CAD/BIM Capstone
Develop a comprehensive CAD/BIM model for a real-world project, applying core CAD design principles and BIM project management skills. Use a structured approach to research, conceptualize, and draft the model, ensuring it aligns with the building’s technical requirements and design goals. Your final deliverables will showcase your understanding of CAD drafting, design accuracy, and efficiency in building system modeling. Compile a detailed presentation that highlights your project process, the software tools used, and your completed work for inclusion in your portfolio.
Learn more about the CAD/BIM Certificate Program capstone project deliverables.
Rubab: CAD Model for a Single-Family Home
Student Project: Rubab N.
Rubab’s CAD/BIM Capstone Project involves the design and modeling of a residential single-family home, utilizing both CAD and BIM software to integrate technical and creative skills. The project will include a comprehensive process from initial planning and design research to the creation of detailed technical drawings and 3D models. Rubab will apply her knowledge of building systems, layout design, and project management to develop a functional and aesthetically cohesive final design. The capstone will also include a professional case study portfolio documenting the design process, challenges, and the software tools used throughout the project.
Concepts Covered:
- Design Brief: Developing a clear outline of the mission, values, spatial needs, and aesthetic goals of the residential building.
- Site Plan & Layout: Creation of a detailed site plan, considering factors such as environment, location, and building placement. Includes room schedules and layout for each level of the building.
- 3D Modeling & Visualizations: Crafting 3D models and perspectives (front, rear, and side views) to visualize the building, including exploded axonometric views and interior renderings.
- Building Elevations & Sections: Detailed elevation views and building sections, including technical specifications and architectural details that outline the structure.
- Furniture and Interior Design: Integration of functional furniture plans within the building's floor plans, supporting the residential aesthetic and spatial flow.
- Building Systems Coordination: Incorporating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems into the BIM model, ensuring technical accuracy and integration with the overall design.
- Project Process Documentation: A professional case study portfolio that outlines Rubab’s process, from initial conceptualization to final model completion, showcasing her technical proficiency and design expertise.
Hubert: Home Renovation and Custom Swing Set Design
Student Project: Hubert C.
This CAD/BIM Capstone Project involves the design and modeling of a home renovation, including extensive structural, electrical, plumbing, and exterior elements. The project incorporates both existing structures and additions, such as a remodeled kitchen, a new master bathroom, and a custom-designed swing set for an autistic child. The CAD files document every detail from architectural plans to electrical and plumbing fixtures, ensuring all aspects of the home are covered in the design and documentation.
Concepts Covered:
- Project Overview and Goals: Comprehensive home renovation design, including new additions and modifications to existing structures.
- Site Plan: Detailed layout of the property, featuring both the house and the custom swing set designed for the client’s child.
- Floor Plans: Detailed floor plans for various sections of the house, including remodeled rooms and the wood shop.
- Elevations and Section Views: North/South and East/West elevation drawings, showcasing both interior and exterior views of the home and remodels.
- Detailed Views and 3D Visuals: Creation of detailed drawings and 3D perspectives for better visualization of the space and proposed changes.
- Power and Lighting Plans: Comprehensive electrical layout for the house and wood shop, including power fixtures, lighting schemes, and necessary installations.
- Plumbing Fixtures: Detailed plumbing schematics, highlighting key fixture placements and flow considerations.
- Swing Set Design: Custom design and structural analysis of the swing set, including material specifications, anchor points, and construction methodology.
- Construction and Materials: Choice of materials for renovation, including pressure-treated lumber for the swing set and Trex decking for the exterior.
- Technical Drafting: Application of CAD principles for accurate and efficient drafting, incorporating technical drawing standards and professional presentation for project documentation.
Elizabeth Merkle: Residential Construction in CAD/BIM
Student Project: Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth's capstone project in the CAD/BIM program involves the development of a comprehensive Building Information Model (BIM) for a residential construction project. The project integrates core BIM principles and utilizes industry-standard software to produce a fully detailed model of the building, including structural, architectural, and systems design elements. The deliverables for this project include a complete set of CAD drawings, 3D model renderings, and technical documentation, which reflect Elizabeth's understanding of both design and construction processes in a digital environment.
Concepts Covered:
- BIM Modeling: Applying BIM principles to create a detailed and integrated model of the residential project using Revit or similar software, covering all aspects of the building’s design.
- Architectural Floor Plans: Developing first and second-floor layouts, with attention to scale, room design, and functional space planning.
- 3D Building Modeling: Creating 3D models of the building, including its walls, doors, windows, and roof structures, with a focus on alignment and technical accuracy.
- Structural and Systems Design: Integrating structural elements such as walls, columns, beams, and roofs with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems to ensure that all components are fully coordinated.
- Elevations and Sections: Generating detailed elevation and section views, showing vertical relationships and spatial organization across different floors of the building.
- Door and Window Schedules: Creating door and window schedules that specify dimensions, material types, and quantities, ensuring that the model is fully detailed and accurate.
- Rendered Views and Visualizations: Creating rendered 3D visualizations to convey the design and material finishes, offering a realistic representation of how the final project will appear.
