Architectural Commercial Design
Unique in the State
Associate Degree
63 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior
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Career Cluster: Architecture & Construction
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Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
Are you interested in building a career in design and construction? As a CAD/BIM technician, you will play a vital role in creating the technical drawings that bring building designs to life. Whether you’re working in architectural and engineering offices, design/build companies, manufacturing firms, or lumber yards, understanding building construction and being able to produce precise, detailed drawings are key to success in this field.
The Architectural Commercial Design program is your gateway to this exciting career. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create the essential drawings that are critical to the construction and design process. If you're ready to launch your career and make your mark in the world of architecture and design, this program is the perfect place to start!
Program Overview
The Architectural Commercial Design program is the perfect fit if you’re interested in the combination of design, construction, and technology. This program emphasizes not just the artistic side of architecture, but also the science of building construction and the importance of effective communication through technical drawings. You will gain proficiency in powerful tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs, allowing you to create highly detailed and accurate designs for real-world construction projects. Our students graduate with skills in industry standard software, contribute immediately in the profession, integrate design with practical construction knowledge, and are desired hires by prospective employers.
Employers are impressed with Northwood Tech graduates' understanding of the entire building process, building connection details and programs like Revit and AutoCAD.
Program Outcomes
Architectural Commercial Design graduates will be able to:
- Develop construction documents
- Evaluate building materials
- Develop building designs
- Integrate building systems
- Use computer-aided drafting, building information modeling and architecture-related software
- Utilize office practices and standards
- Utilize the Enrolled Wisconsin Commercial Building Code incorporating the International Building Code (IBC)
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Get a practical, hands-on approach to architecture that will prepare you with the skills that employers are seeking.
Learn by doing.
Great starting salary.
Use current technology.
Academics
The Architectural Commercial Design program is unique in Wisconsin, meaning there is no other program like it in the state. The classes prepare you to translate ideas, rough sketches, building code requirements, specifications and calculations of engineers, architects, and designers into commercial and residential working drawings.
Become an Architect
With just five years of work experience and successful completion of the Architect Registration Examination®, you could become a licensed architect in Wisconsin.
Learn from Home
Connect with your instructor and classmates during live classes via the web.
Experienced Instructors
Northwood Tech is large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you. Northwood Tech’s experienced instructors are knowledgeable, approachable and eager to help you.
Required Courses
The courses in the Architectural Commercial Design program are designed to incrementally increase students' knowledge in construction, CAD/BIM and building systems.
The first year of the program includes classes that introduce wood-frame construction, CAD/BIM programs and drafting, as well as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. The second year of the program, classes cover commercial construction, estimating, structures, as well as more advanced drafting. By the last semester, students are working in teams for non-profit clients and creating and presenting design solutions.
Featured Architectural Commercial Design courses
Architectural Commercial Design is Part of a Career Pathway
As an Architectural Commercial Design student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
Continue your education to earn an associate degree.
Earn a bachelor's degree through Northwood Tech's transfer opportunities.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Architectural Commercial Design
63 Credits | 2 Years
$10,456
Laptops with architectural software are available for student use while in the program.
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
Laptops with architectural software are available for student use while in the Architectural Commercial Design program.
After the Northwood Tech Architectural Commercial Design program
Architectural drafters are in high demand. Northwood Tech's graduates have no problems finding employment; in fact, they are often faced with the difficult decision of choosing between several job offers.
The first job a graduate takes is usually as a CAD technician, BIM technician or Architectural technician. Graduates work in many different areas such as architectural and engineering offices, design/build companies, manufacturing firms, as well as lumber yards.
Though there are many career options, in an architectural office, graduates start their careers by working closely with a team of architects and engineers to design buildings by creating construction documents, or blueprints. After working for a few years, graduates can become project managers where they are able to design projects more independently. In some cases, this happens much earlier. About five percent of Northwood Tech's graduates go on to become licensed architects via a four-year university or documented experience through NCARB.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
