Being able to express ideas visually is critical in the architecture and design industry. Through this course we will study the various visual communications methods most commonly used in the architectural profession. In addition to technical drawings, we will explore graphics used to communicate ideas within the building industry to clients, designers, fabricators, and general contractors.

Architectural Drafting includes the creation of highly detailed drawings including plans, elevations, sections, and details by utilizing computer programs such as AutoCAD. Through the course we will compile a schematic set of drawings to understand general drawing and sheet layouts, drawings scales, dimensions, and annotations.

Bathrooms were once overlooked and understated rooms but this notion has already started to change. There are more opportunities than ever due to the need to add, update, and renovate these spaces in both residential and commercial settings. This course will guide students through the process of designing both functional and beautiful bathrooms.

In the real estate market, the kitchen has become the most important room in buying and selling a home. The kitchen is often thought of as the heart of a home and is given the greatest investment, making it a critical area of study for architects, designers, and engineers. This course will guide students through the process of designing both functional and beautiful kitchens.

Anyone can draw! There are no set of rules or standards to follow. Landscape graphics are essential for developing and visualizing ideas, and ultimately communicating ideas with the client in the quickest and most effective way. Students will begin by discovering their own ways of expressive drawing skills either by freehand or with assistive tools. Field trips would be performed (if allowed) for outdoor landscape drawing classes. Students will practice various graphic languages and techniques to translate their ideas into a specific space organization, and finally adapt them to build their own style for visualization. Students will also acquire skills and techniques to organize and render their ideas on paper for best presentation to clients. 

This course is designed for students to learn the basic garden design techniques. It focusses on familiarizing students with (1) basic garden design principals and process starting from the site analysis and research; and (2) tools and techniques for creating and representing garden design. It is structured in three parts with the first focused on the basic design process, design techniques and drawing skills to create from concept diagrams to a preliminary garden layout plan. The second part is focused on the various garden types and themes, and the basic principle of selection of plants and materials. The third part is dedicated to designing a student’s dream garden based on what students learn from part one and part two.

This course is designed for students to learn the basic rooftop deck design techniques. It focuses on familiarizing students with (1) the site-specific problems and needs of rooftop deck in urban living, (2) tools and techniques to create a preliminary rooftop deck layout plan. The course is structured in three parts with the first focused on the basic design principal, design techniques and drawing skills. The second part covers the various materials of deck and hardscapes. Students will also learn the basic principle of selection of plants and materials. The third part is dedicated to designing a student’s dream rooftop garden in a multi-family housing in the city.