2024 – 2025
Architectural & Mechanical Design
Beverly Rebelo, Academy D Administrator – Ext. 632
Course & Program of Studies
Statement of Purpose
The Architectural & Mechanical Design curriculum aims to develop students’ understanding and practical skills in using AutoCAD, Chief Architect, and Revit software. The program introduces students to the core principles of the graphical language used in technical drawings, along with essential drafting techniques utilized in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Students will enhance their knowledge through various assignments, such as pictorial drawing, orthographic projection, dimensioning, sketching, measurement, blueprint reading, and the creation of working drawings.
Exploratory Program
The CAD-Drafting Exploratory program introduces the student to basic Architectural and Mechanical Drafting techniques using the latest version of AutoCAD, a 2D software used for architectural and mechanical drafting and Chief Architect, a 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. The AutoCAD assignments include an assortment of 2 dimensional objects, floor plans and a multitude of mechanical parts. A Chief Architect assignment includes designing a penthouse apartment. During each project the student will be introduced to more advanced commands and applications. Students will learn the various career paths available to graduates from this program. All students are assessed on each assignment and results are compiled using the school wide exploratory rubric grading template.
The Mechanical Drafting Exploratory program introduces the student to basic Architectural and Mechanical Drafting techniques using the latest version of AutoCAD, a 2D software, used for architectural and mechanical drafting and Chief Architect, a 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. The AutoCAD assignments include an assortment of 2 dimensional objects, floor plans and a multitude of mechanical parts. A Chief Architect assignment includes designing a penthouse apartment. During each project the student will be introduced to more advanced commands and applications. Students will also learn the various career paths available to graduates from this program. All students are assessed on each assignment and results are compiled using the school wide exploratory rubric grading template.
Freshman Program
Permanent CAD Drafting students entering the 9th grade are provided with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for success in the Drafting profession. The Basic Level course will be in AutoCAD and Chief Architect. Computer-aided design (CAD) drafters utilize software to create technical drawings for building construction and product manufacturing. Students will expand their knowledge through assignments that include; pictorial drawing, orthographic projection, dimensioning, sketching, measurement, blueprint reading, assembly and working drawings.
These courses are the fundamentals of the drafting industry, and students will be instructed with the latest software available to the architectural/mechanical drafter and designer.
Instruction includes demonstrations, hands-on applications; math, reading/writing assignments, and quizzes/tests will determine competency levels of the students.
Sophomore Program
This course is designed to further develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in the drafting field. The curriculum focuses on both architectural and mechanical drafting which now moves into the intermediate level. Mechanical topics include orthographic projection, isometrics, section views, auxiliary views, hand sketching, tolerances, and 3D modeling (rapid prototyping.) Skills are reinforced using the latest versions of 2D AutoCAD and 3D SolidWorks.
Software instruction includes solid part modeling and assembly modeling. This course will continue the architectural drafting curriculum featuring the latest version of 2D AutoCAD. Topics include floor plans, sections, elevations, details and their application. Instruction includes demonstrations, and hands-on applications; math, and reading/writing assignments, quizzes and tests will be used to determine competency levels. Students are encouraged to attend after school help sessions if they are behind in their assignments and feel they need extra help.
Sophomore Related Class
Drafting Technology Sophomore Related Math
This course is based on the Vocational Technical Education Frameworks written by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (June 2014). The student is taught various aspects of drafting technology in practical and realistic mathematical problems that the student will encounter in everyday work situations. This course provides the students with the technical skills required to succeed in the field of drafting technology and is a prerequisite for entrance into both the Architectural Drafting and Mechanical Drafting Shop programs.
Students will:
- Demonstrate mastery in basic math operations such as basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, and fractions.
- Demonstrate mastery of reading a scale.
- Demonstrate mastery of converting feet and inches into decimals.
- Demonstrate mastery in finding areas of: circles, squares and rectangles.
- Demonstrate mastery of finding volume of a cube and rectangle and unit conversions.
