The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts growth for the field of architectural
design and drafting through the year 2010. Those who have completed
at least two years of post secondary training and have developed
strong technical skills and experience using CAD systems will be
well qualified for the many opportunities that are anticipated. The
A.A.S. Architectural Design and Drafting degree at Finger Lakes is
designed to provide you with the skills and experience to compete
in today’s job market.
The Mechanical Technology: Architectural Design & Drafting degree provides knowledge and technical experience that allows students to advance beyond entry-level drafting to more complex designs. Instruction emphasizes technical competence and utilizes computer-aided drafting (CAD).
The faculty work closely with architectural firms in the area to assure
the program meets the needs of the architectural community.
The
CAD lab offers twelve networked Pentium PCs with 17-inch, high-resolution
monitors utilizing state-of-the-art software, including AutoCAD,
Inventor, Architectural Desktop, Viz Render, and Microsoft Office.
Networked output devices include a laser printer, large format color
plotter, and a color printer.
The Drafting Lab is equipped with eight networked Pentium PCs
with 17-inch, high-resolution monitors utilizing the same software
as the CAD lab. Networked output devices
include a laser printer.
In
addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced
educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding
academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified
students enrolled in this degree program, as well as all other qualified
FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors
Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
Our
Science Studies Certificate is an option if you are a recent high
school graduate or a returning student preparing for a career in
science and technology and entering a two-year degree program.
The
Bill Parham Memorial and Mobil Science Scholarships are given annually
to FLCC students meeting the specific criteria of the awards. For
details, contact a member of the Science/Technology departments.
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Classroom assignments and projects have been developed to simulate tasks that would likely be encountered in an office setting. During the fall semester, second year architectural design students work on a residential project. Students begin by developing a design concept for a small house and present their idea to classmates, FLCC faculty, and visiting critics. Students complete the semester by producing a set of construction drawings for the residence.
During the spring semester, second year architectural design students work on a larger, more complex commercial project. Starting with a collection of architect’s sketches, students solve technical problems and transform the sketches into construction drawings.
Students enhance their FLCC experience by visiting local architectural and engineering design firms and touring facilities that manufacture, fabricate, or sell construction related materials. Manufacturer’s representatives also visit classrooms to share the most recent technical information on selected products.
Architectural design students may also participate in the internship / co-op program. Students who choose to pursue this opportunity will work in a design environment as a drafter, designer, inspector, or similar position for a portion of the year. Students perform a variety of work assignments under the supervision of design professionals and are required to submit periodic written reports. An on-site mentor and Finger Lakes faculty review the work performed. Students will be paid by the firm and will receive class credit. Each assignment is individually planned and work commitments vary. Participating students will require a recommendation from their Finger Lakes faculty advisor prior to being accepted into the program and should contact their advisor for additional details.
At the conclusion of their course of study, architectural design students will have a greater understanding of the issues, objectives, and constraints related to residential and commercial design. They will also possess a fundamental set of skills and strategies for addressing these design issues. Students will understand how to read and assemble a set of construction drawings and will be ready to make a valuable contribution to the architecture and construction related fields.
Graduates
of this program have found employment with architectural or engineering
design firms, manufacturers and retailers of building-related products,
or with construction management companies.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, architectural
drafters earn average annual salaries of approximately $33,860.
Students
may continue for two additional years for degrees in Construction
Management
or Architectural Engineering Technology.
Typical
schools our graduates transfer to are Rochester Institute of Technology
(civil technology), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
at Syracuse, and Alfred State College.*
* This
is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities
to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor
or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete
listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College
and four-year institutions.
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