Program Philosophy
This program is built on a single principle: architecture graduates need to know what real firms need them to do on day one. Not theory. Not studio fantasy. Real, measurable, hireable skills.
Every Cadelon student carries a single design project through all 13 weeks. Cadelon provides only the bare minimum (site plan, conceptual floor plan, client brief). Students design the rest, applying the decision-making criteria taught in each lecture.
The Cadelon Method
- Teach the Criteria. Each lecture covers the principles, standards and options that govern that topic.
- Provide the Options. Students see the common industry-standard solutions, not endless possibilities.
- Student Decides. The student applies the criteria to their own project and chooses an option.
- Student Justifies. Every decision is recorded in the Design Decision Log with a source reference.
- Cadelon Reviews. Reasoning is graded against the criteria taught, not against subjective design taste.
The Cadelon Promise
Graduates leave with a permit-quality drawing set, a 60+ entry Design Decision Log, and five recorded justification reviews — proof to any employer that they can think, draw and defend like a working professional.
The 5-Phase Journey
| Phase | Cadelon Stage | Weeks | Focus |
|---|
| 1 | Discovery & Assessment | 1 | Measurement fundamentals & project intake |
| 2 | Skill Development | 2 – 6 | Materials, framing, systems |
| 3 | Portfolio Building | 7 – 10 | Code application & drafting |
| 4 | Career Preparation | 11 – 12 | Details & presentation skills |
| 5 | Placement & Launch | 13 | Capstone, defense, portfolio launch |
Weekly Time Commitment
| Activity | Hours / Week |
|---|
| Live sessions (2 × 3 hours) | 6 hours |
| Homework & project work | 4 hours |
| Total weekly commitment | 10 hours |
Every Session Follows the Same Structure
3-hour session, five segments — consistency lets students focus on the content, not on figuring out how class works.
01Why This Matters15 min · Real-world context
02The Criteria60 min · Principles that drive decisions
03The Options45 min · Industry-standard solutions
04Worked Example45 min · Instructor decides live
05Q&A and Wrap-Up15 min · Preview practice work
Click any module to expand its sessions.
01
Measurement & Site Fundamentals
Week 1 · 2 sessions · 6 hours
Outcomes: Read imperial & metric tapes confidently · Apply architect's and engineer's scales · Measure a real space · Produce a clean field sketch.
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Session 1 · Tape Reading, Fractions & Scales
Criteria: Imperial tape divisions, fraction arithmetic, metric reading, imperial↔metric conversion, architect's vs engineer's scale, drawing scales (1:50, 1:100, 1/4"=1', 1/8"=1').
Options: Imperial vs metric tape, retractable vs long tape, Disto laser usage, common tape sizes, Canadian metric conventions.
Deliverable: Tape reading skill check (graded), scaled re-drawing of project floor plan, project package review notes.
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Session 2 · Site Measuring Techniques
Criteria: Measurement accuracy standards, triangulation for irregular rooms, ceiling heights, door swings, window openings, two-person vs solo measuring.
Options: Tape, Disto laser, plumb line, level, framing square, field-note formats, photo standards.
Deliverable: Field sketch of home room (graded), site analysis notes, DDL entries 1–5, Justification Video 1: Site Analysis.
02
Construction Materials & Standard Sizes
Weeks 2 – 3 · 4 sessions · 12 hours
Outcomes: Identify standard sizes of lumber, sheet goods, finishes · Select door / window types · Apply plumbing & cabinet dimensions · Produce material schedules.
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Session 3 · Lumber & Sheet Goods
Criteria: Nominal vs actual lumber, structural vs non-structural, moisture & grades, when to use engineered wood.
Options: Dimensional lumber (2x4 to 2x12), plywood / OSB, drywall (1/2", 5/8"), engineered (LVL, I-joists, glulam).
Deliverable: Preliminary Material List, DDL entries for structural choices.
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Session 4 · Masonry, Steel & Finishes
Criteria: When to use masonry vs wood vs steel, coursing dimensions, finish thickness, durability vs cost.
Options: CMU sizes, brick coursing, steel studs, tile, flooring, paint & finish standards.
Deliverable: Preliminary Finish Schedule, personal Material Reference Cheat Sheet.
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Session 5 · Doors & Windows Sample lecture
Criteria: Natural light · Ventilation · View · Code / Egress (OBC 9.7) · Privacy — the five criteria for every window placement.
Options: Casement, slider, awning, fixed, single-hung, double-hung — with typical sizes and operation.
Deliverable: Window Decision Matrix for all rooms, preliminary Window Schedule, Door Schedule.
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Session 6 · Plumbing & Cabinet Standards
Criteria: Fixture dimensions, clearance requirements, accessibility minimums, kitchen work triangle, plumbing walls.
Options: Toilet types, sink configurations, tub vs shower, modular cabinetry, countertop standards.
Deliverable: Scaled bathroom & kitchen layouts, DDL (15+ entries), Justification Video 2: Materials & Openings.
03
Framing & Structure
Week 4 · 2 sessions · 6 hours
Outcomes: Read & apply span tables · Calculate roof geometry · Specify framing sizes · Know when to bring in an engineer.