- Demonstrate knowledge in finding angles in a triangle.
- Demonstrate knowledge in simple trigonometry functions.
- Mechanical Drafting
- Orthographic (Multiview) Projection
- Dimensioning different styles
- Section View types
- Hatch patterns
- Isometric Projections
- Perspective Projection (for architectural)
- Working Drawings for different industries
- Auxiliary Projections
- Basic Dimension Tolerances and how they affect the work.
- Basic screw threads
- Occupations in drafting
Junior Program
The curriculum features Level 300 Architectural Drafting and 3D BIM modeling using AutoCAD and Chief Architect. This course is designed to give students the opportunity to advance their knowledge and technical skills in the architecture drafting discipline. The Architectural Drafting student will use their knowledge of building and construction to create very accurately scaled drawings, elevations, sections, construction details, and presentation drawings. They will learn structural principles such as how and why of building stands, as well as the how and why of interior design principles. Students will learn model making techniques through hands-on experiences.
Students will also receive specialized training and application concerning the overall architectural design processes, construction process, and construction trade math. The Architectural Drafting program is nationally certified by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).
Junior Related: Structures I
The Junior Structures I curriculum is based on the 2014 Vocational Technical Education Drafting Frameworks written by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and incorporates all six strands. It provides the students with the basic knowledge and understanding of how to apply the basic trade math to the design and construction of a building. The student will develop basic trade math skills using the principles of construction and structural design. Students are taught structural calculations using measurement, geometry, and algebra. These are the skills that they would encounter in the everyday work force and beyond.
Students will:
- Demonstrate mastery in basic geometry (Perimeter, Area, Volume as it relates to solving for foundation/footing/patios)
- Demonstrate mastery in basic algebra (Using word problems, fractions, percentages as it relates to construction math)
- Demonstrate mastery in Reading Tools of Measurements (as it applies to drafting and designing)
- Demonstrate mastery in Personal Finances (as it relates to owning a business, budgets, pricing and income)
- Demonstrate mastery in Practical Math (as it relates to measurements metric standards in construction and conversion).
- Demonstrates mastery in Pythagorean theory as it relates to roof design
Junior Related 2: Architecture & Engineering Design I
This curriculum is based on the 2014 Vocational Technical Education Drafting Frameworks written by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and incorporates all six strands. It provides the students with the basic knowledge and understanding of how to apply the principles of construction to a design, to develop an understanding of basic structural design and to apply design theory to a building. The student will develop basic (manual) drafting and visualization skills, and solve spatial problems, develop interpersonal, written and communicative skills that they would encounter in the everyday work force.
Students will:
- Demonstrate mastery in the understanding of the principle of construction.
- Demonstrate mastery in drawing elevations
- Demonstrate mastery in foundation design.
- Demonstrate mastery drawing wall framing systems.
- Demonstrate mastery drawing floor framing plans.
- Demonstrate mastery drawing roof framing plans.
- Demonstrate knowledge in Interior/building codes
- Demonstrate mastery in interior design, including room, stairs and fireplace design.
Senior Program
The curriculum features Level 400 Architectural Drafting and 3D BIM modeling using AutoCAD, Revit and Chief Architect. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to continue proficiently in their technical skills and comprehension level in the drafting discipline of architecture. The Architectural Drafting student will use their knowledge
of building and construction, design including floor plans, elevations, sections, construction details, and presentation drawings to create working construction drawings. Students work on a variety of “Live Jobs” both outside and within the school campus. Live jobs are projects done for actual clients. Live jobs have consisted of; new residential construction, kitchen design, theater set designs, and a variety of non-profit organizations. The Architectural Drafting program is nationally certified by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).
Senior Related: Architecture & Engineering Design II
The Senior Architecture & Engineering Design II curriculum is based on the 2014 Vocational Technical Education Drafting Frameworks written by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and incorporates all six strands. It provides the students with the basic knowledge and understanding of how to prepare construction documents, architectural office practices and assemble a set of working drawings. The student will solve special problems, and develop basic visualization, interpersonal written and communicative skills that they would encounter in the everyday work force.
