1) What is the term of the program? What degree is offered? Is there a specific start time? Do you accept transfer credits from other colleges?
An Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded to students that complete the two year Architectural
Technology program. The program begins in the Fall semester and includes a summer semester between the first and second year classes. Most of the classes are at the Cedar Rapids campus. Students can enroll in the program and begin taking classes any semester although it is best to start in the Fall semester. Some classes have prerequisites so it will take longer than two years to complete the whole program if a student begins in a semester other than the Fall. We accept transfer credits from other colleges as well as work experience.
2) Is it possible/feasible to attend on a part-time basis? Are there evening courses offered?
Yes students can attend part time (of course that means it will take longer than 2 years). Currently there are few night class offerings. There may be more offered in the future should there be sufficient interest.
3) Which program best prepares the student for residential home design (design/draw house plans)?
We do not have a residential design program at Kirkwood Community College. Our program is designed to produce CAD Designers for architectural and engineering offices. We focus primarily on the technical aspects of construction. We do cover material concerning designing energy efficient construction. The first year focuses on residential scale and the second year on commercial projects. We feel if you can put together a commercial set of drawings you can put together a residential one. The Interior Design program at Kirkwood Community
College does offer some design - but not residential construction.
4) Is there a curriculum schedule available that includes all required courses for the term of the program?
See http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=8432
5) Can I take classes in Iowa City or any of the other outlying centers?
The technical classes are only available in the Cedar Rapids area but general education classes can be taken elsewhere.
6) Where can I learn the forecasted job market for career opportunities in the area - including income potential?
Perhaps you could contact the Chamber of Commerce where you wish to work. Most of the students have gotten jobs in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. Students average $14/hr when they graduate from this program. They are working with architects, structural engineers, plumbing/HVAC/electrical engineers, civil engineers, residential designers, remodelers, kitchen designers, estimators, and truss manufacturers.
Some graduates have opened their own residential design firm. It is strongly suggested that the graduate work somewhere for a few years first to see how architectural businesses operate. If a graduate can find a niche in the market he/she will do well.
Here are a few webpages highlighting the firms led by Kirkwood graduates: www.ahmanndesign.com
www.prullcustomdesigns.com
www.design-elements.net
www.doakdesign.com
7 ) How can my Kirkwood education help me work towards an architect's degree?
Because an architect's license is required in Iowa to design large scale commercial and industrial buildings, some students have opted to continue their Kirkwood education at UNI and work towards a Master degree at
Iowa State. Kirkwood has an articulation agreement with UNI which means that after two years at Kirkwood, a

student can go to UNI for another two years and earn a four year Bachelor of Technology Management degree. This bachelor's degree alone will not enable students to get an architect's license in Iowa but it could open the possibility of entering a Masters of Architecture program at other universities such as ISU and is a great stepping stone for further opportunities.
An architect's license is not required to design residential and small commercial buildings.
The student should contact a particular licensing board directly to see the specific requirements of each state.
For a listing of all the state requirements contact NCARB at:
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
1735 New York Avenue NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 783-6500 or online at: http://www.ncarb.org/en/Getting-an-Initial-License/Registration-Board-Requirements.aspx?jurisid=20
Some students have also gotten a license in another state and then work on reciprocal registration with the
NCARB's BEA (Broadly Experienced Architect) program, http://www.ncarb.org/bea
In a nutshell, you have options.
8 ) What do I need to do to get into the program?
To register for the Architecture Technology Program you must do the following:
1. Apply online to the Architectural Technology program. The site is located at: http://www.kirkwood.edu/apply
2. Take the compass test. Please contact the Testing Center at 398-5456 or 1-800-332-2055, ext. 5456 for more information on times and testing locations.
3. View the Program Conference video online at http://faculty.kirkwood.edu/jlopez/arch-prog-conf.htm
and then call me with the phone number provided in the video.
You are encouraged to apply early.
Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the instructors:
Jorge A. López, Architect
Professor
Jorge.lopez@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5422
1-800-332-2055, Extension 5422
Tim Hadsall
Associate Professor tim.hadsall@kirkwood.edu
319-398-5899 x4410
1-800-332-2055, Extension 4410