Advanced Architectural CADD

Course Description

This advanced course builds upon foundational drafting skills to develop professional-level competency in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) as applied to architectural projects. Students deepen their knowledge of architectural design and drafting techniques, producing industry-standard construction documents for both residential and commercial applications. Emphasis is placed on advanced use of AutoCAD, Building Information Modeling (BIM) via Revit, architectural detailing, code compliance, and technical illustration. Students are expected to continue building a professional design portfolio using exemplars of their work, each accompanied by a narrative description of the item and any special techniques used.

This course is classified under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) taxonomy of Engineering Technologies > Technical Drafting (TDR0590C) and is typically offered as part of a Florida technical college Drafting & CADD Technology program or certificate pathway.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

• Produce industry-standard dimensioned floor plans showing walls, windows, doors, cabinets, stairs, appliances, fixtures, and other architectural details.
• Produce a dimensioned foundation plan with structural and construction details.
• Produce dimensioned elevation drawings showing grade lines, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and other exterior and interior details.
• Create roof plans, building sections, and wall sections to industry standards.
• Prepare complete construction document sets for residential and/or commercial projects using CADD software.
• Apply advanced AutoCAD commands and techniques to produce accurate 2D architectural drawings and layouts.
• Utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (Revit) to create and manage 3D architectural models.
• Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, and ADA accessibility standards in drawing production.
• Create a reverse-engineered (as-built) drawing from an existing structure or solid object using advanced measuring tools and techniques.
• Produce technical illustrations, including colored or shaded pictorial renderings and presentation-quality graphics.
• Maintain and present a professional design portfolio with narrative descriptions of work and techniques used.
• Apply problem-solving methodologies to assess the functional, economic, and ethical viability of an architectural design or prototype.

Optional Outcomes

• Utilize SolidWorks or other parametric modeling software for advanced mechanical or structural design components.
• Produce 3D printed rapid prototypes (scale models) from CADD data files.
• Demonstrate proficiency in presentation software to communicate design concepts to stakeholders.
• Apply color theory and principles of graphic design in technical illustration and rendering.
• Develop and apply fundamental spreadsheet skills for project documentation and materials estimation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and political effects of technology on the built environment.
• Produce site plans incorporating topography, hardscape, and landscaping elements.
• Apply Revit Family Creation and customize building components and BIM libraries.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Advanced AutoCAD for Architecture — advanced 2D commands, layer management, dimension styles, annotation, plotting, and sheet sets for construction documents
• Architectural Floor Plans — dimensioned plans with walls, windows, doors, stairs, fixtures, appliances, and built-in cabinetry
• Foundation Plans and Details — slab, crawl space, and basement foundation types; footing details and structural notes
• Roof Plans and Roof Framing — roof types (gable, hip, shed, flat), slope notation, and framing layouts
• Building Sections and Wall Sections — full building cross-sections, wall assembly details, and material callouts
• Exterior and Interior Elevations — grade lines, floor/ceiling heights, window/door schedules, finish materials
• Construction Document Sets — title blocks, cover sheets, drawing organization, and sheet numbering conventions
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Revit — model creation, views, schedules, families, sheets, and export to construction documents
• Architectural Details and Assemblies — stair details, millwork, curtain walls, window/door details, and roof-to-wall connections
• As-Built / Reverse Engineering Drawings — field measuring techniques, as-built documentation, and comparison to design drawings
• Building Codes and Zoning — Florida Building Code applications, use groups, occupancy classifications, and ADA accessibility requirements
• Technical Illustration and Rendering — 3D views, shaded renderings, and presentation-quality output for client and permit submittal
• Portfolio Development — compiling, organizing, and presenting exemplary work samples with technical narratives

Optional Topics

• Commercial Architectural Drafting — multi-story building layouts, core and shell drawings, tenant improvement plans
• Structural and MEP Coordination — basic introduction to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural drawing integration within BIM
• Site Plans and Civil Coordination — site grading, parking layouts, utilities, and landscape plan elements
• SolidWorks / 3D Parametric Modeling — parts, assemblies, and drawing views for architectural components
• Rapid Prototyping / 3D Printing — exporting CADD models for fabrication of scale architectural models
• Revit Family Creation — custom component families, parametric constraints, and BIM library management
• Sustainable Design Concepts — LEED documentation basics, energy-efficient building envelope strategies
• Graphic Design Principles for Presentation — color theory, layout composition, and use of presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Adobe tools)

Resources & Tools

• Software: Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit (BIM), SolidWorks (optional), Adobe Acrobat/PDF tools
• Hardware: CADD workstation computer lab with large-format plotters/printers; 3D printer (where available)
• Reference Standards: Florida Building Code (current edition), ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Architectural Graphic Standards
• Textbooks / References: Architectural Drafting and Design (Jefferis & Madsen) or equivalent; Autodesk Revit for Architecture courseware
• Autodesk Student Access: Students may be eligible for no-cost Autodesk student software licenses (AutoCAD, Revit) through their institution's Autodesk Education Community enrollment
• Online Resources: Autodesk Knowledge Network, Autodesk Learn (on-demand), Florida DOE Curriculum Frameworks for Technical Drafting

Career Pathways

Completion of this course, as part of a Florida technical college Drafting & CADD Technology program, prepares students for entry-level to mid-level employment in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Drafting employment opportunities span a wide range of specialized fields.

• Architectural Drafter — prepares construction documents for architectural firms under the supervision of licensed architects
• CAD Technician / Operator — produces 2D and 3D drawings for engineering consultants, contractors, and design-build firms
• BIM Technician / Modeler — creates and manages Revit models for commercial and residential construction projects
• Civil Drafter — supports civil engineering projects including site plans, grading, and infrastructure drawings
• Structural Drafter — produces structural framing plans and details under the direction of structural engineers
• Construction Project Support — assists project managers with drawing coordination, submittal preparation, and RFI documentation

According to statewide data, there are approximately 6,440 people employed in architectural drafting and architectural CADD jobs in Florida, with graduates earning an average of $53,270 annually in the state.

Special Information

Industry Certification Preparation

Florida technical college programs that include this course typically prepare students to sit for approved state and/or nationally recognized industry certification or licensure exams in their field of study. Relevant certifications include:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — AutoCAD: Validates foundational AutoCAD proficiency for drafting and design roles
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) — Revit Architecture: Demonstrates advanced BIM and construction documentation skills using Revit
• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — Revit: Entry-level BIM credential applicable to architectural technician positions

Students completing this course as part of a full Drafting & CADD Technology program may also be eligible to receive articulated college credits transferable to an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Engineering Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, or related programs at Florida state colleges such as Broward College, Eastern Florida State College, or St. Petersburg College.