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Session 7 · Roof Geometry
Criteria: Slope notation (X:12), drainage, snow load, attic space, neighborhood context.
Options: Gable, hip, shed, mansard, gambrel — pitches 2:12 to 12:12; ridge / hip / valley terminology.
Deliverable: Roof Framing Sketch with calculations, DDL entry justifying roof type.
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Session 8 · Floor & Wall Framing
Criteria: Joist span vs depth, spacing (12 / 16 / 24 o.c.), header sizing, bearing-wall ID.
Options: OBC Part 9 span tables, dimensional lumber, I-joists, LVL beams, header standards.
Deliverable: Structural Framing Plan with sizes, Load Path Diagram, updated DDL.
04
Building Systems — Electrical & HVAC
Weeks 5 – 6 · 4 sessions · 12 hours
Outcomes: Lay out code-compliant residential electrical · Read & produce electrical plans · Understand HVAC types · Size mechanical spaces · Coordinate with engineers.
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Session 9 · Electrical Fundamentals
Criteria: Residential service, outlet placement, code minimums vs designer choices, load basics.
Options: Service sizes (100 / 200 / 400 A), panel locations, circuit types, wiring methods.
Deliverable: Electrical service strategy memo, panel location plan with justification.
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Session 10 · Electrical Layout & Plans
Criteria: Outlet spacing (every 12 ft / 6 ft from a door), switch logic, lighting strategy by room.
Options: Symbol legend, GFCI / AFCI, 3-way switching, lighting layers, low-voltage rough-ins.
Deliverable: Complete Electrical Plan with legend, basic circuit schedule.
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Session 11 · HVAC Fundamentals
Criteria: Climate considerations, heat / cool / ventilate as separate functions, OBC SB-12 efficiency.
Options: Forced air, hydronic, heat pump, ductless mini-split, hybrid — gas / electric / propane / oil.
Deliverable: HVAC System Selection memo, mechanical space allocation on plan.
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Session 12 · HVAC Layout & Coordination
Criteria: Showing HVAC on architectural drawings, duct routing logic, coordination conflicts.
Options: Chase locations, register placement, exhaust routes, HRV / ERV distribution.
Deliverable: Floor plan annotated with HVAC, mechanical coordination notes, Justification Video 3.
05
Building Code & Zoning
Weeks 7 – 8 · 4 sessions · 12 hours
Outcomes: Navigate the OBC efficiently · Apply zoning bylaws · Produce a code compliance matrix · Distinguish Part 9 vs Part 3.
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Session 13 · Navigating the OBC
Criteria: Structure of the OBC, Part 9 vs Part 3 vs Part 11, efficient lookup, when code applies.
Deliverable: Code Lookup Exercise (10 references with section numbers), personal Code Quick-Reference Card.
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Session 14 · Zoning & Site Requirements
Criteria: Setbacks, fence heights, lot coverage, height limits, FSI / density, grading & drainage.
Deliverable: Zoning Compliance Report, updated site plan with all setbacks.
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Session 15 · Egress & Life Safety
Criteria: Why egress matters, minimum room dimensions, stair geometry, handrail / guard, smoke & CO placement.
Deliverable: Egress Audit Report, updated drawings with compliance changes.
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Session 16 · Envelope & Structural Code
Criteria: Insulation R-values by zone, vapor / air barriers, span tables, foundation depths.
Deliverable: Complete OBC Code Matrix (permit format), Justification Video 4: Code Compliance.
06
Drafting & Documentation
Weeks 9 – 10 · 4 sessions · 12 hours
Outcomes: Set up a professional drawing file · Produce dimensioned plans · Draft elevations & sections · Maintain a coordinated set.
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Session 17 · Drawing Setup & Standards
Criteria: Why standards exist, permit reviewer expectations, file organization.
Options: Layers / line weights / line types, scale conventions, A-100 / A-200 sheet numbering, title-block elements.
Deliverable: Configured project template, sheet list document.
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Session 18 · Floor Plans Part 1
Criteria: What belongs on a floor plan, hierarchy of information, details vs notes.
Deliverable: Proposed Floor Plan (draft — walls and openings complete).
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Session 19 · Floor Plans Part 2+ Elevations
Criteria: Annotation hierarchy, tag vs note, exterior elevation conventions, material indication.
Deliverable: Completed Proposed Floor Plan, two completed elevations.
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Session 20 · Sections
Criteria: Why sections matter, building vs wall section, cutting line placement.
Deliverable: Complete set — Floor Plan, 4 Elevations, 1 Building Section, 1 Wall Section.
07
Details & Presentation
Weeks 11 – 12 · 4 sessions · 12 hours
Outcomes: Draft standard construction details · Coordinate all drawings · Compose presentation sheets · Present design verbally.
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Session 21 · Construction Details
Criteria: When details are required, permit vs construction-document level, material hatching.
Deliverable: Construction Detail Sheet (minimum 3 — foundation, wall section, window).
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Session 22 · Drawing Coordination
Criteria: Why coordination matters, QA review, callout systems, revision tracking.
