Over the course of his career, Spokane Community College Architectural Technology instructor David Edwards has worked on large public projects, engineering consulting, residential design, and projects for architecture, engineering and construction firms. This diverse experience has helped shape the way he approaches teaching and the way SCC prepares students for careers in the building-design industry.
“Everything that we put in there, into our curriculum, is very intentional,” Edwards said. “Everything we cover will be helpful for you in your work someday.”
That practical focus is at the heart of SCC’s Architecture program, where students learn the technical and problem-solving skills used to turn design concepts into buildable plans.
The program prepares students to produce architectural drawings using industry-standard software including Revit, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture and SketchUp. Students also study 3-D modeling, building codes, construction materials and methods, cost estimating, and green building principles.
A foundation for many careers
Graduates may work as drafters, Building Information Modelling (BIM) modelers, or designers for architecture or engineering firms. Others may find opportunities with contractors, building departments, energy management offices, product suppliers, or companies working in design and sustainability. The program also introduces students to the work of architects, construction managers, plans examiners and engineers.
For students who want to continue their education, the program can also serve as the first two years of a pathway toward a bachelor's degree in architectural studies at Washington State University.
That variety is one reason Edwards sees his own career path as useful preparation for teaching. After studying architectural engineering and architecture in college, he moved to Spokane and began working for larger firms. “My projects included the Spokane Arena and work on a U.S. embassy, along with other large public and government projects,” he said.
Edwards’ architectural engineering background also gave him an entry point into engineering consulting. Later, he opened his own architecture practice and focused more heavily on residential work. Eventually, he discovered teaching.
Since becoming an instructor more than 20 years ago, Edwards has continued to broaden his industry experience, including summer work with mechanical and civil engineering firms, landscape architecture firms, and contractors.
“Me taking time to work in industry on real projects is essential to keeping our curriculum up to date,” said Edwards. “I like to stay a working architect so I know the latest tools and industry trends and bring them into the classroom.”
Like a mini architecture firm
Edwards’ preference for a hands-on, industry-informed experience is also reflected in the format of his classes. “I tend to not do a lot of lecturing,” he said. “In a real architecture firm, you don’t get a lecture every morning followed by a multiple-choice test. Instead, you are faced with problems to solve, so that’s what we simulate in class.”
Edwards describes the classroom as a kind of simulated workplace: He is the boss, and the students are the architects or engineers working on projects. When they get stuck, they can ask for help—but they also learn to try to find answers on their own first. Edwards believes this format helps students build the skills for lifelong learning required by careers in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC).
“I’m trying to teach students how to teach themselves,” he said. “Teach them how to learn and teach them how to problem solve.”
Staying current in a changing industry
Newer technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), which involves 3D modelling, collaboration and coordination tools, and data integration for things like electrical, mechanical, and plumbing, are now industry standard, and part of the program. But Edwards said currently emerging technologies, including AI, make this an exciting time to get into the field.
“With AI features continuing to be integrated into AEC products, what we’re going to be doing is just less drudgery,” he said. “Which sounds good to me!”
In addition to Edwards’ own commitment to staying connected with industry trends, SCC's Architecture program works with an advisory committee of industry professionals that meets twice a year to provide feedback on what employers need from graduates. Edwards also regularly takes students to professional events, including tours and lectures organized by the American Institute of Architects, and to conferences through SCC's architecture club.
The art and science of architecture
“I often hear students say they can't get into architecture because they aren't artistic or aren't good at math,” said Edwards. Neither, he said, necessarily rules them out.
The AEC industries include roles for people with a wide range of skillsets and interests. Some spend much of their time working with computers and digital models. Others focus on contracts, construction administration, code compliance, or project management. What matters more than natural aptitude, Edwards said, is curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to keep learning.
Architecture also offers an unusual opportunity to continually learn about different types of people and places. For example, designing a school means understanding how the built environment affects learning. Designing a restaurant means thinking about how people move through the space and how the building functions for customers and employees. Designing other specialized facilities brings entirely different problems to solve.
For Edwards, that variety is part of what makes the field compelling.
“There was never a dull moment,” he said of his years as a working architect.
That same variety is what he hopes students discover at SCC: not necessarily one job waiting for them at the end of the program, but a foundation they can use to find the part of the industry that fits them best.
“I have all these cards students have written to me saying things like ‘I love my job. Thank you so much,’” Edwards said. “And no two of them are the same.”
Contact David and learn more about SCC's Architecture program.