Architectural Design (BA)

Two boys playing basketball in an indoor court with a high wooden ceiling and large windows.

The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BA) program provides a robust foundation in architectural design. The ability to define a problem, work through design iterations, and refine solutions are some of the transferrable skills that will prepare you for careers within and beyond architecture.

With an emphasis on building strong portfolios, you can pursue graduate school or careers in architecture and related fields. Curricular flexibility means you can select courses that best meet your career goals.

In California, the BA degree offers a modified path to architectural licensure. This program is not NAAB-accredited and may not be accepted as meeting architectural licensure requirements in other U.S. states.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Architecture

ARH 110

Studio: Concept and Form Core/3

Learn design principles for creating spaces for people. You will utilize design, methodology, and space-making principles to gain fundamental knowledge and skills in environmental design and prepare for future architecture and landscape architecture studios.

ARH 170

Design Communication 1 Core/3

Create architectural drawings that convey design intent. Draft and model architectural spaces moving fluidly between 2D and 3D to create orthographic and isometric drawings. Learn the fundamentals of architectural drawing conventions and develop an efficient workflow incorporating Rhino and Adobe Suite.

ARH 239

Materials and Methods Core/3

Material choices are design decisions. You'll evaluate the unique properties and construction methods of materials, including the social constructs, environmental impacts, and design opportunities they provide.

ARH 240

Site Design and Mapping Core/3

Experience the dynamic interdisciplinary nature of site design. Taking physical characteristics, regulatory parameters, accessibility, and sustainable design principles into consideration, you'll develop a site design that combines your skills and understanding of topography, landscape, and urban design.

ARH 255

Studio: Context and Narrative Core/6

Theaters are cultural institutions for collective story-telling. Design a theater by developing a critical viewpoint on the role of society, community, and culture. You will develop a design methodology through the analysis of the site as well as a cultural artifact. Iterative use of hand drawing, physical model-making, and digital drawing will lead to a spatial composition.

ARH 410

Studio: Tectonics and Structure Core/6

Architecture is a reflection of contemporary culture and conflict invites innovation. You will question preconceptions to find outdated modes of inhabiting space and discover new program relationships, spatial conditions, and rich tectonic expressions. You must take this course concurrently with ARH 420.

FND 113

Sketching for Communication Core/3

Communicate your ideas through sketching by applying classical design principles to depict objects and environments accurately in scale and perspective. Develop strong compositional strategies to create clear, compelling visuals.

LAN 223

Computer Aided Drafting for Landscape Architecture Core/3

You'll use your newly acquired hand drafting skills to digitally draft plans, sections, and elevations. Learn to use the same software that today's design professionals use to produce drawings that are legible, accurate, and well organized.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Core	18
Sophomore Portfolio	6
Senior Portfolio	6
Major	39
Liberal Arts	42
Elective	9
Total	120

BA ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 2.0 GPA
Minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and the following Liberal Arts courses:
LA 115 Natural Systems in the Landscape
LA 219 History of the Built Environment 1: Ancient to Gothic
LA 249 History of the Built Environment 2: Renaissance to 1900
LA 255 College Math
LA 271 College Algebra with Geometry
LA 292 Programming & Culture
LA 296 Applied Physics
LA 319 History of the Built Environment 3: 1900 to Present
LA 359 Urban Sociology
LA 429 Architecture Theory
LA 485 Tell your Story: Personal Statement, Portfolio, Resume

And the following general education requirements:
3 History of the Built Environment courses
1 Written Communications: Research and Analysis course
1 Art & Design Communication course
1 Ecological Systems course
1 Fundamental Math course
1 Applied Math course
1 Applied Physics course
1 Cultural Influences & Human Behavior course
1 Historical Awareness course
1 Architecture Employment Communications & Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design Process & Critical Thinking

Use an iterative design process to incorporate feedback and refine proposals
Articulate and extend conceptual thinking through diagrams
Develop criteria to generate and evaluate organizing principles
Communicate critical analyses of precedent buildings and built environments

Architectural Design

Develop architectural proposals appropriate for site context in scale and program
Organize efficient floor plans to meet user and program requirements
Produce accurate orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings to convey design intent
Develop fluency in using digital and analog tools in combination for ideation and iteration
Construct drawings and models with a high level of craft and attention to detail

Presentation

Explain and defend design decisions in verbal and written presentations
Create visual presentations with logical sequencing, layout composition, and hierarchy of information

Leadership & Community

Protect life safety and provide equitable access in built environments

Environmental Stewardship

Analyze site climate data to determine passive heating and cooling strategies
Compare environmental impacts of design options using energy modeling tools

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.

*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu