Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Design and Build Remodeling, associate degree

Student using a tape measure

The only program of its kind in the US: our Design/Build Remodeling degree prepares you in designing, managing, and constructing kitchen and bathroom renovations. Our program has strong affiliations with local contractors and national associations including the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

You learn the hands-on skills necessary to:

  • Build residential construction
  • Specialized training in kitchen and bathroom design
  • Finishes selection and installation
  • Business practices

The Design/Build program draws on elements from all of our programs. You will take most of our hands-on classes, and then add customized value to with classes such as:

  • Introduction to Space Planning
  • Kitchen and Bathroom Design
  • Mechanical Systems for Kitchens and Baths
  • Business Principles for Constructors

We embed the curriculum of the NKBA within our program, guaranteeing we meet all of the outcomes requested by the NKBA. And, you earn a degree along with gaining the skills to compete in the industry.

Award information

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete
Award Length Financial aid eligible Currently accepting students?
Associate Degree: Design and Build Remodeling2 years

Learn more about Building Construction and all 4 awards available »

Locations

What will you do?

Many of our graduates operate their own construction, remodeling, and general contracting companies while others work for successful construction companies.

A variety of companies seek our building construction technology graduates. We suggest you find work from companies affiliated with trade organizations such as the:

  • Associated General Contractors
  • Oregon Remodelers Association
  • National Kitchen and Bath Association
  • Home Builders Association

Courses

Course listing for the 2023-2024 catalog year.

Plan of Study Grid
First TermCredits
BCT 102 Residential Printreading 3
BCT 103 Residential Materials and Methods 3
BCT 104 Construction Math § 3
BCT 106 Hand Tool/Power Tool Use and Safety 3
General Education: 1 course
Second Term
ARCH 110 Introduction to Architectural Drawing 2
BCT 127 Residential Concrete 6
BCT 135 Residential Building Codes 2
COMM 215
or COMM 111
Communicating in Teams and Small Groups *,Z
or Public Speaking (COMM111=COMM111Z)
4
BCT CAD Electives 3
Third Term
BCT 117 Graphic Communication for Contractors 1
BCT 118 Introduction to Space Planning and Design 2
BCT 120 Floor Framing 3
BCT 121 Wall Framing 3
BCT 122 Roof Framing I 3
BCT CAD Electives 3
General Education: 1 course 3
Fourth Term
BCT 128 Exterior Finish 6
BCT 129 Mechanical Planning for Kitchens and Baths 4
BCT 229 Introduction to Kitchens and Baths 4
WR 227
or WR 122
Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z
or Composition II (WR122=WR122Z)
4
Fifth Term
BCT 202C Business Principles for Construction 3
BCT 203 Interior Finish 6
BCT 219 Cabinetmaking I 6
ID 238 Advanced Kitchen and Bath Planning 3
Sixth Term
BCT 204B Construction Estimating - Residential 3
BCT 206 Sustainable Construction Practices 3
BCT 211 Remodeling 6
BCT 244 Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Installation 2
General Education: 1 course
 Total Credits103
*

Could be used as General Education

§

Course cannot be substituted with another course.

Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:

COMM 111 and COMM 111Z

WR 122 and WR 122Z

WR 227 and WR 227Z

BCT 106 Tool Safety must be taken before beginning any other hands-on classes unless the instructor provides permission to take the classes concurrently.

Schedule

Given our size, many Design/Build courses are offered only once per year, so planning your courses with an advisor is important for students to complete on time. A Design/Build course planner is available from a BCT faculty member. Students typically graduate in 2-2.5 years.

Next steps

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