ||
ACA 122 | College Transfer Success (Other Major Requirements) | 1.0 |
ARC 112 | Construction Materials & Methods | 4.0 |
ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I (Architectural Design Studio I) | 5.0 |
ARC 117 | Architectural Design Studio II (Architectural Design Studio II) | 5.0 |
ARC 132 | Specifications & Contracts | 2.0 |
ARC 141 | Elementary Structures for Architecture | 4.0 |
ARC 216 | Architectural Design Studio III (Architectural Design Studio III) | 5.0 |
SEM 197 | Seminar in _____________ | 2.0 |
ARC 217 | Architectural Design Studio IV (Architectural Design Studio IV) | 5.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
ARC 250 | Survey of Architecture | 3.0 |
BPR 130 | Print Reading-Construction | 3.0 |
CMT 120 | Codes and Inspections | 3.0 |
SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
Technical Electives | ||
Select 2 credits of the following: | 2.0 | |
UNCG Interior Architecture Transfer Electives | ||
College Physics I | ||
ECU Industrial Technology (Architectural Technology Concentration) Transfer Electives | ||
College Physics I | ||
Precalculus Trigonometry | ||
WCU School of Engineering & Tech- Technical Operations Transfer Electives | ||
Precalculus Trigonometry | ||
College Physics I | ||
UNC Charlotte Civil Engineering Technology Transfer Electives | ||
College Physics I | ||
Surveying I | ||
Hydrology & Erosion Control | ||
Precalculus Trigonometry | ||
ASU Building Sciences (Arch Tech Concentration) Transfer Electives | ||
Architectural 3-D CAD | ||
College Physics I | ||
College Physics II | ||
Non-Transfer Elective Options | ||
Architectural Building Information Modeling II | ||
Drawing I | ||
Cad for Engineering Technology | ||
Planning/Estimating I | ||
Intro to Solid Modeling | ||
Energy Use Analysis | ||
Modeling Renewable Energy | ||
Work-Based Learning I | ||
Work-Based Learning I | ||
Total Credits | 67 |
Architectural Technology - UNCC Transfer Track (A40100T)
General Education & Major Requirements | ||
Fall | ||
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I | 5.0 |
MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
ARC 250 | Survey of Architecture | 3.0 |
ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
Spring | ||
ARC 117 | Architectural Design Studio II | 5.0 |
ARC 112 | Construction Materials & Methods | 4.0 |
ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
ARC 132 | Specifications & Contracts | 2.0 |
ARC 251 | Advanced Survey of Architecture | 3.0 |
Summer | ||
SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
Fall | ||
ARC 216 | Architectural Design Studio III | 5.0 |
ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | 3.0 |
COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
CMT 120 | Codes and Inspections | 3.0 |
Spring | ||
SEM 197 | Seminar in _____________ | 2.0 |
ARC 217 | Architectural Design Studio IV | 5.0 |
ARC 230 | Environmental Systems | 4.0 |
PHY 151 | College Physics I | 4.0 |
MAT 172 | Precalculus Trigonometry | 4.0 |
Total Credits | 74 |
Architectural Technology Certificates
- Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Residential Architectural Technology (C40100-C2)
- Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Sustainability (C40100-C4)
- Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Accelerated CAD/BIM Designer Track (C40100-C5)
- Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Accelerated CAD/BIM Designer Track - Level II (C40100-C6)
- Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Fast Track Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (C40100-52)
Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Residential Architectural Technology (C40100-C2)
Major Requirements | ||
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I (Architectural Design Studio I) | 5.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
ARC 117 | Architectural Design Studio II (Architectural Design Studio II) | 5.0 |
BPR 130 | Print Reading-Construction | 3.0 |
SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 18 |
Graduates from this certificate should be able to provide support to the Green Building and Facility Management Industries. This certificate also is available to high school students enrolled in Career & College Promise.
Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Sustainability (C40100-C4)
Major Requirements | ||
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I (Architectural Design Studio I) | 5.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
SST 120 | Energy Use Analysis | 3.0 |
SST 130 | Modeling Renewable Energy | 3.0 |
SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 16 |
Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Accelerated CAD/BIM Designer Track - Level I (C40100-C5)
Major Requirements | ||
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I (Architectural Design Studio I) | 5.0 |
MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
CEG 151 | Cad for Engineering Technology | 3.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
Total Credits | 16 |
This is the first half of a nested curriculum sequence designed to prepare students for careers in Computer Aided Drafting and/or Building Information Modeling.
Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Accelerated CAD/BIM Designer Track - Level II (C40100-C6)
Major Requirements | ||
BPR 130 | Print Reading-Construction | 3.0 |
ARC 226 | Architectural Building Information Modeling II | 2.0 |
DFT 154 | Intro to Solid Modeling | 3.0 |
ARC 230 | Environmental Systems | 4.0 |
ARC 197T | Seminar in | 2.0 |
WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
Total Credits | 15 |
This is the second half of a nested curriculum sequence designed to prepare students for careers in Computer Aided Drafting and/or Building Information Modeling.
Architectural Technology Certificate Specialization in Fast Track Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (C40100-52)
Major Requirements | ||
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I (Architectural Design Studio I) | 5.0 |
ARC 112 | Construction Materials & Methods | 4.0 |
ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
ARC 132 | Specifications & Contracts | 2.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
WBL 121 | Work-Based Learning II | 1.0 |
Total Credits | 16 |
Graduates with this certificate should be able to obtain entry-level positions in Computer Aided Drafting or Building Information Modeling. This certificate also is available to high school students enrolled in Career and College Promise.
Architectural Technology Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Architectural Technology (A40100)
Term I | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I | 5.0 |
ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3.0 |
ARC 250 | Survey of Architecture | 3.0 |
Credits | 15 | |
Term II | ||
ARC 117 | Architectural Design Studio II | 5.0 |
ARC 114 | Architectural CAD | 2.0 |
ARC 112 | Construction Materials & Methods | 4.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
Credits | 17 | |
Term III | ||
SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
Credits | 3 | |
Term IV | ||
ARC 216 | Architectural Design Studio III | 5.0 |
COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
ARC 132 | Specifications & Contracts | 2.0 |
CMT 120 | Codes and Inspections | 3.0 |
BPR 130 | Print Reading-Construction | 3.0 |
Credits | 16 | |
Term V | ||
ARC 217 | Architectural Design Studio IV | 5.0 |
ARC 141 | Elementary Structures for Architecture | 4.0 |
ARC 197T | Seminar in | 2.0 |
SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
ARC 226 | Architectural Building Information Modeling II | 2.0 |
Credits | 16 | |
Total Credits | 67 |
Architectural Technology suggested course sequence
Architectural Technology - Transfer (A40100T)
Term I | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ARC 116 | Architectural Design Studio I | 5.0 |
MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3.0 |
ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
ARC 250 | Survey of Architecture | 3.0 |
ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
Credits | 19 | |
Term II | ||
ARC 117 | Architectural Design Studio II | 5.0 |
ARC 112 | Construction Materials & Methods | 4.0 |
ARC 225 | Architectural Building Information Modeling I | 2.0 |
CMT 120 | Codes and Inspections | 3.0 |
ARC 251 | Advanced Survey of Architecture | 3.0 |
Credits | 17 | |
Term III | ||
SST 140 | Green Building and Design Concepts | 3.0 |
SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
Credits | 6 | |
Term IV | ||
ARC 216 | Architectural Design Studio III | 5.0 |
ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | 3.0 |
COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
ARC 132 | Specifications & Contracts | 2.0 |
Credits | 13 | |
Term V | ||
ARC 197T | Seminar in | 2.0 |
ARC 217 | Architectural Design Studio IV | 5.0 |
ARC 230 | Environmental Systems | 4.0 |
PHY 151 | College Physics I | 4.0 |
MAT 172 | Precalculus Trigonometry | 4.0 |
Credits | 19 | |
Total Credits | 74 |
Courses
ARC 111. Introduction to Architectural Technology. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic architectural drafting techniques, lettering, use of architectural and engineer scales, and sketching. Topics include orthographic, axonometric, and oblique drawing techniques using architectural plans, elevations, sections, and details; reprographic techniques; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and print scaled drawings within minimum architectural standards.
