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Program Overview

Currently accepting applications Apply now >> Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Mon., Aug. 18 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

If you are planning to build a home, add to one, or undertake a major remodel, you will find this integrated non-certificate series of courses especially interesting and useful. By examining a range of house styles (both modern and traditional), sizes and costs, students gain an understanding of the architectural design process and how to work with a professional architect. Each quarter, students develop (or refine) a project that addresses their own needs and interests, based on ideas and information gained throughout the course. Individuals may start the series of courses in autumn or winter.

During the Autumn quarter, students explore residential architecture and the process of creating a house design. The winter course examines the constraints of site and other factors that establish the landscape context to which the house design must relate. Students look at the finishing details and further develop the house design in response to its context. Threaded across both courses are practical considerations such as working with the architect, interior designers, the builder and tradesmen, as well as construction methods, materials, contracts and costs.

Outcomes:

• Appreciation of the architect's importance to a successful house project
• Familiarity with the history of residential architecture
• Opportunity for the student to articulate a personal vision for a house for her/himself as well as for an architect and builder
• Greater understanding of the impact and value of concepts such as sustainability and green building in order to be a better consumer of design as well as a stronger advocate of better design in the community
• Understanding of many of the practical issues in the design and construction of a house, including an appreciation of the parts and basic systems of a house as well as how to maintain and care for the systems for the life of the house

Who Should Participate?

People planning to build a home, add to one, or undertake a major remodel will find this program especially interesting and useful, as will real estate agents, developers, and other professionals, including young commercial architects who want to learn about residential architecture. The program assists participants in understanding the architectural design process and how to work with a professional architect. Although some people have found the two-course series helpful in assessing their own interest in advanced studies in architecture, a career change for example, this program does not prepare participants to become architects.

Contact a Program Representative

If you have questions about this program, please call 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle area, or 888-469-6499, or e-mail us.