3 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture | 3 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective
In many traditional buildings, the composition of the façade is governed by the placement of doors and windows. The rhythm of these elements gives a visual structure much in the manner of columns or pilasters. In addition, like the eyes, nose, and mouth on a face, the openings on a façade can reveal the “soul” of a building. This course will examine the typology, construction, and design of traditional doorways and windows. Through freehand drawings, student will layout the primary types of traditional openings, with an emphasis on those types which use elements of the classical orders. Students will also learn about common proportions for doors and windows, and strategies for placing traditional openings in a façade. An illustrated lecture will demonstrate how doorways and windows have been employed in a variety of traditional building types throughout history.
None required; attendance at a previous introductory Elements of Classical Architecture class, such as Introduction to Moldings or Introduction to the Tuscan Order, is recommended.
The following materials are required for this course. Handouts from the ICAA Primer and other sources will be provided.
Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program Program Level: Introductory AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: June 26, 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.
Martin Brandwein, AIA, is a New York City architect specializing in traditional design. His firm has worked on numerous projects including the restoration of a Greek Revival townhouse which received the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy in 1997. For over twenty-five years, Mr. Brandwein has taught drawing classes in classical architecture at the National Academy of Design, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Historic Windsor’s Preservation Institute, the University of Miami School of Architecture, and the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and a LEED AP.
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.