- Construction Documentation: Compiling the model into comprehensive construction documents, which include floor plans, elevations, sections, and details that are ready for building permits and construction execution.
- BIM Coordination and Collaboration: Ensuring the integration of all design disciplines (architecture, structure, MEP) into the BIM model, checking for clashes, and resolving any conflicts in the design.
- Technical Detail and Precision: Demonstrating proficiency with CAD and BIM tools to produce accurate, high-quality drawings and models that meet industry standards.
- Portfolio Development: Assembling a professional presentation that highlights the entire project process, from conceptualization to completion, for inclusion in a portfolio to demonstrate both technical and creative skills.
Kyle's Affordable Modular Home Design
Student Project: Kyle E.
Kyle Eirschele's capstone project, titled "Modular Tudor," focuses on creating a modular home design that balances affordability, space, and modern efficiency. This project is designed to address the housing crisis by providing an innovative, system-built home solution. The home features a modular design to ensure ease of construction while meeting structural, plumbing, and electrical requirements. The design adheres to building codes and includes spacious living areas with a focus on energy efficiency.
Concepts Covered:
- Modular Design Approach: Focus on modular and system-built homes for affordability and adaptability in the housing market.
- Structural and Design Requirements: Emphasis on compliance with building codes and creating a design that accommodates 4+ bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a 1800–2500 sq. ft. range.
- Spatial Planning and Floor Plans: Detailed floor plans for both levels, with separate spaces for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas, ensuring comfort and functionality.
- Plumbing and Electrical Systems: Simplified plumbing design with basic electrical plans, providing an efficient and cost-effective system.
- Energy Efficiency Considerations: Thoughtful heating and cooling strategies to reduce energy costs, with choices like heat pumps and room-specific temperature control.
- 3D Modeling and Visualization: Use of Revit and other industry-standard tools for the design and presentation of the building, including module views and detailed elevations.
- Construction Documentation: Creation of clear, professional construction documents, including elevations, floor plans, ceiling plans, plumbing details, and visual representations of the project.
- Design Thesis Documentation: A well-documented design process that outlines the modular design approach, project goals, and personal reflections on the design choices.
- Capstone Presentation: A professional portfolio of the project's visual assets and documentation, showcasing the design process and completed work, ready for presentation in a portfolio.
Kyle Young: Comprehensive Residential BIM Design
Student Project: Kyle Y.
This capstone project, created by Kyle Young, focuses on the design and implementation of a residential building using Building Information Modeling (BIM). It integrates architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and structural elements into a fully comprehensive model. The project includes detailed plans, elevations, and 3D renderings, offering a holistic approach to the design and construction of a modern home.
Concepts Covered:
- Site Plan and Contextual Analysis: Detailed site planning and layout with landscaping and structural elements.
- Architectural Design: First and second-floor plans, roof plan, and building sections, showcasing space allocation and material choice.
- BIM Model Creation: Development of a 3D BIM model incorporating various building systems (structural, MEP) and detailed construction elements.
- Renderings: High-quality exterior and interior 3D renderings to visualize the building's design from multiple perspectives.
- Electrical and Plumbing Systems: Detailed electrical power plans, lighting plans, and plumbing systems integrated into the model.
- Mechanical Systems: Comprehensive mechanical floor plans and sections for HVAC and other building systems.
- Construction Documentation: Complete set of construction documents, including notes, door schedules, and detailed annotations for all systems and elements.
Sarah Barker: Residential Architecture Design Using CAD and BIM
Student Project: Sarah B.
Sarah's capstone project demonstrates her ability to apply CAD and BIM principles to a real-world architectural design. This project focuses on the creation of a detailed architectural model using industry-standard software, such as AutoCAD and Revit, for a residential construction project. The project integrates design elements, structural details, and construction documentation into a cohesive final submission, showcasing both her technical skills and design understanding.
Concepts Covered:
- Site Analysis and Planning: Development of a site plan, considering elements like property lines, easements, and setback lines.
- Building Design and Modeling: First-floor plan and roof plan with accurate dimensional details. Integration of structural components, such as walls, beams, columns, and roofs, into the model.
- Construction Documentation: Creation of detailed building elevations, sections, and schedules (e.g., window and door schedules) to document design intentions and specifications.
- Interior Design: Reflective ceiling plans and detailed interior elevations, including rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas.
- Material Selection and Detailing: Detailing of finishes and construction elements, such as stucco walls, concrete floors, and custom cabinetry. Use of BIM tools for visualizing material applications and structural components.
- Professional Presentation: Creation of a professional construction document with the final BIM model, integrating various views, elevations, and sections. Use of annotations and keynotes for clarity and presentation of the design process.
- Collaborative and Iterative Process: Incorporation of feedback and revisions during the design process, as shown in the revision history, from initial drafts to final submission.
Ilham: Residential BIM Design of Santee Mansion
Student Project: Ilham B.
Ilham Bazoon’s capstone project is a comprehensive demonstration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) applied to the design and development of a residential project, the "Santee Mansion." The project includes detailed architectural plans and 3D visualizations that showcase the integration of various building systems, from the layout of the floor plans to the roof and elevations. This project emphasizes the use of Revit for modeling, and each aspect of the design process is meticulously documented, from concept through to final output.
