Architecture & Design Technology

high school student working in engineering class

The Architecture & Engineering Design Technology program at the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center offers a comprehensive pathway for students aspiring to pursue higher education in architecture, engineering, interior design, technology, or construction management.

This program provides hands-on experience in key industry concepts, including residential and commercial architectural design, mechanical engineering, and computer-aided design (CAD) using industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SolidWorks.

Throughout the first year, students are introduced to both architectural and engineering principles, covering topics such as building construction, geometric dimensioning and tolerances, basic surveying, and CNC programming. In the second year, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of three focus areas: Architectural Design, Mechanical Design, or Digital Electronics. This targeted approach ensures students graduate with a strong foundation, ready to excel in a two- or four-year university program or enter directly into the workforce.

Two young women are collaborating on a project, examining blueprints or plans together at a desk in an office or classroom setting.

A person in a white lab coat is operating a piece of laboratory equipment, with various other equipment and signage visible in the background.

Possible Careers

Architect
Engineer (more than 30 types)
Architectural Designer
BIM/CAD Technician
Architectural Model Builder
Interior Designer
Estimator
Project Manager
Computer Graphics/Illustration
Product Designer
Construction Manager

Dual Credits

University of Southern Indiana (USI)
- ENGR 121 - Drafting & Annotation
- MFET 103 - Materials and Manufacturing Processes
- ME 121 - Solid Modeling
- CE 321 Building Information Modeling
Ivy Tech Community College
- DESN 101 - Introduction to Design Technology
- DESN 113 - 2D Computer-Aided Design
- DESN 104 - Mechanical Graphics
- DESN 105 - Architectural Design I
- DESN 220 - 3D Computer-Aided Design
- DESN 195 - Manufacturing Principles & Design
- EECT 112 - Digital Fundamentals

Certifications Available

Autodesk Certified User
AutoCAD; Autodesk Certified User
Revit; Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
OSHA 10-Hour General Safety Certification
Microsoft Office Specialist
Excel; FAA 14 Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

FAQs

Does my student need any previous experience before taking this class?

Should I take this class or an AP class if I plan on going to college?

Taking both Advanced Placement (AP) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in high school can provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for both college and career success. AP courses offer academic rigor, helping students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. CTE courses, on the other hand, provide hands-on, practical experience in specific career fields, giving students the chance to explore potential career paths and gain valuable technical skills. Combining both types of courses allows students to broaden their skill set, stand out in the college admissions process, and even qualify for various scholarships and earn dual credits. One is not better than another, just different.

If my student attends this course, should they go to college or straight to the workforce?

How much homework can a student expect from this course?

Are their materials need for the course?

Yes. Please see the below for a typical list of supplies and textbooks that will be required for the class.

Pens and/or pencils
(1) USB flash drive, minimum 16 GB (helpful, but not required)
(1) 1" three-ring binder
(2) Index Dividers (8-tabs)
(1) Pair of clear, plastic, anti-fog; ANSI Z87.1 certified safety glasses (may be purchased through instructor… approximately $3.00)
Architectural chipboard, form core, and/or mat board (approximately $12.00-$20.00)
Miscellaneous project materials (approximately $15.00)

Students need to come to class prepared with their subject binder, books, pencil, pen, and paper every day.

In addition to the above, students will be required to register and complete certification exams on the software covered within the classroom. At this time, the cost of the certification exams are covered by the school corporation.

What software would be taught as part of this program?

Within the two years of the program students will become familiar and use the following software titles:

Autodesk AutoCAD (intermediate level)
Autodesk Revit (intermediate level)
Microsoft Excel (intermediate level)
SolidWorks (beginning level)
Adobe InDesign (beginner level)
Adobe Illustrator (beginner level)
Adobe Photoshop (beginner level)
Trimble SketchUp (intermediate level)

Is college dual credit available for this course? If so, is there a cost? How many credit hours is available? Is the college dual credit transferrable to other colleges?

Yes. Depending on pre-requisites that the student may have coming to the course, we are offering up to 21 hours of transcripted dual college credit through Ivy Tech Community College and nine (6) transcripted dual college credit through University of Southern Indiana. The cost for the dual credit is $0.00. These college credits may be transferable to other colleges/universities.

In addition to the dual credits, student have the opportunity to earn and obtain five (6) industry-recognized certifications. These include: Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD, Autodesk Certified User: Revit, OSHA 10-Hour General Safety; SolidWorks CSWA, Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel, and the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

If my student is undecided on what field of architecture or engineering to pursue in college, will this class help them decide?

Absolutely. We want to help students not only decide go to college, but also to ensure that once they reach college they have an understanding on their field of interest. During their time at the SICTC, students will work on several skills and be placed in different scenarios that correspond with different fields related to engineering and architecture. We also will introduce problem solving, design, and team building skills during this time that translate to multiple fields of study. From their experience they will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of careers and what it takes to be successful in college and beyond.