Architecture
14 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ARCH 101 Introduction to Technical Drawing & Graphics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This basic course in technical drawing and graphics is for students with no previous drafting skills or training who want to pursue training in fields and careers related to architecture, civil design, and engineering design drafting. Practical application with the tools, techniques, standards, and practices used in the industries that need technical drawings and graphics. ARCH 101, CIV 101, ENGT 101 are cross-listed. Credit will be granted for one course only.
ARCH 103 History of Architecture: Renaissance to Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in college at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course surveys the historical development of modern architecture from the Renaissance to the present day. The influence of technological, ecological, environmental, cultural, and socio-economic factors on architecture are considered. Analysis of current and future trends and developments in contemporary architecture and environmental design is covered.
ARCH 110 Construction Document Reading and Estimating
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, be able to read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for architecture students as well as apprentices and employees in all areas of the construction industry, and covers residential, light commercial, and industrial building construction. The course introduces the use of prints, construction documents, and the theory of construction estimating as used in the building industry. Principles of reading working drawings and plans; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specifications; details and elevations; and electrical specifications are included, as are materials estimating, and estimating rules, tables, and procedures.
ARCH 115 Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and Design
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory course is for students interested in the field of architectural drawing and design. The course includes the study of architectural graphic standards related to creating construction drawings for residential projects (e.g., site plans, floor plans, roof plans, and elevations). Electrical, foundation and framing, and other drawings for a single-family residential structure are discussed. Emphasis is placed on symbology, conventions, and techniques to develop technical skills an entry-level architectural drafter needs. Construction methods, building codes, design factors, planning, and the use of reference materials are discussed and applied. All construction documents are developed using traditional board drafting methods and standards.
ARCH 125 Residential Architecture: Design & Construction
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 115
- Advisory
- ENGT 150 or ENGT 170 or industry experience in CADD applications
- Transfers to
- CSU
This intermediate-level course is for students pursuing a degree or certificate in architectural design and drawing, and is a requirement for both the A.S. degree and certificate. The course includes the study of common planning concerns as well as the most significant building ordinances and codes that influence the design of single-family residential spaces. As a component of the course, students prepare select architectural plans for a residential building project. Emphasis is placed on site planning, appropriate and accurate space dimensioning, door/window (safety) requirements, plumbing requirements, multi-story access, exterior surface coverings, and basic structural framing.
ARCH 215 Perspective and Rendering
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or ARCH 101, ENGT 105
- Advisory
- ENGT 150, ARCH 115
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students utilize the theory and practical application of perspective drawing and rendering in design fields such as architecture and interior design. Topics include one and two-point perspectives, and rendering techniques such as markers, pastels, pencil, pen, ink, and design software. Presentation techniques are also discussed.
ARCH 225 Commercial Architecture: Design and Construction
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 115
- Advisory
- ENGT 150 or ENGT 170 or industry experience in CADD applications
- Transfers to
- CSU
This advanced level course is for students pursuing an A.S. Degree or Certificate in Architecture and Architectural Design and Drawing. The course includes the study of common planning concerns as well as the most significant building ordinances and codes which influence the design of commercial spaces. As a component of the course, students will prepare select architectural plans for a commercial building project. Emphasis is placed on effective space utilization, technical plans, elevations, aesthetics, accessible requirements, site utilization and development, traffic flow, and landscaping.
ARCH 235 Architectural Design Studio
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- CIV 101 or ARCH 101 or ENGT 101
- Advisory
- ARCH 115, ENGT 150, ARCH 215
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students learn about topics related to multiple design principles, including concept applications, spatial and form definition, preliminary studies, interior and exterior space planning, site orientation, styles, and materials. Student design concepts are expressed both verbally and graphically through presentation drawings, isometrics and perspectives, conceptual models, renderings, and photographs. Students develop skills in a studio environment, addressing existing conditions, problem-solving with design criteria, codes, and environmental relationships, and working on abstract, residential, and small commercial structures.
ARCH 236 Architectural Design Studio II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 235
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This second-level course builds upon the foundation of the Architectural Design Studio course (ARCH 235). The course presents additional design approaches to the spatial and form definition of an architectural program; urban and site planning; and topographic, civil, and environmental issues. Architectural design proposals and projects are expressed verbally and graphically using presentation drawings, conceptual models, renderings, and photographs. Students enhance their design skills in a studio atmosphere, working to justify their design solutions.
ARCH 260 Residential Architecture Using Revit and 3D Software
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 115, ENGT 150
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is for students pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Architecture or Architectural Design and Drawing with the intent of transferring and continuing their study of architecture. It presents an intensive study of building information modeling (BIM) applications as they relate to architecture. Utilizing the latest releases of Revit BIM software and technical and architectural drafting conventions learned in previous courses, students will produce two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) BIM-generated residential architectural drawings and 3D virtual models. High technology skills necessary to function as a designer or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) drafter are emphasized.
ARCH 261 Construction Technology and BIM
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ARCH 115
- Advisory
- ENGT 150
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course presents an intensive study of building information modeling (BIM) applications as they relate to construction. Students will produce two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) BIM generated commercial drawings, building data, and 3D virtual models. BIM application features includes cost estimating, scheduling, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. extensions of the Revit software. High technology skills necessary to function within the evolving industry.
ARCH 280 Advanced MicroStation for CADD & BIM Applications
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ENGT 170 or appropriate CADD work experience
- Advisory
- ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is for students pursuing advanced study in MicroStation 3D parametric CADD (Computer Assisted Design and Drafting) and the BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach to building design using Bentley Architecture digital modeling applications. Students apply previously learned drafting conventions to produce 2D and 3D CADD- and BIM-generated mechanical and architectural drawings and virtual design models. This course benefits all students studying architecture, civil engineering of all types, drafting, design, and computer graphics. Emphasis is placed on the high technology skills necessary to function as a designer or CADD drafter.
ARCH 290 Work Experience Education/Internship for Architecture-Related Fields
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 Lecture, 54-216 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of architectural design drafting and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.
ARCH 299 Directed Study in Architecture Design & Drawing
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/ or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take Directed Study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.