Deliverable: Fully coordinated drawing set, QA Review Report (peer), Justification Video 5: Construction Logic.
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Session 23 · Sheet Layout & Visual Hierarchy
Criteria: What makes a sheet readable, focal vs supporting info, white space, typography.
Deliverable: Cover Sheet, two presentation sheets.
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Session 24 · 3D Views & Client Presentation
Criteria: When 3D helps vs distracts, presentation pacing, handling objections.
Deliverable: 3D views (minimum 2), complete presentation package for final defense.
08
Capstone & Launch
Week 13 · 2 sessions · 6 hours
Outcomes: Compile portfolio · Defend design before an industry panel · Launch into job search.
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Session 25 · Capstone Compilation
Final review of complete DDL · compile five Justification Videos into a portfolio reel · 1-on-1 instructor review · prepare 10-min final presentation.
Deliverable: Portfolio-ready PDF, justification video reel, presentation slides.
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Session 26 · Final Design Defense
10-min student presentation + 10-min Q&A with an invited industry panel (architect, contractor, building inspector). Student defends choices using DDL references.
Closing: Graduation ceremony, Cadelon certificate, panel LinkedIn connections, job-search briefing.
By the end of the program, every graduate produces this portfolio of work.
| Week | Deliverable | Type |
|---|
| 1 | Tape Reading Skill Check + Project Package Review | Skill demo |
| 1 | Scaled re-drawing of project floor plan | Drawing |
| 1 | Field sketch of home room | Drawing |
| 1 | Justification Video 1: Site Analysis | Video |
| 2 | Preliminary Material List + Cheat Sheet | Document |
| 2 | Preliminary Finish Schedule | Document |
| 3 | Window & Door Schedules | Document |
| 3 | Bathroom & Kitchen layouts | Drawing |
| 3 | Justification Video 2: Materials & Openings | Video |
| 4 | Roof Framing Sketch with calculations | Drawing |
| 4 | Structural Framing Plan + Load Path | Drawing |
| 5 | Electrical service strategy + Panel location | Document |
| 5 | Complete Electrical Plan with legend | Drawing |
| 6 | HVAC System Selection + Mechanical space plan | Document |
| 6 | Floor plan annotated with HVAC strategy | Drawing |
| 6 | Justification Video 3: Building Systems | Video |
| 7 | Code Lookup Exercise + Quick-Reference Card | Document |
| 7 | Zoning Compliance Report | Document |
| 8 | Egress Audit Report | Document |
| 8 | Complete OBC Code Matrix | Document |
| 8 | Justification Video 4: Code Compliance | Video |
| 9 | Project template + Sheet list | Setup |
| 9 | Proposed Floor Plan (draft) | Drawing |
| 10 | Complete Plans, 4 Elevations, Section, Wall Section | Drawing |
| 11 | Construction Detail Sheet (3+ details) | Drawing |
| 11 | Fully coordinated drawing set | Drawing |
| 11 | Justification Video 5: Construction Logic | Video |
| 12 | Cover Sheet + 2 Presentation Sheets | Drawing |
| 12 | 3D Views (2+) | Drawing |
| 13 | Portfolio PDF + Justification Video Reel | Portfolio |
| 13 | Final Defense Recording | Video |
| 13 | Cadelon Certificate | Credential |
Design Decision Log
Every student maintains a running log throughout the program. Each entry documents a single design choice, the criteria applied, the source reference, and the final decision. Minimum 60 entries by Week 13.
| # | Decision | Criteria Applied | Source | Final Choice |
|---|
| 001 | Master BR window placement | Light, view, egress, privacy | Lecture 7 — Windows | South wall, casement 900×1500 |
| 002 | Exterior wall assembly | R-value, cost, durability | Lecture 5 + SB-12 | 2×6 w/ R-22 batt, brick veneer |
| 003 | Roof type and pitch | Drainage, context, attic use | Lecture 9 — Roofs | 6:12 gable |
| 004 | Bathroom layout | Clearances, code, fixture sizes | Lecture 8 — Plumbing | Tub-shower, single vanity, 5'×8' |
| 005 | Kitchen window location | Light, ventilation, work triangle | Lectures 7 + 8 | East wall over sink, slider 1200×900 |
DDL Grading Criteria
- Quantity: 60+ entries by Week 13.
- Source citation: Every entry references a lecture or code section.
- Quality of reasoning: Criteria match the decision type.
- Consistency: Decisions don't contradict each other across the project.
Assessment Framework
Cadelon grades against the criteria taught — not against subjective design taste.
| Dimension | What It Measures | Weight |
|---|
| Technical Accuracy | Correct sizes, dimensions, code compliance | 30% |
| Decision Quality | Criteria correctly applied to decisions | 25% |
| Documentation | DDL completeness, drawing standards | 20% |
| Presentation | Sheet layout, clarity, verbal defense | 15% |
| Professionalism | Deadlines met, peer collaboration, growth | 10% |
The Cadelon Standard
A graduate from this program walks into any architecture firm interview with proof of process, not just product. The drawings show what they made. The DDL shows how they think. The Justification Videos show how they defend their work. That is what makes Cadelon graduates hireable.