Learn to see, think, and draw like an architect! This semester-long course will introduce students to architectural design thinking and representation through freehand and technical drawing exercises. We will focus on translating between 2D and 3D drawing and visualization while learning the standard orthographic views in architectural drawings – plan, elevation, and section. Students will be exposed to various architects and works of architecture throughout the course.
Weekly assignments will consist of a sketchbook or drafting assignment as well as a reading requirement. A weekly quiz will account for the completion of the reading assignment. Three projects will be done during the semester. For the final design project students will create architectural drawings consisting of plan, elevation, and section and then present their projects in class. This is a standalone course but would be greatly supplemented by the Exploring Architecture semester course taught in fall.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Melisa Kaiser is an architectural designer and homeschool mom of four. She completed an undergraduate degree in architecture at the University of Nebraska, and a Master of Architecture degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology where she received the Henry Adams Medal for graduating with highest honors. She studied high rise design, with an emphasis in energy efficiency and façade technology.
Sara P. –
My daughter took both of Mrs. Kaiser’s courses and they were excellent. The courses featured clear instructions, a helpful textbook, and engaging content. Mrs. Kaiser is an accomplished professional, a patient teacher, a great communicator, and an encouraging mentor.
Ginger C. –
My daughter took both of Mrs. Kaiser’s architecture classes and enjoyed them both. She learned so much from these classes. The workload varies on the assignments, as many assignments build upon one another. Mrs. Kaiser is not only a wonderful teacher, she is also a great Christian role model to the students.
Terri I. –
Our daughter took Arch I and Arch II last year and absolutely loved it. Melisa Kaiser is an excellent teacher and we were so impressed by how much our daughter had learned in one year.