Earn an associate degree in CAD/architectural drafting in Atlanta, Georgia, home to several historically significant pieces of architecture.

By Jessica Santina
RWM Columnist
January 11, 2007

While Georgia offers plenty of lovely scenery, including lush forests, misty mountains, and lazy rivers, its capital, Atlanta, boasts a pretty spectacular skyline, too. After a brief glimpse of this impressive cityscape, students of architecture will soon have Georgia on their minds.

In addition to popular landmarks like Turner Field and the CNN Center, Atlanta boasts several historically significant pieces of architecture. The High Museum of Art was recognized in 1988 by the American Institute of Architects for design excellence. Its latest expansion, which was designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano (designer of France's Pompadou Center), utilizes natural day lighting almost entirely, while managing to keep any direct sunlight from hitting the artwork inside.

The design for downtown's Equitable Building, which is an International Style skyscraper, was inspired by the Seagram Building in New York City, designed by architecture heavyweight Ludwig Mies van de Rohe. And plans are already in the works for The Symphony Center in Atlanta's arts district. In charge of the design is respected architect Santiago Calatrava, who was responsible for the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Clearly, those interested in a career in architecture or computer-aided design (CAD) would find limitless sources of inspiration in Georgia.

A Drafting Career
You can complete an associate degree in CAD/architectural drafting in two years, and within that time, you'll gain the most up-to-date skills in AutoCAD, through lectures and labs. Whereas drafters once used drawing boards, pencils, and protractors to complete their drawings for architects, today's drafters use the sophisticated technology of CAD to provide architectural drawings that specify dimensions, materials, and procedures that are the framework of all built environments. Some drafters specialize in types of structures (residential or commercial), or in types of materials (concrete or steel).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that those who have completed postsecondary training, such as an associate degree in CAD/architectural drafting, will have the best opportunities for employment. Median annual earnings for drafters in 2004 were $39,190.

An associate degree in CAD/architectural drafting qualifies you to work as a drafter, or to progress to a four-year program in architecture or engineering. And if you complete your degree in Georgia, you'll learn firsthand the incredible impact that architecture can have on your own daily life.

Sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Drafters"
• Atlanta Downtown Improvement District

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.