Architectural CAD drafters are an important part of a team developing architects’ schematic designs into construction documents from which homes and commercial buildings are built. They need a well-rounded education that includes manual sketching, CAD drafting experience, and building construction knowledge. Problem solving, three dimensional visualization, and technical math skills prepare the students for a challenging career in architecture. AutoCAD, the preferred software in the architectural industry, is used throughout the coursework.

Program Overview

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree Awarded
• 4 semesters-2 academic years
• 60 weeks-65 Semester Credits

Architectural Building Technology is an occupational program designed to provide the technical background required of an architectural CAD drafter in both the residential and commercial drafting fields. It combines the necessary skill training, mathematics, and technical knowledge to prepare students for an entry-level architectural CAD position and gives them a strong base to enable advancement in the industry. This program is designed to simulate architectural office experiences.

• First semester begins with learning AutoCAD drawing, editing and plotting commands and developing drafting efficiencies while focusing on two types of residential construction materials and methods.
• Second semester expands the residential focus from first semester into multi-family residential construction drawings, residential codes and estimating for the residential market sector.
• Third semester focuses on commercial building construction, commercial estimating and building codes, and introduces the student to LEED certification.
• Fourth semester builds upon third semester, add a field documentation experience, and allows the student to pursue an architectural topic of his or her choosing in depth.

Courses emphasize the development of drafting skills, building materials, construction knowledge, teamwork, communication, and career professionalism. The skills and knowledge gained provide graduates with an advantage in the competitive work environment and significantly contribute to their career growth potential.

Instructors

Lynn Langen
Ms. Langen first joined NTI in 1990 after designing stores for B. Dalton Bookseller (Barnes and Noble), and developing residential and commercial construction documents for Reike, Carroll, Muller Associates (now SEH). She taught here for 10 years, then left to become Director of Operations for Leonard Lampert Architects, PA, where she managed client relations, staffing levels, project quality and budgets. She rejoined NTI in 2008.

Education Credentials: BA, Individualized Studies, Metropolitan State University; AAS, Architectural Design and Construction Methodology, Hennepin Technical College; Allied Member, MN Society – American Institute of Architects.

John Hartman
Mr. Hartman is a graduate of NTI and has been with the college since 1993. While in school, Mr. Hartman worked for GE Capital as an Architectural Facility Drafter. Upon graduation, Mr. Hartman worked for NU-Way in Wausau, WI as an Architectural & Engineering CAD Technician.

Education Credentials: MS, Project Management, Saint Mary’s University, Twin Cities Campus; BS, Psychology, Northwestern College; AS, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, NTI; General courses, University of Wisconsin Stout.

Stacy Connolly
Ms. Connolly returned to NTI after working for the Cunningham Group for more than 7 years. She acted as their CAD drawing manager, technical trainer and Revit expert. She is also active in her community and is director of the 6th Grade Ministry at her church.

Education Credentials: AS, Architectural CAD Technology, NTI; Continuing studies in ‘Career, Technical Education and Training’ at University of Wisconsin, Stout.

Our Unique Approach

• Experienced Instructors: All instructors have worked in the Architectural field in various capacities.
• Each student has a workstation with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Four semesters of AutoCAD (including Architectural Desktop): the architectural industry leader in CAD software
• Occupational Associate of Science Degree Awarded
• 4 semesters, two academic years, 16 month program

AAS Architectural Building Technology

Links to Occupational Profiles on O*Net

_{Notes. 1 – Tuition, fees and textbook costs are current as of July 1, 2011 and represent estimated costs for students completing the program “on-time”; 2 – “Median Federal Loan Debt” is the median value of total debt from federal student loans for students completing the program in the 2009-2010 award year; 3 – “Median Private Loan Debt” is the median value of total debt from private loan sources for students completing the program in the 2009-2010 award year; 4 – “Median Institutional Loan Debt” is the median value of total debt from institutional financing plans for students completing the program in the 2009-2010 award year; 5 – the “On-Time Completion Rate” reflects the percentage of students completing the program in 2009-1010 who did so within the normal program length; 6 – Job placement rate is calculated according the standards of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC – www.accsc.org) for the 2010 reporting year and includes a cohort of students beginning the program in 2007; 7 – O*Net is the U.S. Department of Labor’s database for job titles and information related to employment in specific career fields. The occupations listed in the table above result from entering the program’s CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) Code into the O*Net Crosswalk at http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/.}