Architect Designer Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of Architecture

Traces major architectural movements from antiquity to modernism. Provides historical context that informs contemporary design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Core Principles of Spatial Design

Introduces scale, proportion, rhythm, and hierarchy as organizing tools. Students apply these principles to evaluate and generate spatial compositions.

Lesson 3 • Architectural Elements and Systems

Examines structural, enclosure, and circulation systems as design components. Connects physical building elements to experiential and aesthetic outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Iterative Design Development

Guides students through cycles of testing, critique, and refinement. Establishes iteration as the core mechanism for improving design quality.

Lesson 2 • Research and Site Analysis

Covers environmental, cultural, and physical site investigation methods. Connects site data directly to design opportunities and constraints.

Lesson 3 • Understanding the Design Brief

Teaches extraction of functional, contextual, and client requirements from a brief. Frames brief analysis as the foundation of every design decision.

Lesson 4 • Design Evaluation and Critique

Provides frameworks for assessing designs against criteria and receiving peer feedback. Builds critical thinking skills essential for professional practice.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to CAD Software

Introduces the interface, commands, and workflow of industry-standard CAD software. Students replicate hand-drafted drawings digitally to reinforce spatial understanding.

Lesson 2 • Drawing Set Organization

Establishes sheet layout, title blocks, and drawing set sequencing standards. Prepares students to assemble a complete, professional drawing package.

Lesson 3 • Sections, Elevations, and Details

Teaches construction of cut sections, exterior elevations, and enlarged details. Reinforces the relationship between two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional form.

Lesson 4 • Producing Architectural Plans

Applies CAD skills to create floor plans with correct conventions and dimensions. Connects drawing accuracy to constructability and code compliance.

Lesson 1 • Materials, Lighting, and Rendering

Teaches material assignment, lighting setup, and rendering workflows for realistic output. Students produce images that communicate design intent to non-technical audiences.

Lesson 2 • Building Information Modeling Basics

Covers BIM concepts including parametric objects, model hierarchy, and data embedding. Connects 3D modeling to documentation and project coordination workflows.

Lesson 3 • Presentation Layout and Boards

Covers composition, typography, and image hierarchy for design presentation boards. Students assemble a cohesive visual narrative for a complete project.

Lesson 4 • 3D Modeling Principles

Introduces solid, surface, and mass modeling concepts in a 3D environment. Establishes spatial reasoning skills that underpin all visualization work.

Lesson 1 • Sustainable and Innovative Materials

Surveys low-carbon, recycled, and bio-based materials and their performance profiles. Prepares students to make environmentally responsible material choices.

Lesson 2 • Interior Finishes and Assemblies

Introduces flooring, ceiling, partition, and millwork systems and their detailing. Bridges material selection to interior spatial quality and durability.

Lesson 3 • Construction Detailing Principles

Teaches junction, connection, and transition detailing for buildable assemblies. Students produce details that resolve material interfaces and prevent failure.

Lesson 4 • Envelope and Cladding Systems

Covers wall, roof, and glazing assemblies for weather resistance and thermal performance. Connects envelope design to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Lesson 1 • Green Building Rating Systems

Examines voluntary sustainability certification frameworks and their design criteria. Students map design decisions to certification credits for a project scenario.

Lesson 2 • Thermal Comfort and Insulation

Introduces heat transfer, thermal mass, and insulation performance concepts. Students apply these to envelope design for year-round occupant comfort.

Lesson 3 • Daylighting and Artificial Lighting

Teaches daylight factor analysis, glare control, and integrated lighting design. Connects lighting quality to occupant well-being and energy consumption.

Lesson 4 • Climate-Responsive Design Strategies

Covers passive solar, natural ventilation, and shading as climate-driven design tools. Establishes climate analysis as a prerequisite for performance-based design.

Lesson 1 • Accessibility and Universal Design

Applies accessibility standards for routes, facilities, and building elements. Frames inclusive design as both a regulatory requirement and a design quality.

Lesson 2 • Energy and Environmental Regulations

Covers mandatory energy performance standards and environmental impact requirements. Students verify a design against minimum energy compliance benchmarks.

Lesson 3 • Means of Egress and Life Safety

Teaches exit capacity, travel distance, and egress path design for life safety. Students apply egress rules to floor plan layouts for various occupancy types.

Lesson 4 • Building Regulation Frameworks

Explains the structure and purpose of building control, permits, and approvals. Establishes regulatory compliance as a non-negotiable design constraint.

Lesson 1 • Contracts and Professional Agreements

Introduces owner-architect agreements, scope of services, and liability concepts. Students identify key contract clauses that protect both client and designer.

Lesson 2 • Construction Administration and Site Observation

Covers site visits, field reports, change orders, and project closeout procedures. Prepares students to maintain design intent through the construction process.

Lesson 3 • Project Coordination and Team Management

Covers consultant coordination, meeting management, and project communication protocols. Builds skills for leading multidisciplinary design teams effectively.

Lesson 4 • Cost Estimation and Budget Management

Teaches order-of-magnitude and elemental cost estimation methods for design decisions. Students align design choices with client budget constraints throughout a project.