College Certificate - Residential Drafting and Design (RDAD)

Program Description This hands-on introduction to residential design includes consideration of the environment, building codes and residential building design practices. It delivers marketable skills in under a year of study and prepares students for further study in the Architectural Technician/Technology program. In this program, you will: Get a practical blend of classroom instruction and hands-on studio experience. Design a small building by creatively addressing the use of space, costs, code requirements and the environment. Obtain showcase creativity and analytical skills to create a design and then bring your concepts to life with a 3D scale model. Develop marketable skills and knowledge in: blueprint reading and drafting; residential building codes; computer-assisted drafting (AutoCAD); construction methods for wood-frame housing; estimating materials and costs; and presenting your designs. This program was designed in consultation with regional employers to produce graduates with in-demand skills. Upon graduation, you may find opportunities as a house designer, draftsperson, assistant project manager, renderer/concept artist, CAD operator, building product representative or estimator. With further study in the Architectural Technician/Technology program, graduates can broaden their opportunities to work on larger commercial or public projects.