Students learn basic hand and digital rendering skills and gain increased knowledge of hand rendering tools from pencil, color marker, color pencil and other tools. They are required to complete the Introduction to Architectural Technology Hand Drafting, Architectural Materials, Architectural CAD, Residential Architecture, BIM Software, Architectural History and other courses to be prepared to apply the advanced graphics tools.

Students use two- and three-dimensional software to apply advanced rendering skills from Enscape and V-Ray software, as well as integration of advanced technology with laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC routing tools and physical model making. They also are trained in the creation and manipulation of imaging using Adobe Creative Cloud software, like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign used in architecture, to create high-quality presentations and marketing graphics, including an architectural portfolio.

The diploma will give students a level of credential that demonstrates their knowledge of architectural graphics, graphics technology and presentation skills to be prepared for the work environment and as students continue to four-year architecture programs.

The Graphics Diploma is part of the Architectural Technology AAS Degree coursework. Students who complete the diploma have the option of taking additional course work to eventually complete the associate degree. The courses are also used along with the associate degree to transfer to four-year architecture design-related programs with which Wake Tech has articulation agreements.