ARC 112. Construction Materials & Methods. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces construction materials and methodologies. Topics include construction terminology, traditional and alternative materials and their properties, manufacturing processes, construction techniques, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to detail construction assemblies and identify construction materials and properties.
ARC 113. Residential Architectural Technology. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course covers intermediate residential working drawings. Topics include residential plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a set of residential working drawings that are within accepted architectural standards.
ARC 114. Architectural CAD. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic architectural CAD techniques. Topics include basic commands and system hardware and software. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and plot architectural drawings to scale within accepted architectural standards.
ARC 116. Architectural Design Studio I. 5.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-9.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the fundamental aspects of architectural design and documentation. Emphasis is placed on a studio culture experience, prompting completion of precedent analysis and creatively solving challenges within the field of architecture through the act of making; those being executed in both two and three dimensions. Upon completion, students should be able to apply their work to the foundational principles in which architecture is rooted.
ARC 117. Architectural Design Studio II. 5.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-9.0. Work-0.0
This course covers architectural vocabulary and design methods through the creation of a single or multi-family residential design project. Topics include and allow for the opportunity to interrogate cultural and environmental issues currently affecting the built environment humans inhabit while facilitating their graphic and verbal communication skills. Upon completion, students should be able to articulate, digitally and physically, the design of a small-scale building.
ARC 120. Interior Design-Residential. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course covers principles of light construction and materials. Topics include terminology, components, and light construction codes. Upon completion, students should be able to understand light construction principles.
ARC 131. Building Codes. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the methods of researching building codes for specific projects. Topics include residential and commercial building codes. Upon completion, students should be able to determine the code constraints governing construction projects.
ARC 132. Specifications & Contracts. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the development of written specifications and the implications of different contractual arrangements. Topics include specification development, contracts, bidding material research, and agency responsibilities. Upon completion, students should be able to write a specification section and demonstrate the ability to interpret contractual responsibilities.
ARC 133. Construction Document Analysis. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the analysis of building construction drawings. Emphasis is placed on material identification, understanding construction details, and the relationships of building structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze a set of construction drawings by identifying building construction materials and understanding construction details and engineering systems.
ARC 141. Elementary Structures for Architecture. 4.0 Credits. Class-4.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers concepts of elementary structures in architecture. Topics include structural form, statics, strength of materials, structural behavior, and the relationship between structures and architectural form. Upon completion, students should be able to size simple structural elements.
ARC 160. Residential Design. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the methodology of basic residential design. Topics include residential site design, space organization and layout, residential styles, and the development of schematic design. Upon completion, students should be able to design a residence.
ARC 197T. Seminar in. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an opportunity for students to analyze current architectural movements, trends, and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on architectural production in various modes, including: writing, reading, thinking, and portfolio development. Students will be allowed to craft and critique their work and the work of their peers. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully analyze architectural concepts and theories through various forms of written and graphical representation.
ARC 210. Intro to Sustain Design. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces concepts and principles related to sustainable site development and architectural design. Topics include low impact and sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, material and resource management, indoor environmental quality, and return on investment. Upon completion, students should be able to articulate and integrate sustainable design principles into site and architectural design.
ARC 212. Commercial Constr Tech. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces regional construction techniques for commercial plans, elevations, sections, and details. Topics include production of a set of commercial contract documents and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a set of working drawings in accordance with building codes.
ARC 213. Design Project. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides the opportunity to design and prepare a set of contract documents within an architectural setting. Topics include schematic design, design development, construction documents, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare a set of commercial contract documents. This course will also introduce plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and electrical systems for the architectural environment.
ARC 214. Architectural Statics. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the concepts of elementary statics as applied to architecture. Topics include forces, resultants, and types of force system; equations of equilibrium; reactions of simple architectural structures; internal forces in architectural roof trusses; frames and beams; centroids and moments of inertia as applied to architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to solve problems which require the ability to analyze systems of forces in static equilibrium as applied to architectural forms.