Students will:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in drawing management
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in site planning and plot plan design.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of environmental design factors of a site and disaster prevention.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in writing schedules & specifications.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in building codes & financial planning.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge strengths of materials in concrete/masonry.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge strengths of steel.
- Demonstrate mastery in developing and drawing electrical plans
- Demonstrate mastery in drawing plumbing plans.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units
Senior Related 2: Structures II – Elective
The Senior Structures II curriculum is based on the 2014 Vocational Technical Education Drafting Frameworks written by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and incorporates all six strands. It provides the students with the basic knowledge and understanding of how to maintain personal financial documents, calculate profit, estimate materials and prepare a cost estimate for a small job. The student will develop basic mathematical skills, interpersonal, written and communicative skills that they would encounter in the everyday work force.
Students will:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in personal finances
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in percent, interest and discount.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of estimating quantity of material for a small structure.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of estimating cost for the material.
Senior Related 3: Texture Services
Students will develop an understanding of the products, procedures, and history on the topics of chemical texture services, which include permanent waving, chemical hair relaxing, and soft curl perms. Braiding, hair extensions, and basic spa services will also be examined.
Students will have an opportunity to apply the related theory in the shop setting. Instruction will include lectures, hand-outs, articles, role playing, guest artists, presentations, classroom assignments, tests, quizzes, audio visual presentations and brainstorming.
Certifications
Architectural
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- The ADDA Drafter Certification Examination (optional)
- The Autodesk® Certified User exam – 2D AutoCAD
Mechanical Drafting
- Career Safe Certification, recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Certified Solidworks Associate Exam 3D modeling
- The Autodesk® Certified User exam – 2D AutoCAD
- The ADDA Drafter Certification Examination-Certified Mechanical Drafter
Career Opportunities
Architectural
-
With a Two year Option
– Associate of Science Degree
- Architectural drafters – create diagram features of buildings, both structural and architectural, used in construction jobs.
- Electrical drafters – create diagrams that lay out wiring setups. These diagrams are used by professionals who repair and install electrical equipment and wiring.
- Mechanical drafters – prepare detailed assembly drafts for use with mechanical devices and machines. These drawings include methods of fastening, dimensions and other specifications.
- Civil drafters – create topography and relief maps for use in civil engineering projects. These projects include bridges, water and sewage systems, highways and flood control setups.
- Electronics drafters – diagram schematics for assembling circuit boards and wiring for use in electronic device manufacturing and repair.
With a Four Year Option plus option
– Bachelor of Science, Master’s Degree
- Architect- plans, designs, and reviews the construction of buildings for the principal purpose of human occupancy or use.
- Civil Engineer-deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.
- Construction Managers- oversee the planning, design, and construction of a project, from its beginning to its end.
- Electromechanical Engineer- Evaluates electrical systems and products components
- Interior Designer- makes interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful.
- Industrial Designer-develop concepts and designs for manufactured products or housewares.
- Landscape Architect- oversees site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, stormwater management, sustainable design.
- Mechanical Engineer – applies the principles of engineering, physics, and materials science for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Mechanical Drafting
- Detail Draftsperson
- Engineering Assistant
- CAD Detailer
- Mechanical Drafter
- Mechanical Designer
- Civil Drafter
- Electrical Drafter
Post-Secondary Education
Architectural
Upon completion of this Technical Program students will be better prepared for college to receive a degree in either options of an Associate of Science Degree or a Bachelor of Science that could lead to further studies with a Master’s Degree in the trade.
Mechanical Drafting
Upon completion of this Technical Program, students will be better prepared for postsecondary education (college) in the following courses of study:
Two or four year options in:
- Manufacturing Technology
- Electro-mechanical Technology
- Industrial Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Industrial Design