Philadelphia Institute of Science and Technology

Building Designs

PHILLY-TECH’s building design program is based on the art and science of the building material, interior and landscape to achieve a healthy and pleasing environment. Students will learn to design the interiors of buildings, including plans, research, coordinates, and other elements concerning the building interior finishings.

This program is designed to provide our students with the knowledge and skills required to design sustainable buildings, considering environmental aspects. Throughout the program, students will also receive training in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management.

Our curriculum is regularly updated to keep up with evolving sustainable design practices and industry standards. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in sustainable building design, interior design, and landscape design and architecture with a focus on creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Building Designs

Diploma in Sustainable Building Design

Duration: 2 years (4 Trimesters).

SUSTD 100: Introduction to Sustainable Design

  • Overview of sustainable building design principles
  • The role of sustainability in architecture and design
  • Historical development of sustainable design

ENV 100: Environmental Considerations

  • Understanding environmental factors in design
  • Climate, site, and orientation considerations
  • Energy efficiency and natural ventilation

SUSTMR 100: Materials and Resources

  • Sustainable building materials and sourcing
  • Recycling and reuse of materials
  • Life cycle analysis and environmental impact

OCCSAF 100: Occupational Safety and Health

  • Workplace safety regulations and practices
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Recognizing and avoiding design hazards

SUSTD 100: Introduction to Sustainable Design

  • Overview of sustainable building design principles
  • The role of sustainability in architecture and design
  • Historical development of sustainable design

ENV 100: Environmental Considerations

  • Understanding environmental factors in design
  • Climate, site, and orientation considerations
  • Energy efficiency and natural ventilation

SUSTMR 100: Materials and Resources

  • Sustainable building materials and sourcing
  • Recycling and reuse of materials
  • Life cycle analysis and environmental impact

OCCSAF 100: Occupational Safety and Health

  • Workplace safety regulations and practices
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Recognizing and avoiding design hazards

LANDDES 100: Landscape Design Principles

  • Landscape planning and layout.
  • Plant selection and horticultural considerations.
  • Hardscape and softscape design.

SUSLD 100: Sustainable Landscape Design

  • Sustainable landscaping principles.
  • Drought-resistant and native plant selection.
  • Water conservation and irrigation systems.

GREERG 100: Green Roof and Vertical Gardens

  • Designing green roofs and living walls.
  • Planting techniques and maintenance.
  • Energy efficiency and insulation benefits.

SUSSPL 100: Sustainable Site Planning

  • Site planning for stormwater management.
  • Sustainable site practices (permeable surfaces, rain gardens).
  • Landscape design for wildlife habitat.

INTDES 100: Integrated Design Studio

  • Sustainable building design project
  • Integration of interior and landscape design
  • Collaborative design and presentation

ENEFF 100: Energy-Efficient Systems

  • Designing energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems
  • Renewable energy integration (solar, wind)
  • Sustainability certifications and standards

PROMAN 100: Project Management and Documentation

  • Project planning and scheduling
  • Budgeting and cost estimation
  • Design documentation and presentation

SUSTES 100: Practical Training and Final Assessment

  • Hands-on experience in sustainable design projects
  • Final assessment and evaluation of practical skills

Successful completion of the program leads to the award of the Diploma in Sustainable Building Design with Interior and Landscape Design.

Students have to contact the school administration if they want to take extra credits or transfer credits to pursue the Diploma Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in their field of interest.  Students will select required number courses in each of the areas listed to meet general education requirements graduation for the A.A.S.  Some of these courses can be transferred directly from and to the university system and may be substituted for recommended courses on the outline.  Students should speak with an advisor before doing so these selective courses are required for all students.

  • Selected Communication Course (Choose two for Diploma or three for the Associate)

ENGL 100: Fundamentals of Speech

CPL    100: Career Planning  

CPL    101: Communications and Career Strategies

ENGL 101: Composition

ENGL 102: composition

  • Selected Mathematics Course (Choose two for Diploma or three for the Associate)

MATH 100:General Math

MATH 101:Intermediate Algebra

MATH 102:College Algebra

  • Selected Social Science Course (Choose two for Diploma or four for the Associate)

ECON 105:Leadership

ECON 101:Principles of Microeconomics I

ECON 102:Principles of Macroeconomics II

SOC    101:Introduction to Sociology

PSYC  101: Introduction to Psychology

HIST   101: History