Welcome To Architecture!

Instructor Grades 9&11

Joseph DeLucia
Department Head, Architecture
Joseph.DeLucia@cttech.org
(860) 412-7500 x2908

Instructor Grades 10&12

Zachary Nelson
Instructor, Architecture
Zachary.Nelson@cttech.org
(860) 412-7500 x7827

Course Information

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s Architecture course breakdown by grade. Each student is required to complete four years of a Career Technical Education program.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Exploratory and Introduction to Building Technology Residential Construction and Advanced Drafting Principles Residential Design and Mechanical Systems Commercial Construction Design and Business Practices

Course Descriptions

Students deciding to enter the field of Architecture Technologies will be instructed in program safety and the proper use and care of drafting tools and equipment. Students are introduced to basic drafting skills, including standard drawing conventions and principles, which allows them to communicate graphically. Students begin with small sketching assignments, progress to orthographic and pictorial drawings and end with floor plan and elevation development. Students will also be introduced to sustainable building. They will learn the meaning of sustainable, why it is important in today’s building industry and the various evaluation instruments that are used to create a sustainable building such as LEED, Green Globes and Energy Star.

In Grade 10, students will learn about residential construction methods and materials. They will understand how a residential building is constructed and become familiar with the various building materials that are used in its construction while making it energy efficient and low-impact on the environment. Students continue to develop their drafting skills by developing construction documents and presentation drawings. Students will also be introduced to basic design standards and building codes. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices.

In Grade 11, students receive instruction and demonstrate skills in designing a residential building. This will include study of the various high performance building standards, site analysis, study of the various mechanical systems that are incorporated into a structure and energy audits. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will perform in-school architectural design projects for customers. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

In Grade 12, students receive instruction and demonstrate skills in cabinet design, engineered lumber, foundation types, site plans, roof designs, ceiling designs, section drawings, masonry, electrical fixtures, electrical loading and circuits, septic, well and city water and electrical and plumbing codes. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will perform in-school architectural design projects for customers. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, to interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL). The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam is administered in the second half of senior year.

Students can choose to further their education at numerous colleges and universities across the country in order to obtain a two- or four-year degree in the areas of architectural, structural or civil engineering. A five-year program within a school of architecture leads to licensure as an architect. Immediate employment opportunities include: engineering technician, computer-aided architectural design/drafter or illustrator.