5 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Measured Drawing) | 5 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective
"That time-worn Doric order–a lovely thing–I have the cheek to adopt. You can’t copy it. To be right you have to take it and design it…It means hard labour, hard thinking over every line in all three dimensions and in every joint; and no stone can be allowed to slide. If you tackle it in this way, the Order belongs to you, and every stroke, being mentally handled, must become endowed with such poetry and artistry as God has given you. You alter one feature (which you have to, always), then every other feature has to sympathise and undergo some care and invention. Therefore, it is no mean (game), nor is it a game you can play lightheartedly."- Sir Edwin Lutyens
One of the best ways to study precedents - to become better acquainted with composition, scale and dimension - is through observation and drawing in the field, in direct contact with original models. Two time- tested field techniques for studying architectural precedents are analytical and measured drawing in sketchbook. These are principal means through which architects have historically advanced their skills and knowledge. Studying details, buildings and places analytically, reveals ways in which precedents are continuously adapted through time to new programmatic and regional conditions.
In celebration of the reprinting of the Lutyens Memorial Volumes by A.S.G Butler by the ICAA, this one-day course focuses on the work of 19th and 20th century British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens through the use of drawings from the Lutyens Memorial Volumes. Lutyens' work demonstrates an extraordinary command of materials and regional building traditions, and sheds new light on the classical canon's creative potential.
The class will redraw a variety of details at scale in their sketchbook. The course will include an overview of the history of architectural measured drawings and will use Lutyens’ work as the basis for the drawings. The course will touch on the precedents that Lutyens used, ranging from local vernacular buildings to the architects Christopher Wren, Norman Shaw, and other sources. The details of focus on his domestic architecture and will include elements that are applicable to the modern practitioner such as entry doors, fireplace mantels, stairs, moulding profiles, millwork, and use of the orders.
Please note that limited materials are available for loan in the ICAA classroom; if you need to borrow any supplies for this course, please email [email protected].
Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program Program Level: Introductory Prerequisites: None required AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: August 21, 2026 Provider Number: G193 Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Stephen Chrisman is a Partner at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects in New York City. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and Bachelor of Architecture from the Oregon School of Design. His teaching focus has been on Classical Architectural Design and Composition, The Art of The Measured Sketchbook, and How to Study Buildings: An Analysis of Architectural Composition and Precedent. He has also been the lead instructor of the ICAA American Drawing Tours in Williamsburg, Charleston, Washington DC, and Newport. Stephen is a long-standing Fellow of the ICAA and serves on its National Education Committee.
The ICAA provides up to three complimentary spaces in each Continuing Education course for students or young professionals to attend. Upon signing up, you will be entered into a pool of applicants. Individuals will be randomly selected two weeks before the course begins, and all sign-ups will be notified via email. In order to apply for this program, please fill out this form.Upon applying, please email a copy of your ID showing that you are aged 35 or younger, or a current student ID, to [email protected]. Should you have any questions about this special program, please email [email protected].
Questions regarding the ICAA's courses may be directed via email to [email protected]; via phone to 212-730-9646 ext. 112; or via mail to our National Office at 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036.
To register for a continuing education course hosted by the ICAA National Office, you can use the registration link noted on the program page, email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x112. Please also note the ICAA National Office Registration and Cancellation Policy, which you may access by clicking here. ICAA Chapters manage course registration for their own events. While Chapter programs may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and information on how to register.
The ICAA National Office does not offer recurring continuing education classes on a regular basis, but aims to offer future sessions of classes whose demand exceeded capacity. Core classes are generally offered annually or semi-annually. The frequency of ICAA Chapter courses varies by region.
You can find a list of the ICAA's core curriculum subject areas along with more details about the ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture program by clicking here. For questions about specific courses that aren’t on this list, please contact [email protected].
Most ICAA continuing education courses are suited to all artistic and academic backgrounds. Seasoned artists and novices alike have enjoyed and improved on their skills in ICAA classes. If a class has any pre-requisites or is recommended for a certain experience level, this will appear on the class listing on the ICAA website. While Chapter courses may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and pre-requisites.
Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) in architecture includes topics that relate to the structural integrity and soundness of a building or a building site. Course content must focus on these topics in order to provide HSW credits. For more information on ICAA classes that have been approved by the AIA for HSW credit, please contact [email protected].
In many cases, you will be able to receive a full or partial refund of your course registration fee. For courses in the New York Region, you may refer to the ICAA's Continuing Education cancellation and refund policy by clicking here.
You may find the ICAA's policies [here]. If you are attending a Chapter program, please contact the Chapter directly for more information on Chapter-specific policies.