Architecture

Our associates degree in architecture offers students the foundation of an architectural education. With courses taught by licensed, practicing architects, our program develops students to be prepared for transfer to a university or to enter the workforce with an understanding of architectural design. At ACC you will take courses that familiarize you with architectural theory, history, design, and construction. Ideal for students who aspire to be future architects, or who want to improve their skills in the design and CAD workforce.

Workforce Information

Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.

Please see the Bureau of Labor Statistics page on Architects by visiting their site here.

Please see the Occupational Information Network page on Architects by visiting their site here.

Program Coordinator & Advising

Morgan Slusarek
Architecture Coordinator
Assistant Department Chair

Email: morgan.slusarek@austincc.edu
Phone: N/A
Directory: Morgan Slusarek

Jonathan Pearson
Architecture Coordinator

Email: jonathan.pearson@austincc.edu
Phone: 512.223.1469
Directory: Jonathan Pearson

Morgan Slusarek is one of the program coordinators for the Architecture program in the A&E CAD department. She also serves as an Assistant Department Chair, academic advisor, and as a professor.




Jonathan Pearson is one of the program coordinators for the Architecture program in the A&E CAD department.

Erlene Clark, previous program coordinator for Architecture, and Theo Krause (theodore.krause@austincc.edu), program coordinator for Architectural CAD, discuss the options students have in architecture with the A&E CAD department.

Programs Offered

The Associate of Science (AS) in Architecture degree program is for students preparing to transfer to university architectural programs. The degree plan incorporates the Architecture Field of Study Curriculum as adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

The AS in Architecture degree began at ACC in the fall semester of 2020. The program equips students with the credits and knowledge necessary to transfer to a public four-year university in Texas to further their education in Architecture.

At the completion of the Associate of Science degree in Architecture, the student will be able to:

  • Write and speak effectively and use representational media appropriate for both writing and speaking within the architectural profession and with the general public (Professional Communication Skills)
  • Raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative outcomes against relevant criteria and standards (Design Thinking Skills)
  • Identify and effectively use basic formal, organizational and environmental principles and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design (Architectural Design Skills)
  • Identify and apply the fundamentals of both natural and formal ordering systems and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design (Ordering Systems).

Degree Plan




Adjunct Faculty

Courses Offered

Below is a list of all courses the A&E CAD department currently has to offer in the Architecture specialization. You will also find links to our current and ensuing semester course schedules to help you plan your academic future.

Current Semester Course Schedule: 2024 – Spring Semester

Next Semester Course Schedule: 2024 – Summer Semester

Part one of a survey of the history of world architecture from pre-history to the present. This course focuses on the period from pre-history up to at least the 14th Century. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.7 History and Global Culture.

Prerequisite(s): None

Part two of a survey of the history of world architecture from pre-history to the present. This course focuses on the period of neo-classicism up to the modern era. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.7: History and Global Culture.

Prerequisite(s): None

An introductory studio providing foundation in the conceptual, perceptual, and manual skills necessary for two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills; A.2 Design Thinking Skills; A.4 Architectural Design Skills; A.5 Ordering Systems.

Prerequisite(s): None

Creative problem solving and presentation of principles, concepts and ideas as applied to introductory architectural projects. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills; A.2 Design Thinking Skills; A.4 Architectural Design Skills; and A.5 Ordering Systems.

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 1303.

Introduction to basic drawing methods and tools. Exploration of techniques available for the design process with emphasis on two-dimensional and three-dimensional composition. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills.

Prerequisite(s): None

Continuation of the study, methodology, and production of architectural drawings. Exploration of techniques available for the design process with emphasis on three- dimensional composition both analog and digital. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills; A.5 Ordering Systems.

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 1307.

An introduction to architecture that explores the practices, principles, and wider context of architecture and design. Focuses on the role of architecture in society, culture, and the broader physical context of the built environment. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.8 Cultural Diversity and Social Equity; D.1 Stakeholder Roles in Architecture.

Prerequisite(s): None

Effective use of representational media, computer aided design, and digital media to engage formal, organizational, and environmental principles. Emphasis on the appropriate media to inform two-dimensional and three-dimensional design based upon the conventions of architectural graphic communication. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.1 Professional Communication Skills; A.4 Architecture Design Skills.

Prerequisite(s): DFTG 1405.

Introduction to materials and methods in the design and construction of buildings. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of the following National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: B.7 Building Envelope Systems and Assemblies; B.8 Building Materials and Assemblies.

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 1311.

An intermediate architectural design studio which continues and expands the study of concepts from Architectural Design II. The course is intended to fulfill all or part of each of the following 2014 National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: A.4 Architectural Design Skills; A.6 Use of Precedents; and B.2 Site Design.

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 1304 and ARCH 1308.

A concluding architectural design studio for the lower-division that continues from Architectural Design III. Course is intended to fulfill all or part of each of the following 2014 National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Student Performance Criteria: B.1 Pre-Design; B.3 Codes and Regulations; and B.5 Structural Systems.

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 2603.