Student Portfolio Projects
VDCI Certificate Program students work 1-on-1 with their instructors to design and create a capstone project at the end of their programs.
Through this project, students are able to implement and showcase the software skills they learned during their training. Once completed, capstone projects serve as portfolio pieces that students can feel proud to call their own and utilize at job interviews to demonstrate their real-world knowledge and abilities.
“What I learned and the feeling I had when I did the final project was by far the best feeling I had completing a project. So, for me, VDCI was more than I can imagine.”
Donahue C. – Washington, D.C.
VDCI Alumni Capstone Projects
Explore some of the capstone projects from our Student Portfolio Submissions to get an idea of the work you’ll be able to create by the end of your training. Capstone project examples are categorized by Certificate Programs offered at VDCI.
CAD/BIM Certificate Projects
View all CAD/BIM certificate projects on our CAD/BIM Capstone Project Examples page!
Rubab: CAD Model for a Single-Family Home
Student Project: Rubab N.
Rubab’s CAD/BIM Capstone Project involves the design and modeling of a residential single-family home, utilizing both CAD and BIM software to integrate technical and creative skills. The project will include a comprehensive process from initial planning and design research to the creation of detailed technical drawings and 3D models. Rubab will apply her knowledge of building systems, layout design, and project management to develop a functional and aesthetically cohesive final design. The capstone will also include a professional case study portfolio documenting the design process, challenges, and the software tools used throughout the project.
Concepts Covered:
- Design Brief: Developing a clear outline of the mission, values, spatial needs, and aesthetic goals of the residential building.
- Site Plan & Layout: Creation of a detailed site plan, considering factors such as environment, location, and building placement. Includes room schedules and layout for each level of the building.
- 3D Modeling & Visualizations: Crafting 3D models and perspectives (front, rear, and side views) to visualize the building, including exploded axonometric views and interior renderings.
- Building Elevations & Sections: Detailed elevation views and building sections, including technical specifications and architectural details that outline the structure.
- Furniture and Interior Design: Integration of functional furniture plans within the building's floor plans, supporting the residential aesthetic and spatial flow.
- Building Systems Coordination: Incorporating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems into the BIM model, ensuring technical accuracy and integration with the overall design.
- Project Process Documentation: A professional case study portfolio that outlines Rubab’s process, from initial conceptualization to final model completion, showcasing her technical proficiency and design expertise.
BIM Certificate Projects
- Commercial Building - Estela B.
- Commercial Building - Cody A.
- Commercial Building – Donahue C.
- Commercial Building – Daniel P.
- Commercial Building – John S.
- Single Family Residence – Brandon H.
- Single Family Residence – Daniel M.
- Single Family Residence – Frank G.
- Single Family Residence – Seth M.
- Single Family Residence - Will W.
CAD Certificate Projects
View all CAD certificate projects on our CAD Capstone Project Examples page!
Rommel's Residential Construction Project
Student Project: Rommel B.
Rommel's CAD capstone project involves the creation of a comprehensive 2D and 3D model for a real-world residential construction project. Using AutoCAD, Rommel is tasked with developing detailed floor plans, elevations, and construction documentation, with a specific focus on designing a new residence. The goal of this project is to apply core CAD principles to produce precise architectural and structural designs that are fully aligned with the project requirements.
Concepts Covered:
- Site Plan Development: Creation of a detailed site plan that outlines the building's location, surrounding landscape, driveway, and parking areas. The plan will consider zoning regulations and ensure proper land use optimization.
- Floor Plan and Spatial Layout: Design of the building’s interior spaces, including rooms, walls, doors, and windows. Rommel will develop precise floor plans that reflect the function and flow of the space.
- Building Elevations: Drawing exterior views of the building, including front, rear, and side elevations. This will demonstrate Rommel's ability to represent vertical aspects of the design, focusing on aesthetic and structural elements like rooflines, windows, and doors.
- Construction Detailing: Development of detailed construction drawings that provide specific information on materials, wall systems, roof design, and foundation. These drawings ensure clarity for the construction team to follow.
- 3D Modeling and Visualization: Use of AutoCAD’s 3D tools to generate a three-dimensional model of the building, providing a realistic visualization of the design. Rommel will include elements such as roof slopes, exterior finishes, and structural components.
- Building System Integration: Coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within the CAD model, ensuring that all building systems are aligned with the overall design and structure.
- Drafting Standards and Accuracy: Application of industry-standard drafting techniques and accuracy in Rommel's CAD drawings, ensuring proper symbol usage, dimensioning, and layout.
- Project Management and Revisions: Rommel will manage the scope of the project, ensuring all design revisions are handled in a timely manner while keeping the project on schedule.
- Professional Presentation: Creation of a polished presentation of the final CAD project, including a project summary, process documentation, key design decisions, and a portfolio of completed CAD drawings and 3D renderings.