Concepts Covered:
- Design Brief: Defines the scope, purpose, and vision of the residential building project, including the architectural goals, materials, and structural considerations.
- Floor Plan and Elevations: Creation of detailed floor plans and elevation views, demonstrating the spatial arrangement of rooms, circulation spaces, and the interaction between different building levels. Including lower, entry, and higher floor plans, elevations from the east, north, south, and west, and detailed sections illustrating building dimensions and construction specifics.
- Site Plan: Preparation of the site layout, including orientation, landscaping elements, and integration with surrounding infrastructure.
- 3D Visualization: Production of 3D views of the project using Revit to showcase the building’s appearance from various angles and enhance understanding of spatial relationships and architectural aesthetics.
- Building Systems Integration: Demonstrates the integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems within the BIM model, ensuring a fully coordinated design that meets industry standards for efficiency and accuracy.
- Construction Documentation: Professional-grade construction documentation, ready for use in real-world applications. Includes detailed architectural plans, section views, and schedules for door and window specifications.
- Professional Portfolio: Compilation of a case study portfolio that showcases the entire design process, from initial conceptualization to final 3D models and construction drawings.
Lesley Steel-Pollock: Mountain Retreat - CAD/BIM Implementation
Student Project: Lesley S.
Lesley Steel-Pollock’s capstone project focuses on creating a comprehensive BIM model for a Mountain Retreat residential structure. This project involves both conceptual and detailed design processes, using AutoCAD for the preliminary floor plans and Revit for finalizing the 3D model and construction documentation. The project covers interior and exterior design elements, ensuring the integration of architectural, structural, and interior design aspects in a real-world construction context.
Concepts Covered:
- Project Brief: Detailed conceptualization of a residential mountain retreat, including the layout of both upper and lower levels.
- Floor Plans: AutoCAD was used to produce and scale conceptual floor plans. These include layouts for various rooms, the entry, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living spaces, garage, and other utility areas.
- 3D Modeling in Revit: The transition from AutoCAD to Revit allowed for the development of a fully integrated 3D model, incorporating both the architectural and interior design elements.
- Construction Documentation: Production of detailed construction documents including floor plans, elevations, sections, and enlarged views for specific areas like bathrooms and the kitchen.
- Furniture Layouts: Creation of furniture plans for both levels, specifying the placement of major items like sofas, beds, and storage areas.
- Site Plan: The project includes a site plan reflecting the property’s layout and how the building integrates with its surroundings.
- Material Selection: Key elements such as door schedules and wall finishes were specified, offering a glimpse into the material design choices for the retreat.
David Lovett: Residential Building Design
Student Project: David L.
David Lovett's capstone project demonstrates his expertise in CAD/BIM design processes. The project showcases a complete set of architectural plans, from site layouts to detailed floor plans, elevations, and enlarged room details. The project focuses on creating a residential building using industry-standard CAD tools. His work integrates various construction systems while paying attention to design accuracy and efficiency.
Concepts Covered:
- Site Plan: Detailed layout of the project site, including property boundaries, key buildings, and spatial organization.
- Floor Plans: Comprehensive first and second-floor plans with precise dimensions, room allocations, and structural annotations.
- Ceiling Plans: Detailed plans highlighting ceiling heights, lighting, and other important ceiling elements.
- Elevations: North, South, East, and West elevations that demonstrate exterior building views and façade design.
- Detailed Room Plans: Enlarged plans for specific rooms, such as the master bedroom and bathroom, to highlight functional layouts.
- Renderings: High-quality visual representations of the completed design, aiding in project visualization and client presentation.
- Residential Building Design: Application of residential architecture design principles, including room layout, space efficiency, and aesthetic choices.
- Building Systems Integration: Coordination of different building systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical) into the architectural model.
- Construction Documentation: Creation of detailed construction documents ready for use in real-world applications and project implementation.
- BIM Tools Usage: Use of BIM software to model, visualize, and analyze the building design efficiently.
Leandro Lazaretti: Architectural Design and Documentation
Student Project: Leandro L.
Leandro's capstone project involved creating detailed architectural documentation for a building design using Revit and AutoCAD. The project focused on developing accurate, high-quality plans and documents for a multi-story building. Leandro’s work integrated design, technical drawing, and construction documentation into a cohesive final project. His capstone demonstrated not only his technical proficiency but also his ability to apply design principles to real-world architectural challenges.
Concepts Covered:
- Architectural Brief: Defining the mission, values, target audience, and visual direction of the project in terms of building function and design.
- Revit Mastery: Creating 3D models and BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows to represent the building’s design
- AutoCAD Proficiency: Utilizing AutoCAD for creating precise 2D drafting, detailing, and construction drawings.
- Building Design Mockups: Presenting mockups of various design elements, such as floor plans, elevations, and sections, to showcase the layout and architectural features.
- Technical Case Study Portfolio: Documenting the process, including challenges faced, solutions applied, and the final outcome of the project, with a focus on technical accuracy and design integrity.
- Construction Detailing: Producing detailed drawings that define how various construction elements, such as walls, floors, and roofs, are assembled, with attention to material specifications.