Architectural design students at JMU think creatively through acts of making.
From handcraft to digital fabrication and from orthographic drawing to material prototypes, the techniques and media our students learn are varied and exploratory. and iterative.
Students work side-by-side with graphic designers, fiber artists, printmakers, industrial designers, painters, and sculptors. In addition to required foundation courses in art, architectural design majors at JMU can take art and design classes across the School of Art, Design, and Art History.
The JMU chapter of The National Organization of Minority Architects is an active group on campus and in the community.
The Architectural Design major educates future design leaders. It is an intensive program focused on rigorous design processes. Architectural design is approached holistically– emphasizing investigations into the nature of materials and objects, interior space, ergonomics, history and theory, programmatic invention, functional poetics, and collaboration across disciplines. The curriculum instills purpose, craft, technological competencies, and versatile thinking.
Teaching licensure in art is available as part of all degree programs. As a student enrolled in art education course work, you will be exposed to both theoretical and practical issues related to comprehensive art education delivery. In addition to intensive art education methods course work, you will participate in three practicum experiences designed for elementary, middle, and high school levels.