New program designed to create a workforce pipeline for Colorado’s booming design, building and construction industries.
Front Range Community College has developed the nation’s first Bachelor of Applied Science in integrated building design—a confluence where interior architecture, drafting and design come together. Students in the program will learn how to effectively design the spaces where people in our state live and work.
This new interdisciplinary degree gives students advanced training in design, collaboration, workflow and project management using cutting-edge, emerging technologies that are shaping the industry. Integrated building design—also known as “design for the built environment”—is a career-focused pathway for anyone seeking to advance in the design, building and construction industries.
“FRCC is leading the way by pioneering a groundbreaking program that will fuel the workforce pipeline for Colorado’s thriving design, building, and construction sectors,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “This cutting-edge degree program, developed through a collaboration between faculty and industry experts, is set to transform the educational landscape. Our commitment remains steadfast in expanding access to high-quality, affordable bachelor’s degrees, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive design and innovation.”
The launch of this innovative degree marks a major milestone as FRCC’s fifth bachelor’s program and reinforces our college’s commitment to student success and economic mobility.
Boosting Colorado’s Workforce
“The design, building, and construction sectors in Colorado are experiencing massive growth, creating a strong demand for professionals skilled in integrated building design,” added President Simpson. “That’s especially important here in our state, where there’s a major focus on sustainability, urban renewal and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling.”
“These industries are heading toward more collaboration between related disciplines—it’s not compartmentalized anymore,” said Program Director Nowell Vincent. “Today’s design, building and construction companies need employees with diverse cross-training from all these areas of work, and FRCC is filling that niche with our new degree. This program will teach our students how to work well on interdisciplinary teams—using the latest tools and technology—just like they will in the real world.”
What Is Integrated Building Design?
This hands-on, interdisciplinary degree includes training in:
- Architectural Design– a collaborative process of planning, designing and documenting for a construction project.
- Building Science– a practical and responsible approach that integrates science, design and technology to optimize a building’s performance.
- Construction Techniques– traditional and innovative green building methods.
- Digital Design and Visualization– the use of software for model coordination and presentation.
- Project Management– the overseeing and coordination of project delivery to ensure it is finished on time, within budget and within the client’s expectations.
- Communication and Collaboration– the development of strong communication skills to present ideas and work effectively with other professionals.
A degree in integrated building design prepares students for various careers in the built environment, including:
- Architectural drafting and 3D visualization
- Interior design
- Building Information Modeling
- Project management
Online, Project-Based Coursework
As part of this program, students will engage in real-world design scenarios, virtual construction tours, collaborative design charrettes and work-sharing practices to develop essential skills for design in the built environment.
The classes are aligned with industry-standard practices and software. They integrate processes found in built design offices to provide hands-on, practical experience.
“Students in the program will get to work on one large, long-term project for two years where they will get experience doing everything from start to finish,” added Vincent. “They’ll learn from our faculty of industry leaders, including licensed designers, drafters and architects who bring real-world expertise into the classroom at FRCC.”
The new program’s fully online format offers students a flexible education pathway. This allows them them to balance their education with their career. Over the course of two years, students in this program will:
- Explore various career paths in the architectural design process.
- Learn fundamental concepts of building science and innovative construction techniques.
- Collaborate on the design of a single, comprehensive interior alteration project.
- Communicate design concepts through 3D visualization.
- Develop technical drawings and specifications based on industry standards.
- Use software for project management, model coordination and estimating.
- Create presentations that align with industry standards.
- Focus on sustainability and promoting accessibility in every class they take.
Who Should Apply?
FRCC’s BAS program in integrated building design allows students with an Associate of Applied Science degree to continue on to complete their bachelor’s degree without having to transfer to a four-year university. It is ideal for:
- Students who are studying (or already hold an AAS degree in): Architecural engineering & construction, computer aided drafting & design or interior architecture & design
- Students studying building and construction technology.
- Adjacent disciplines.
- Industry professionals looking for further training.
- Students who have been out of school for some time and who want to freshen up on new terminology and learn the latest software in these fields.
FRCC’s new integrated building design program begins this fall with an initial cohort of approximately 25 students.
About Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College offers more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County and Westminster—as well as online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 114,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
