Associate of Science - Architecture Technology

Diablo Valley College's Architecture Design and Technology program will provide students with an understanding of spatial composition, design theory, and production methods related to the field. This program is a great option if students are interested in a career in architecture, drafting, furniture or cabinet design, or architectural rendering and illustration.

Students completing the program will be able to... • Communicate architectural concepts using graphic conventions and representational methods. • Demonstrate an understanding of drawing methods and graphic compositional techniques. • Construct physical models of architectural elements and spaces. • Demonstrate an understanding of building components, structures and systems in relation to design. • Identify notable architects, design concepts, canonical buildings and precedents in architecture. • Identify the historical and contemporary role of architects in the profession and related design fields. • Describe the role of environmental design, energy use and sustainable design practices in the profession and in buildings. • Utilize digital means of production, representation and/or digital fabrication methods for the creation and manipulation of architectural images and forms.

The DVC architecture technology degree program offers students the opportunity to earn an associate in science degree in architecture technology, which prepares students for a career as an architectural intern, draftsman or designer. As an architecture technology student, students gain an in-depth understanding of the requirements and skills necessary for employment in an architect’s office. Architectural interns, draftsmen or designers prepare technical and presentation drawings, draft copies of specifications and cost estimates, revise plans, trace details from various sources, operate printing machines, and assemble prints and other documents for projects. Graduates with these skills are also employed by landscape architects, industrial designers, interior designers, and engineers. To earn an associate in science with a major in architecture technology, students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the coursework required for the major. Certain courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once.