# OAD: Associate of Applied Science in Drafting and Design 100% online training with expert live support Canonical URL: ## Overview Across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, demand is steadily increasing for professionals who know how to use and integrate Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies. The programs at the Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) are built to prepare students for these high-demand roles through expert instruction, a hands-on and industry-focused curriculum, and practical, project-based experience. These programs also provide a clear route to earning certificates and degrees that support immediate workforce entry while creating opportunities for long-term career advancement in the AEC field. The curriculum for this degree program is rooted in real-world workflows and places a strong emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving. Students develop a high level of proficiency in CAD and BIM software while also strengthening critical thinking, design communication, and analytical skills essential for professional practice. Courses include hands-on lessons and exercises that reflect the tools, techniques, and standards used by today’s leading firms. ## What you'll learn - Develop proficiency in industry-standard drafting tools such as AutoCAD and Revit for creating accurate 2D and 3D technical drawings. - Interpret and apply technical drawing standards, symbols, annotations, and specifications used in architectural and engineering documents. - Produce complete construction document sets, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail sheets for complex design projects. - Model Building Information Models (BIM) that generate coordinated 2D drawings from 3D designs, integrating manufacturer information, CAD details, and project standards. - Manage project workflows by organizing files, using titleblocks, and preparing sheet sets for presentation and printing. - Apply practical CAD and BIM techniques to real-world drafting and design scenarios across disciplines. - Strengthen mathematical reasoning and problem-solving through college algebra, geometry, and calculus, supporting accurate measurements, scaling, and technical analysis. - Develop clear written and verbal communication through English composition, technical writing, and communications courses, enhancing documentation quality and professional collaboration, plus electives such as sociology and art history supporting design awareness, visual literacy, and effective communication within diverse project teams. ## Curriculum 1. **Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online** 2. **Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online** 3. **Intro to AutoCAD Course Online** 4. **Intermediate AutoCAD Course Online** 5. **AutoCAD Construction Documents I Course Online** 6. **AutoCAD Construction Documents II Course Online** 7. **CAD Detailing Course Online** 8. **Intro to Revit Course Online** 9. **Intermediate Revit Course Online** 10. **BIM Construction Documents I Course Online** 11. **BIM Construction Documents II Course Online** 12. **BIM Construction Documents III Course Online** 13. **BIM Detailing Course Online** 14. **Intro to Photoshop Course Online** 15. **Intermediate Photoshop Course Online** 16. **Intro to Illustrator Course Online** 17. **Intermediate Illustrator Course Online** 18. **Intro to InDesign Course Online** 19. **Intermediate InDesign Course Online** 20. **Revit & Twinmotion Interior Rendering Course Online** 21. **Revit & Twinmotion Exterior Rendering Course Online** 22. **Communication & Connection Course Online** 23. **Self-Management Skills Course Online** 24. **Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership Course Online** 25. **College Algebra Course Online** 26. **College Geometry Course Online** 27. **Calculus 1 Course Online** 28. **English Composition Course Online** 29. **Technical Writing Course Online** 30. **Intro to Sociology Course Online** 31. **Communications Course Online** 32. **Art History Course Online** 33. **Introduction to Residential Design Course Online** 34. **Intro to AutoCAD Lab Online** 35. **Intermediate AutoCAD Lab Online** 36. **Introduction to Commercial Design Course Online** 37. **AutoCAD Construction Documents III Course Online (Coming Soon)** 38. **Introduction to Revit Lab Online** 39. **Intermediate Revit Lab Online** 40. **Introduction to Photoshop Lab Online** 41. **Introduction to Illustrator Lab Online** 42. **Introduction to InDesign Lab Online** 43. **OAD Capstone Project** 44. **OAD Portfolio Course Online** ## Instructors ### Matt F. — Instructor Matt F. is a well-rounded construction professional with a diverse background of construction industry experience. Matt has strong experience working on major commercial and residential construction projects, overseeing projects from pre-construction through to closeout. He also has a deep knowledge of the construction technology space, having hands-on experience with many of the major players in the construction technology landscape. Matt loves sharing his industry knowledge with others and continuing to learn about the newest trends in construction technology. ### Reid Johnson — Instructor