Architect Assistant Training

Lesson 1 • The Design and Construction Process

Outlines project phases from programming through occupancy. Provides a roadmap that all subsequent chapters reference.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Approval Frameworks

Explains permitting, zoning, and code compliance as functional concepts. Prepares assistants to track approvals and flag regulatory issues.

Lesson 3 • Professional Ethics and Conduct

Covers ethical obligations, confidentiality, and professional standards in architectural practice. Grounds assistants in conduct expected throughout their careers.

Lesson 4 • Project Types and Building Categories

Introduces residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use project types. Connects building category to scope, complexity, and team size.

Lesson 1 • Reading a Complete Drawing Set

Synthesizes prior drawing knowledge by walking through a full set from cover sheet to specifications index. Builds confidence in navigating real project documents.

Lesson 2 • Details and Enlarged Drawings

Introduces wall sections, connection details, and enlarged plans. Details communicate construction assembly and are critical for contractor coordination.

Lesson 3 • Scales and Dimensional Accuracy

Covers architectural and engineering scales, dimensioning rules, and tolerance concepts. Accurate dimensions prevent costly field errors.

Lesson 4 • Drawing Conventions and Standards

Teaches line weights, symbols, abbreviations, and sheet organization. These conventions are the shared language used in every drawing set.

Lesson 1 • Layers, Blocks, and Annotation

Teaches layer standards, block insertion, text styles, and dimension styles. Consistent annotation ensures drawings are readable and office-compliant.

Lesson 2 • CAD Interface and Workspace Setup

Introduces the CAD environment, toolbars, command line, and file management. A properly configured workspace accelerates all subsequent drafting tasks.

Lesson 3 • CAD File Coordination and Standards

Covers external references, file naming, and office CAD standards. Coordination practices prevent errors when multiple team members work on shared files.

Lesson 4 • Layouts, Plotting, and File Output

Explains paper space, viewports, plot styles, and PDF export. Proper output setup ensures drawings print correctly at the intended scale.

Lesson 1 • BIM Concepts and Model Structure

Explains parametric modeling, model elements, and BIM versus CAD differences. Understanding model structure prevents errors when editing shared project files.

Lesson 2 • Views, Sheets, and Drawing Extraction

Explains view creation, crop regions, sheet assembly, and title block setup. Extracting coordinated drawings from the model is a core assistant deliverable.

Lesson 3 • Doors, Windows, and Component Families

Teaches loading, placing, and scheduling hosted and non-hosted families. Component accuracy drives door and window schedules used in construction documents.

Lesson 4 • Modeling Walls, Floors, and Roofs

Covers creation and editing of primary building envelope elements. Accurate envelope modeling is the foundation for all subsequent coordination.

Lesson 1 • Physical and Digital Model Making

Teaches study model construction, laser-cut file preparation, and 3D print workflows. Physical models remain a powerful communication tool for clients and review boards.

Lesson 2 • Design Diagramming Techniques

Covers bubble diagrams, adjacency matrices, and circulation diagrams. Diagrams communicate design logic quickly and support early client presentations.

Lesson 3 • Presentation Graphics and Layouts

Covers graphic layout, typography, color use, and image composition for presentations. Strong presentation graphics distinguish professional firms and win projects.

Lesson 4 • 3D Modeling for Design Exploration

Teaches massing models, study models, and design iteration in 3D software. 3D exploration accelerates design decisions and reduces late-stage changes.

Lesson 1 • Exterior Envelope and Cladding

Covers wall assemblies, waterproofing, insulation, and cladding systems. Envelope knowledge is essential for producing accurate wall sections and details.

Lesson 2 • Interior Construction and Finishes

Teaches partition types, ceiling systems, flooring, and finish materials. Interior knowledge supports finish schedules and interior elevation production.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

Provides a functional overview of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Assistants must understand these systems to coordinate space and ceiling drawings.

Lesson 4 • Vertical Circulation and Life Safety

Covers stairs, ramps, elevators, and fire-protection systems. These elements have strict dimensional and code requirements that affect every floor plan.

Lesson 1 • Construction Document Set Organization

Explains sheet sequence, drawing index, and general notes organization. A well-organized set reduces contractor RFIs and speeds permit review.

Lesson 2 • Detail Library Development

Teaches how to build, organize, and reference a reusable detail library. A strong detail library improves drawing quality and reduces production time.

Lesson 3 • Document Quality Control

Covers coordination checklists, interdisciplinary review, and issue tracking. Systematic QC prevents costly errors before documents reach contractors.

Lesson 4 • Specifications Fundamentals

Introduces specification format, divisions, and the relationship between drawings and specs. Assistants must understand specs to coordinate drawing notes accurately.

Lesson 1 • Change Orders and Cost Management

Explains change order triggers, pricing review, and budget tracking. Assistants who understand cost management add significant value during construction.

Lesson 2 • Construction Phase Communications

Covers submittals, RFIs, meeting minutes, and field reports. Accurate documentation protects the project record and supports dispute resolution.

Lesson 3 • Project Closeout and Record Documents

Covers substantial completion, punch list resolution, and as-built drawing production. Proper closeout protects the owner and completes the project record.

Lesson 4 • Bidding and Contractor Selection

Explains bid packages, addenda, and contractor evaluation. Understanding bidding helps assistants prepare accurate bid documents and respond to bidder questions.