Construction Design and Management

Program Overview:  

Program Of Study Sheet

The Construction Design and Management program is a four course CTE Program of Study.  Students will develop an understanding of the built world through the design and construction process.  Each course uses a project-based learning approach to advance students’ understanding of the design-build-maintain process.  Advanced architectural drafting and design skills are developed through lab-based instruction using Autodesk software tools (AutoCAD and Revit Architecture).  Throughout the program, students will develop a portfolio to demonstrate knowledge of each phase of the design and construction management process.  Students will also have the opportunity to earn industry certification in AutoCAD.

Students enrolled in this program are expected to:

• Understand the design-build-maintain process and the construction industry;
• Identify and use the materials and tools used in the design-build-maintain process;
• Understand the construction process and the interaction of skilled trades, designers and managers;
• Demonstrate the use of basic and advanced design principles;
• Create multiple design plans (architectural, civil and mechanical) for construction projects;
• Understand Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to connect design and construction; and
• Demonstrate project management skills including designing, scheduling and completing an entire construction project.

The four-course sequence includes the following:

Course I – Introduction to Construction Design and Management

This course provides an overview of the design and construction process as well as an introduction to the many career options within the field of construction.  Students will be introduced to core concepts in design and construction including: construction methods and materials; fundamental elements of design; and innovative technologies including Green Construction and Design.  Students will be introduced to design software as they complete basic design projects, such as a bridge design, floor plans and elevation plans.  This course also includes career exploration activities and research regarding the construction industry.

Course II – Principles of Construction Design

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the construction design process.  Students will complete a series of increasingly complex construction design projects in which they incorporate all aspects of the construction process, including zoning and regulation requirements; construction methods and materials, energy conservation; surveying; and project planning.  Students will use design software to generate site plans (topography) as well as detailed building plans. Portfolios are used to show the developmental stages of a design project.  Students will work in teams to develop each aspect of a construction project including developing a proposal, site plans, and construction management documents.

Course III – Advance Design and 3-D Modeling

Students will work in teams to fully develop designs and a construction management plan for a pre-determined site.  In this year-long project, students begin with the legal description and topography of the site and create a proposal for development.  The construction design project must meet the client’s needs, budget, and the site characteristics. Students will generate a series of plans to be included with the proposal for submission to an industry review panel for approval. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate advanced design/drafting skills and be prepared for the AutoCAD certification exam.

Course IV – Advanced Construction Management

This course builds on an understanding of the construction design process to advanced knowledge and skill in construction management.  In this course, students will be required to work in teams to complete a project from existing plans.  The year-long project will focus on building codes and standards, coordination of the construction process, estimating, planning and scheduling; and site management.  Students will complete a portfolio of their design and construction management projects for review by an industry panel.

End-of-Course Assessments and Certification

The first three courses, Introduction to Construction Design and Management, Principles of Construction Design, and Advanced Design prepare students to take exams for AutoCAD credentialing. These courses include the use of AutoCAD to develop architectural plans using industry standards for design and documentation.  As students progress into the advanced courses and use BIM technology, they may also prepare for Revit Architecture certification.