ARC 215. Architectural Strength of Materials. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the concepts of elementary strength of materials within architecture. Topics include structural form, architectural strength of materials, structural behavior, and the relationship between structures and architectural form. Upon completion, students should be able to size simple structural elements to specific architectural forms.
ARC 216. Architectural Design Studio III. 5.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-9.0. Work-0.0
This course provides students information on construction topics, building codes and standards, and project logistics for the design of a commercial architectural project. Emphasis is placed on real world constraints and considerations while articulating innovative design strategies through advanced drawing techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to execute a large-scale building design according to industry standards.
ARC 217. Architectural Design Studio IV. 5.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-9.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to allow students to collaborate in a team environment on the design of a conceptual architectural design project. Emphasis is placed on an architectural design challenge taking into considerations key elements like site, program, environment, client, and visual communication and presentation. Upon completion, student should be able to use collaborative BIM technologies, allowing a more focused understanding of professional practice with regard to design, documentation, and communication.
ARC 220. Advanced Architectural CAD. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides file management, productivity, and CAD customization skills. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced proficiency techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to create prototype drawings and symbol libraries, compose sheets with multiple details, and use advanced drawing and editing commands. Civil3D and Microstation CAD applications will be used in this course.
ARC 221. Architectural 3-D CAD. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces architectural three-dimensional CAD applications. Topics include three-dimensional drawing, coordinate systems, viewing, rendering, modeling, and output options. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare architectural three-dimensional drawings and renderings. SketchUp, Inventor, and Rhino3D are the primary applications used in this course.
ARC 225. Architectural Building Information Modeling I. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a construction documentation system. Topics include basic parametric modeling, creating new types and families of components, and using 3D models to create design drawings. Upon competition, students should be able to use BIM software to create, edit, and print rudimentary architectural 3D computer models. Focus for this course: AutoDesk Revit Architecture.
ARC 226. Architectural Building Information Modeling II. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers advanced concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) including complex drawing generation and inter-disciplinary collaboration. Topics include advanced parametric modeling and model analysis, inter-disciplinary coordination, design web format models, material take-off, schedules, and rendering. Upon completion, students should be able to apply BIM software to create full 3D project models and convert them to scaled working or presentation drawings.
ARC 230. Environmental Systems. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and electrical systems for the architectural environment. Topics include basic plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems for residential and/or commercial buildings with an introduction to selected code requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to develop schematic drawings for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems and perform related calculations.
ARC 231. Architectural Presentations. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-4.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces architectural presentation techniques. Topics include perspective drawing, shadow projection, texturization, rendered plans, elevations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to present ideas graphically and do rendered presentation drawings.
ARC 235. Architectural Portfolio. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the methodology for the creation of an architectural portfolio. Topics include preparation of marketing materials and a presentation strategy using conventional and/or digital design media. Upon completion, students should be able to produce an architectural portfolio of selected projects.
ARC 250. Survey of Architecture. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the historical trends in architectural form. Topics include historical and current trends in architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of significant historical and current architectural styles.
ARC 251. Advanced Survey of Architecture. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course builds on prior knowledge of historical trends in architectural form, and explores those topics in greater depth. Topics could include historic preservation, the social and political contexts of architectural design, and design theory. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of significant historical and current architectural styles and theories.
ARC 262. Architectural Animation & Video. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course covers three-dimensional architectural animation. Topics include storyboarding, rendered animation creation, audio and video input/output, and techniques for camera and object movement in and around buildings. Upon completion, students should be able to produce rendered architectural animations with sound and archive data to selected media. This course will focus on Autodesk 3DS software.
ARC 264. Digital Architecture. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers multiple digital architectural techniques. Topics include spreadsheets and word processing procedures, on-line resources, modems, e-mail, image capture, multimedia, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to transmit/receive electronic data, create multimedia presentations, and produce a desktop publishing document. Focus for this course will be SketchUP and Adobe PhotoShop software.