Reid isn't just someone who knows CAD and BIM; he's a licensed architect and contractor who deeply integrates these technologies into every facet of his career. His hands-on experience as a practitioner building real-world projects provides him with an invaluable understanding of how BIM and CAD streamline workflows and enhance design. This practical foundation led him to Autodesk, where he shared his expertise, helping others effectively leverage these powerful tools. Throughout his professional journey, Reid also dedicates himself to education, consistently teaching university courses and shaping the next generation of design professionals by equipping them with essential CAD skills. His unique blend of practical experience, industry knowledge gained at Autodesk, and passion for teaching positions Reid as a true specialist in BIM and CAD technology, capable of bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. **Credentials:** - Autodesk Fusion Certified User - Autodesk Revit Certified Professional - Autodesk Certified Instructor - Licensed Architect - Licensed General Contractor ### William Tenney — Instructor William Tenney is a career SOLIDWORKS designer. He began his career in consumer products then shifted to retail display design, corporate interiors, and finally furniture. His time with SOLIDWORKS spans almost two decades where in that time he designed many pieces for mass production, was awarded co-inventor status on five patents, obtained the Professional Certification and Surfacing Certification for SOLIDWORKS, and also contributed to many pieces shown in such publications as Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, Fashion Magazine, and 1stDibs. Outside of his work life, he is a husband to a wonderful spouse and a father to two future creatives. ### Richard Hess — Instructor Richard Hess is an accomplished designer with over 23 years’ expertise in architecture, interior, and furniture design. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture from Auburn University before pursuing a Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where he graduated top of his class. Currently, Richard serves as the Director of Career Services at his alma mater, while teaching thesis and portfolio courses, equipping graduates for careers in the ever-evolving field of architecture and interior design. ### Michael Wilson — Instructor Michael is an Instructor for VDCI San Diego focusing on teaching and creating Revit courses to help students learn workflows through project based exercises that can be applied to real world projects. As a Licensed Architect in the State of California he has over 25 years of experience working on award winning commercial, municipal and industrial projects; creating spaces for some of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world, and enriching communities with projects like the El Cajon Animal Shelter, Mission Hills Library and El Centro Library. As an Autodesk Certified Instructor specializing in Revit he has helped train thousands of students over the past 15+ years within the San Diego AEC community and beyond. **Credentials:** - Autodesk Certified Instructor - Autodesk Certified AutoCAD Professional - Autodesk Certified Revit Professional - Revit ### Derek McFarland — Instructor Over the course of the last 10 years of his architectural experience and training, Derek has developed a very strong set of skills and talents towards architecture, design and visualization. Derek grew up in an architectural family with his father owning his own practice in custom home design. Throughout the years, Derek has had the opportunity to work and be involved at his father's architecture office, dealing with clients, visiting job sites, and contributing in design and production works. Recently, Derek has built up an incredible resume of architecture experiences working at firms such as HOK in San Francisco, Gensler in Los Angeles, and RNT, ALTEVERS Associates, HMC, and currently as the lead designer at FPBA in San Diego. Derek has specialized in the realm of architectural design and digital design. ### Marc Mucciaccio — Instructor Marc is an Architectural Designer and Educator at VDCI, holding a Bachelor of Architecture from the Bernard & Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at CCNY, with a Minor in Art. A New York local with years of experience at prestigious NYC firms — including Douglas Wright Architects, Groves & Co., Joseph Vance Architects, and Studio SFW — Marc brings deep expertise in technical precision and architectural representation to help students excel in the field. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling along the West Side Highway, exploring Central Park, and visiting historic architectural sites. Credentials: - NAAB-Accredited 5-Year B.Arch, City College of New York (CUNY) - Design Software: ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, Vectorworks - Rendering Software: Enscape, Twinmotion, V-Ray, Redshift - Specializations: High-End Residential Design, Construction Documentation, BIM Management ### Luis Hernandez — Instructor Luis has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California and over 10 years of professional AEC industry experience. He has made extensive use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and Photoshop in his work, and is happiest when helping others achieve success. He’s an avid traveler who has run 10 marathons and enjoys reading, yoga, camping, volunteering and attending music festivals all over the world. ### Rebecca Lockwood — Instructor Rebecca Lockwood earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Michael Graves College at Kean University in New Jersey. She began her career working in residential interiors, where she developed a love for creating homes that reflect the people who live in them. That same dedication naturally grew into a desire to nurture learning and inspire future designers to tell their own stories through design. Today, Rebecca teaches an array of Interior Design courses at a local college in North Carolina and also works with high school students around the world as a remote art and design instructor. She is committed to making design approachable, inspiring students to gain confidence in their skills as they create meaningful interiors. Rebecca is also an Educator member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Outside the classroom, she writes poetry, appreciating the parallels between poetry and interior design, from structure and rhythm to depth and storytelling. She enjoys spending time with her children and noticing the everyday moments that shape life and design. ### David Nguyen — Instructor David is the AEC Software Specialist at VDCI, with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and an Associate’s degree of science in Drafting and General Design from ITT Technical Institute. A San Diego native with over 12 years working in the Design Industry and construction industry, David brings his construction and design expertise to help all students achieve their goals in the field. Outside of his professional life, David loves attending concerts, festivals, playing his guitar and restoring and repairing all types of vehicles. **Credentials:** - OSHA 30 hr. Construction Safety Certified - Construction Software: SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Fusion, Revit) - Mechanical Software: PTC Creo Parametric, SOLIDWORKS, Mastercam ## FAQ ### Who is the target audience for this course? This Occupational Associate Degree is designed for individuals interested in technical careers that depend on CAD and BIM expertise. It emphasizes hands-on training aligned with real-world workflows used throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. This program is a strong fit for those exploring roles such as: Architectural Drafting and Documentation BIM Drafting and Model Coordination Engineering and Mechanical Support positions Interior and Industrial Design careers Technical roles supporting construction and AEC project teams ### Does this certificate include job support? In addition to 1170 hours of interactive training, you will receive 1-on-1 mentoring sessions that can be used for career and job support, including polishing your resume, preparing for interviews, and reviewing best practices for applying to jobs. Note, however, that we don’t provide job placement (i.e. reaching out to companies on your behalf). ### Is this course open to beginners? Yes, this course is open to beginners. Students must be comfortable using a computer. No other prior knowledge is required. ### Do you offer payment plans or student financing for this course? Yes, this course is eligible for our installment plan. Learn more in the Tuition section above. ### How long is this course? This course is 1170 clock hours. Clock hours is the total estimated course time including watching the course videos and completing the projects. The time varies by student. Assuming that you work approximately 10 hours per week, you will complete this course in about 24 months. ### What’s included with my tuition? A hands-on learning experience working on projects and exercises, which is proven to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement Expert instructors who are industry professionals and experienced educators that are driven to help you succeed A comprehensive program with 44 in-depth course modules designed to build your skills progressively Extensive video training resources to support your learning journey Access to industry-standard software during your training Expert support with answers to your questions from real instructors throughout your learning journey Valuable 1-on-1 mentoring sessions outside of class to address your specific needs and career goals Comprehensive learning materials including proprietary workbooks developed by industry experts Access to a supplemental refresher video suite to reinforce key concepts whenever you need them A certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment The confidence of learning at an accredited institution ### Are there any additional fees or expenses? There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us. ### Do you offer any discounts for this course? This program has a single package price. Additional discounts do not apply. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $9999 Payment options: pay-as-you-go installments, equal installment plan, and GI Bill accepted.