(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It takes a talented individual to elevate art and design to the next level, such as in digital architecture. For one student at Texas State Technical College, he is well on his way.
Charles Hervey, of San Benito, is a first-semester Drafting and Design student at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, where he is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree.
“I have always been fascinated by creativity and design,” he said. “I feel that I have an upper hand because I took basic AutoCAD and architectural drafting courses in high school. The design side of this program really allows you to explore that in a computer aspect using a 3D architectural design program called Revit.”
Hervey was introduced to architecture as a student at Rio Hondo High School through a dual enrollment partnership with TSTC.
“After I graduated high school, I studied architecture at Texas Tech University, but then the pandemic happened. I relocated back to my hometown and was looking for AutoCAD work. I was hired to do that at an area HVAC company. Then that experience motivated me to return to TSTC.”
That AutoCAD knowledge has worked to Hervey’s advantage as he has mastered some of the program’s online curriculum through TSTCYou, which offers students the opportunity to work in a flexible, performance-based education (PBE) modality that works with busy schedules.
“I really enjoy the PBE curriculum because I have the ability to complete it at my discretion, although there are deadlines,” he said. “I’ve known my instructor (Miguel) Loya since I used to be enrolled in dual enrollment. His teaching methods are excellent, and he understands everything about the program.”
Hervey added that his program experience has been engaging.
“The AutoCAD course has been my absolute favorite,” he said. “My thought process functions mechanically. I’m just used to that. It just clicked when I started to go through it. That class is designed to take 15 weeks to complete. I completed the entire class in 19 hours, and my grade was 100.”
Additionally, he has enhanced his experience as an independent contractor.
“I am building my foundation at an area design company by shadowing a professional architect for eight hours per week,” he said.
Miguel Loya, a TSTC Drafting and Design instructor, said Hervey comes to class motivated and is a problem solver.
“Hervey adapted to the PBE modality quite easily,” he said. “He has managed to complete two out of three courses in record time. He will most definitely gain entry-level experience and knowledge in the architectural industry in the near future. It will aid in further developing his work ethic to add to his resume.”
In Drafting and Design, TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology and Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology, as well as several occupational skills achievement awards. For a complete list, visit tstc.edu/programs/draftingdesign.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
