Design it. Build it. From tiny houses to towering office buildings, and everything in between, as a graduate of the renowned OCC Architectural Technology program you will have the knowledge and skill base you need to succeed in the region’s top architectural, design and construction firms. OCC offers an associate degree and various certificate programs and unique, future-forward technology and opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else, like our Sustainable Design and Design/Build programs that feature cutting-edge technology like the Framecad, which fabricates steel framing for buildings with nearly zero waste.

Develop and prototype your ideas using 3D printers and laser cutters and other new maker tools in our technology-rich Makerspace. Prepare for an entry-level professional position in design and architecture firms, or prepare to transfer to a four-year college. Imagine using your creativity, analytical and design skills to create the structures and sustainable environments of tomorrow. Read on to learn more about your options.

A sampling of courses for these careers

  • Architectural Drawing and Design Visualization
  • Architectural Construction Documents
  • Environmental Design Systems
  • Building Materials and Systems
  • CAD 2-D for Architecture
  • Design Fabrication

SEE COURSE CATALOG


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  • COST/FINANCIAL AID AVAILABILITY

  • JOB WAGE OUTLOOK

  • SCHEDULING OPTIONS.

Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in architectural technology.

Build upon your skills if you’re already employed in the field. Or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

View all program details in course catalog

Architectural Design 1

Prepare for an entry-level professional position at an architectural or related design office by completing this first-year certificate.

Architectural Design 2

Prepare for a junior/intermediate-level drafting/design position at an architectural or related firm, or for transfer to an architectural or environmental design program at a university. Learn critical-thinking, design and visual communication.

Design/Build

Learn to design, develop and construct small sustainable projects.

Digital Fabrication for Architecture

Learn to design, develop and construct three-dimensional environmental design installations and objects using digital fabrication tools. 

Integrated Project Design

Learn to design, develop, virtually construct and administrate multi-disciplinary projects using BIM technology.

Micro-Structure Design Technology

Learn to design, plan, build, and produce power for a small structure at an entry level of skill in the design/build profession.

Sustainable Design

Learn to design, develop, analyze and promote sustainable environmental design practices.

View all program details in course catalog

Environmental Resource Management

Gain the necessary skills and resources to land jobs across all industry sectors related to recycling and resource management.

FrameCAD Steel Design

Gain the skills to design and produce digital files for a small structure using FrameCAD software and FrameCAD Factory. 

FrameCAD Steel Production

Gain the skills to safely manufacture and assemble steel frame custom components into a structure. Learn how to operate and maintain a FrameCAD machine, and organize and schedule project workflow to utilize the machine and workers efficiently and safely.

View all program details in course catalog

Architecture

Develop an understanding of the concepts, skills and competencies necessary for further study in the field. Contact an OCC counselor for help with additional course preparation, if you plan to transfer to an architectural program and/or related environmental design program at a university after earning your associate degree. 

Architectural Design 1

Complete the Architectural Design 1 Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared for an entry-level professional position at an architectural or related design office.

Architectural Design 2

Complete the Architectural Design 2 Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared for a junior/intermediate-level drafting/design position at an architectural or related firm, or for transfer to an architectural or environmental design program at a university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Programs That Might Interest You

Close up view of color and fabric swatches, scissors, colored pencils and magnifier

INTERIOR DESIGN

Launch and build a career in interior design through one of our certificate programs

Learn More

Man examines cactus plant with magnifying glass

HORTICULTURE

Prepare to enter the field with a horticulture certificate or choose one of our certificates of specialization to advance your skills

Learn More

Man in plaid shirt stands on a roof frame

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Train to enter the construction field or build on the skills you already have through one of our certificate programs

Learn More

Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.

Our Team

Katie Ottoson
Katie Ottoson, M.S.
Counselor, CTE and
Career Services
Cindy Voss
Cindy Voss
Counselor, Technology
Programs