One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in architectural design or a related field – beyond the strong job prospects and good pay – is the joy of creating something from nothing. In the Department of Architecture and Interior Design, students learn to use the latest technologies and sustainable methods to conceive, design, construct and revitalize every aspect of the built environment. With outstanding faculty who are also full-time professionals and numerous transfer agreements with top four-year institutions, we’re proud to offer award-winning programs at an outstanding value. Most of all, we’re proud of the futures our students are designing, architecting and constructing for themselves.
Our department offers degrees and credit certificates in the following areas of study. We also offer Fast Track options for students who already hold a college degree. For a more complete description of these programs and courses, visit one of the following within Programs and Courses.
The Department of Architecture and Interior Design cultivates creativity, critical thinking and collaboration while championing environmental justice, equity and diversity. Our mission is to inspire an inclusive learning community of sustainably committed professionals, actively engaging and contributing to the betterment of the communities we serve.
Our programs emphasize a hands-on approach to learning, where students are encouraged to take risks, think critically, collaborate creatively and experiment fearlessly in exploring creative and sustainable design solutions for community needs. Through active engagement with industry professionals and community partners, we strive to empower our students to meet the ever-evolving demands of the field and make meaningful contributions as the next generation of contributors to society.
Through joint projects, shared resources and cross-disciplinary courses, students from the different programs within our department collaborate to gain a comprehensive understanding of the built environment and develop the skills necessary to work seamlessly as a team in real-world projects. Faculty members also encourage collaboration among students, guiding them to engage in collective problem-solving and design solutions that address the diverse needs of communities and promote sustainable and inclusive practices.
We are committed to cultivating a growth mindset in students by embracing failure as a productive and necessary part of the learning process. Through a supportive and empathetic learning environment, students are encouraged to take risks, experiment and learn from setbacks without fear of punishment. This approach not only instills resilience, adaptability and a positive attitude towards challenges but also cultivates a continuous drive for growth, development and success as creative professionals in the built environment disciplines.
We aim to inspire curiosity, enthusiasm, passion and vision in our students through a culture of empowerment and encouragement. By providing engaging and hands-on learning experiences, exposing students to cutting-edge practices, and offering mentorship from industry experts, we ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity, fueling their passion for the built environment disciplines. Through this empowering environment, students are encouraged to explore their creative potential, develop a clear vision for future careers and approach challenges with enthusiasm and confidence.
We are committed to engaged education by nurturing and encouraging students as active participants in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that involve practical design and construction projects. Through collaborative initiatives with local organizations and community partners, students gain valuable exposure to diverse challenges and actively engage in problem-solving within the built environment. This experiential and interactive approach empowers students to become proactive learners, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers and positively impact the communities they serve.
We are committed to promoting and fostering creative innovation by promoting experimentation and risk-taking. Through hands-on design projects, cutting-edge technology and supportive faculty guidance, students are encouraged to fearlessly explore and push the boundaries of their creativity, cultivating a diverse range of bold and imaginative design ideas and solutions. This emphasis on creativity, coupled with a willingness to take risks, empowers students to become imaginative and forward-thinking professionals, fully prepared to tackle complex challenges in the built environment with innovative and visionary approaches.
Our department is comprised of award-winning faculty — all practicing experts in their field. They bring both academic knowledge and real-world practice to the classroom.
Professor Robert Lowe III, Architecture and Landscape Design
CALT 332
410-777-7241
rrlowe@aacc.edu
Professor Carol Pearce, Program Chair for Interior Design
CALT 328
410-777-1281
cspearce@aacc.edu
Professor Brandi Shepard, Program Chair for Construction Management
CALT 332
410-777-2120
brshepard@aacc.edu
Professor Robert Lowe III
CALT 330
410-777-7241
rrlowe@aacc.edu
Professor Carol Pearce
CALT 328
410-777-1281
cspearce@aacc.edu
Professor Jeffery Roberson
CALT 332
410-777-2206
jjroberson1@aacc.edu
Professor Brandi Shepard
CALT 332
410-777-2120
brshepard@aacc.edu
Janet Haddock
CALT 328
410-777-7086
jlhaddock@aacc.edu
From travel study opportunities to continuing education units (CEUs), we offer a number of resources for prospective students, current students, high schoolers and professionals in the architecture, interior design and construction industries.
From field trips to travel study, internships to student organizations, your experience as an architecture, design or construction management student goes beyond the classroom.
Through AACC’s Program Pathways, high school students can earn free college credit for high school coursework in subjects like drafting, architectural drawing, art, carpentry and construction.
The department offers approved continuing education courses for licensed architects, as well as “Fast Track” degree options for adults who already have a college degree and are looking to earn a degree in architecture, interior design or construction management.
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School of Science, Technology and Education
Architecture and Interior Design
By the time he graduated from AACC, Mateo Escobosa already had an impressive resume. During his last term at AACC, he was selected as the winner for the Maryland American Institute of Architects Top Design Award for Community College projects. He also passed an exam to become a LEED Green Associate.
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