Sustainable Design
CurriculumDirect to Work
Offered in the Classroom
- AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree | 61 Credits
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design
The next generation of architectural designers will be challenged to give shape to a sustainable world. CCD’s architectural technology programs are designed to provide a springboard into a rewarding career, whether transferring into a four-year degree program or direct employment within the design community as an architectural technologist paraprofessional. CCD’s pathways offer a balance of technical skill training with the development of collaborative design-thinking abilities crucial to solving the complex range of today’s building tasks.
The sustainable design program — which shares a core set of courses with the A.A.S. degree in architectural technology and the A.A.S. degree in digital design media — focuses on developing proficiency in integrated energy and resource conservation concepts in architectural design and the methodologies used to implement them. Studies include regional and global implications of sustainable design and training in using and administering green building standards in professional practice. The degree enables you to pursue a career in sustainable design consultation and green building certification administration.
All A.A.S. degree pathways also provide a cost-effective springboard for transfer into a four-year nonprofessional degree program in architecture.
Academic Support
The architectural technology studio in the Boulder Creek Building is open for some hours outside of class for students to do independent classwork. Times vary each semester; please check with the program chair.
Academic support is also provided through the Excel Zone. It helps all students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Zone is located in Cherry Creek Building, rooms 205 & 210.
Course & Program Fees
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees:
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 100, AEC 102, AEC 104, AEC 122, AEC 123, AEC 125, AEC 125, AEC 175, AEC 205, AEC 218, AEC 225, AEC 236, AEC 275 |
High-cost course fee | $7.21 (per credit hour) |
| AEC 104, AEC 225 | Modeling & paper supplies | $30.00 (flat) |
Financial Aid Eligibility
The A.A.S. degree is currently eligible for federal financial aid. However, the certificate is not yet available.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships.
Stop by the financial aid office on the first floor of the Confluence Building for help with the federal financial aid application. Walk-in hours are offered every Wednesday from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Confluence Building, room 118.
Job Outlook & Salary Information
What Can I Do with My Major?
Employment of drafters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. Increased construction activity is projected to drive demand for drafters.
There are numerous job possibilities with a degree in architectural technologies.
- Architectural Technicians
- Designers
- Estimators
- Detailers
- Model Builders
- Illustrators/Renderers
- Product Representatives
- Specification Writers
Learn more about this career path by visiting CCD's Career and Transfer Center.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for architecture/engineering drafters as $54,170 per year ($26.04 per hour) in May 2017. Graduates can expect to earn $35,000-$45,000 per year for an entry-level position with an A.A.S degree.
Stackable
The sustainable design certificate seamlessly transfers to the Associate of Applied Science degree in sustainable design.