Virginia's Design/Pre-Construction pathway develops expertise in construction design, project planning, blueprints interpretation, and construction management—preparing students for careers ensuring buildings are planned correctly before construction begins. This pathway emphasizes precision, planning, and coordination.
Students study construction design principles, CAD (computer-aided design), building codes, site planning, material specifications, and project estimation. They create construction documents, interpret architectural plans, and develop project schedules through classroom projects and partnerships with architectural and construction firms.
Graduates work as construction estimators, project planners, CAD technicians, construction inspectors, or architects' aides. Northern Virginia's booming construction sector and statewide building activity create strong employment. Advanced students pursue architecture at Virginia Tech, UVA, and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Design/Pre-Construction at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's design and pre-construction standards align with building codes, architectural standards, and construction industry best practices. Standards emphasize CAD proficiency, blueprint reading, code compliance, and project management fundamentals.
Students demonstrate competency through design projects, construction document interpretation, and project estimation assessments. The state partners with architectural and construction professional associations.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Construction Design Fundamentals |
| CAD and Blueprint Reading |
| Construction Codes and Standards |
| Project Planning and Estimation |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
CAD Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $51,990 - $77,300
Construction Estimator
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,790 - $96,240
Project Inspector
ExperiencedSalary range: $39,700 - $60,660
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at architectural firms, engineering companies, construction companies, and building departments throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
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