Theme Program

At AECI, students take a sequential sequence of rigorous courses that prepare students for industry recognized certification exams at the end of their four years at AECI.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the principles of Architectural Drawing. Students will explore different methods of drawing while applying principles of design to develop skills and familiarity with line, shape, color, value, texture and composition. The course also emphasizes the art of sketching, perspective drawing and rendering, driving students toward an understanding of the skills necessary to excel in interior and exterior drawings. In addition, Students will engage in critical thinking and creative problem solving by examining past solutions, as well as learning the technical
drawing processes.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the principles of Architectural Drafting and Design. The course focuses on technical sketching, orthographic projection, drawing layout, drafting standards and all skills necessary to complete interior and exterior drawings, as well as develop and present design ideas and concepts. Students will learn basic drafting and drawing techniques for commercial and residential design within industry standards.

Autodesk Revit Architecture is the industry leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that has changed the way architects think and work. Revit provides tools to draft efficiently and intelligently, and encourages the designer to think deeply about DESIGN. Revit is a 2D/3D parametric modeling tool with smart objects that are based in real world materials. You can design in 2D or 3D, move an object in a floor plan or an elevation, and the model is constantly live updated so that any change in one view is instantly seen in all others. Students will learn essential concepts of architectural design while developing rich and detailed 3D models which effortlessly output into professional grade Construction Documents and realistic renderings. Student projects increase in complexity from a single room to complete buildings: student lounge, 2BR apartment, small country shack and site plan, mansion, walk-up apartment building, and an office tower.

Students will apply the knowledge gained in Revit Architecture 1 in an independent study collegiate studio environment. They will form partnerships and develop large scale project ideas, such as a master plan and design for a University, a shopping mall, mixed use high rise skyscrapers, or high end (and high design) residential homes. Students will learn professional architectural office collaboration practices and produce detailed proposals, schematic designs, renderings, and construction documents. Students who successfully complete Revit Architecture 2 will have a significant and highly sought after skill set that universities will hold in high regard. Monumental architecture firms such as SOM, HOK, KFP, SHoP and hundreds of other top organizations look for Revit proficiency as a major advantage, and soon it will be a pre-requisite. Our students will be well equipped for the architecture practice of the future.

This course is designed to provide a broad foundation of essential Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills. Students complete this course with an extensive digital portfolio. In addition, students are guided through the college and pre-college application process. The course centers on the application process to specialty schools with undergraduate programs in Fine Arts, Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, as well as core academic classes. Students learn the nuances of portfolio requirements, admission tests, college essays, interview processes, and scholarships, ultimately submitting applications to the undergraduate programs of their choice.

To support our theme classes, AECI partners with the following organizations to provide our students with scholarships, additional educational opportunities, and internships.

The Center for Architecture provides a week-long NYC summer program where students explore a different topic in architecture and design through art and building activities, design challenges, and special site visits.

The NYC Cooper Union Outreach Pre-College Art Program is a portfolio- and merit-based school of studio courses, creative writing and art seminars for students interested in preparing a college portfolio. Professional artists teach all courses, and Cooper Union college students serve as teaching assistants. Classes, materials, field trip transportation and museum admissions are all free.

The NYC Cooper Union Saturday Program offers studio art courses for New York City Public High School students. Students work intensively to explore media, techniques, and concepts for art students who are both beginner and more advanced. These courses include Drawing, Graphic Design, Sculpture, and Architecture.

The Summer STEM Program is a six-week intensive course that immerses high school sophomores and juniors in hands-on engineering design. Students also attend workshops on oral presentation skills, technical writing, career counseling, and college admissions. Scholarships are awarded for students who meet the criteria.

The Summer STEM Program is a six-week intensive course that immerses high school sophomores and juniors in hands-on engineering design. Students also attend workshops on oral presentation skills, technical writing, career counseling, and college admissions. Scholarships are awarded for students who meet the criteria.

MICA is a four-week Summer Pre-College Studio Art Residency Program in Baltimore, Maryland. MICA provides an intensive college-level experience, designed to help students develop their artistic craft and personal vision. The course instills impactful ideas about art in daily critiques, while building a professional portfolio of work. At MICA, students get to experience what it’s like to live, study, and create art at one of the nation’s most prestigious art and design colleges.

Wishbone is a program that provides low-income NYC High School students the opportunity to fundraise scholarships for high-quality art programs. These programs are personalized to the student’s interests and organized by location, duration, and degree of competitiveness.

This New York State Summer Intensive Arts program is specifically designed for students to attend and be part of an inspiring adventure in the fields of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, figure, and interdisciplinary arts under the direction of noted artists and educators. Students will be a part of challenging classes, work sessions, critiques, field trips, and presentations by visiting artists. In addition to pursuing direct art processes, they will have the unique opportunity to work and live with 95 other student artists on a college-like campus.

NYC Parsons offers pre-college courses that provide NYC students with an opportunity to explore art and design in a college environment.  Parsons is open to low-income students that wish to deepen their knowledge of art and design in an academically and artistically rigorous environment. Accepted students receive college credit and are guided through the college admissions process.