2020-2021 State Contest Catalog
Architectural Design
(Virtual)
Contest Description
This is a California only contest. Competitors that medal at the State level will not advance to compete at the national level.
Contestants will use their drafting skills to solve an architectural problem. The problem includes creating computer-generated drawings. The contest will challenge the contestants’ problem-solving abilities, not simply their drafting skills.
Live Virtual Contest Schedule
Contestants will be using the problem and drawing files submitted at Regionals to complete their State Contest. Contestants will be issued additional drawing requirements on April 2, 2021 that must be completed prior to the live virtual competition on Saturday, April 10, 2021 over Zoom at 9 AM. Contestants will be asked to submit their revised Regional contest drawings and any new drawings on the day of the competition. Resumes must be uploaded via the Champions Hub by 12 noon on April 10, 2021.
State Competition Duration
Non-virtual competition: 4 Hours (to be done offline between 4/2/21 and 4/10/21)
Virtual competition: 4 Hours (to be done live online on 4/10/21)
Both portions of the contest will assess problem solving and skill performances by creating the computer-generated 2D architectural design and technical documentation.
Knowledge Performance
A knowledge exam will not be required for this state contest.
Contest Guidelines
1. Competitors will be required to establish a Gmail account for ease of access to Google Docs.
2. Drafting competitors must be familiar with exporting/printing their work in a portable document format (PDF). Most software programs have an integral “Print to PDF” option or Adobe PDF driver loaded into their printer options. If not, there are several open-source PDF writer programs available for free online. We recommend the following: Foxit Reader: https://www.foxitsoftware.com/products/pdf-reader/
CutePDF Writer: http://www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/writer.asp
3. Competitors may use standard or customized titleblock for their drawings (all drawings will be printed on 11 x 17 paper).
4. All drawings must have their contestant number ONLY when submitted. Any references to school name, location, or competitor’s names must be deleted or their drawings will be disqualified. Drawings must be anonymous for Judging.
Materials Supplied by SkillsUSA CA
Links to location of the contest problems and Zoom Meeting information. A secured location for accessing, uploading, and saving submitted PDF files.
Materials List Supplied by the Student
1. Computer with high-speed internet capability and camera to use applications such as Zoom. The minimum recommended internet bandwidth speeds for joining Zoom meetings, accessing on-demand curriculum and other online operations is 2.0 Mbps up and down. You can test your current internet speeds by following this link: https://www.speedtest.net/. Allow the page to load and click on GO.
2. Computer-aided drafting software that is able to create 2D or 3D design and technical documentation. Software capable of producing renderings or digital models is recommended but not required.
Clothing Requirement
Official Dress is NOT required for the state conference events. Clothing must be unbranded with no words, images, or logos. SkillsUSA or SkillsUSA California attire is recommended.
National Weblinks
State Weblinks
All SkillsUSA California contest projects are subject to change due to any unforeseen facility, staffing or site-related issues. Please use these materials as a reference to prepare students for the potential contest project. SkillsUSA California regional and state contest projects are developed by state technical committee members to align with the national technical standards.