Furniture Design and Drafting
Learn how to design and draft fixed furniture and millwork following North American architectural and woodworking standards. This course is designed to prepare students to work directly with companies specializing in millwork and furniture design in the United States, mastering both technical requirements and professional representation standards. The student will learn to apply tools such as AutoCAD and SketchUp to real projects, mastering technical terminology, materials, hardware, and the complete design process used in the U.S. market.
REQUIREMENTS
- Intermediate knowledge of AutoCAD, SketchUp, and CAM software.
- Background in design and drafting (university degree not required).
- English level B1 or higher for functional reading comprehension of technical terms.
- Targeted at interior designers, architects, furniture professionals, and freelancers.
OBJECTIVE
- Master North American architectural and millwork standards for furniture design and representation.
- Apply AutoCAD, SketchUp, and CAM software concepts to real-world cabinetry and millwork projects.
- Understand industrial finishes, hardware, and materials specific to the U.S. market.
- Develop high-quality shop drawings and technical documentation for furniture production.
- Prepare for remote work opportunities or direct collaboration with U.S. cabinetry firms.
STUDENT PROFILE
- Interest in specializing in architectural millwork and construction detailing.
- Ability to translate concepts into technical drawings using industry-standard software.
- Motivation to enter the North American job market by mastering its specific technical and graphic standards.
POSITIONS YOU COULD APPLY FOR AFTER COMPLETING THIS COURSE
- Architectural Millwork Drafter
- Cabinetry Draftsman / Draftsperson
- Joinery Designer / Drafter
- Millwork Draftsperson (AutoCAD / Cabinet Vision)
- Millwork Project Designer
- Cabinetry and Millwork Detailer
- CAD Technician – Cabinetry
- Custom Cabinet Designer
- Kitchen and Bath Designer (2020 Design / Mozaik)
- Shop Drawing Technician (Cabinetry & Millwork)
- Furniture Designer / CAD Drafter
- Interior Millwork Designer
Mobiliario 101
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- Lección 1: Introducción
- Lección 2: Casework, Millwork y Cabinetry
- Lección 3: Tipos de Gabinetes
- Lección 4: Millwork Tradicional
- Lección 5: La Industria del Cabinetry en los Estados Unidos
- Lección 6: Actores Esenciales de la Industria
Diseño básico y componentes de mobiliario
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- Lección 1: ¿Qué son los gabinetes?
- Lección 2: Tipos de Gabinetes
- Lección 3: Estilos de Puertas
- Lección 4: Puertas de Gabinetes
- Lección 5: Superposición de Puertas
- Lección 6: Gavetas y Estantes
- Lección 7: Bisagras, Herraduras y Moludars
Materiales y acabados
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- Lección 1: Materiales Base
- Lección 2: Acabados y Revestimientos
- Lección 3: Recomendaciones y overview
Sistema imperial de medidas
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- Lección 1: Introducción a los Sistemas de Medida
- Lección 2: Origen de los Sistemas
- Lección 3: Autocad en Sistema Imperial
- Lección 4: El manejo de las escalas
Diseño de cocinas
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- Lección 1: Historia de las Cocinas
- Lección 2: El triángulo de trabajo
- Lección 3: Tipos de Cocina
- Lección 4: Cocinas kosher
- Lección 5: Cocinas ADA
- Lección 6: Cocinas Industriales
- Lección 7: Accesorios y Herrajes de Cocinas
- Lección 8: Tips y Recomendaciones
Diseño de baños
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- Lección 1: Distribución de los Baños
- Lección 2: Tocadores y Vanities
- Lección 3: Baños Inclusivos
- Lección 4: Recomendaciones
Clósets y lavanderÍas
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- Lección 1: Distribución de Closets
- Lección 2: Tipos de closet
- Lección 3: Iluminación de Closets
- Lección 4: Optimización de espacios
- Lección 5: Closets de Lavanderias
Cabinetry en espacios alternativos
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- Lección 1: Oficinas en Casa
- Lección 2: Vineras
- Lección 3: Bar y Estaciones de Café
- Lección 4: Unidades de Entretenimiento
- Lección 5: Almacenamiento
- Lección 6: Cabinetry en espacios de Salud
- Lección 7: Salones de Belleza
Custom millwork carpinteria personalizada
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- Lección 1: Paneles Decorativos
- Lección 2: Estilos de Paneles Decorativos
- Lección 3: Marcos, Molduras y Vigas
- Lección 4: Jardineras, Bancos y Otras Aplicaciones
- Lección 5: Tips y Recomendaciones
Softwares cad y cam
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- Lección 1: Introduccion al CNC
- Lección 2: Historia del CNC
- Lección 3: Software CAD y CAM
- Lección 4: Operación de una máquina CNC
- Lección 5: Clasificación de la maquinaria CNC
- Lección 6: El CNC en el diseño paramétrico
El proceso de diseño
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- Lección 1: Metodologías de Diseño
- Lección 2: El diseño de Muebles
- Lección 3: El Prediseño
- Lección 4: Los RFI y el Design Brief
- Lección 5: Moodboards
- Lección 6: El diseño
Shop drawings
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- Lección 1: Introducción a los Shop Drawings
- Lección 2: Shop Drawings – pt 1
- Lección 3: Shop Drawings – pt 2
- Lección 4: Shop Drawings – pt 3
- Lección 5: Planos as Built
- Lección 6: Visualización 3D
Takeoff y pricing
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- Lección 1: Introducción a los takeoff
- Lección 2: Take-Off
- Lección 3: Take-Off paso a paso
- Lección 4: La codificación en los take-off
- Lección 5: Estimating, Pricing, biding y quoting
Herramientas para el trabajo remoto
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- Lección 1: El Teletrabajo
- Lección 2: La comunicación en el teletrabajo
- Lección 3: Herramientas de Gestión
- Lección 4: Sofware de Colaboración
- Lección 5: Comunicación Efectiva
- Lección 6: Salud Ocupacional
- Lección 7: El Espacio de Trabajo
Jorge Aldea
Architect, Designer, Professor & Researcher
Jorge Aldea is an architect and graphic designer (University of Zulia) whose career integrates professional practice, teaching, and research in architecture and design. He holds a Doctorate in Architecture, a Master’s in Construction Project Management (Magister Scientiarum), and a Specialization in Higher Education Teaching.
Since 2010, Aldea has taught architectural and interior design at undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of Zulia and Universitat Carlemany, training professionals with a creative, critical, and strategic approach to design.
Over his career, he has completed over 200 projects, covering architecture, landscape, and commercial and residential interior design. His work has been recognized nationally and internationally, including two Carlos Raúl Villanueva National Architecture Awards.
Notable projects include the Science and Technology Museum of Mérida, stands for Movilnet and FONDAS, the rehabilitation of Plaza Yépez, the Maracay Metropolitan Park, and participation in the Casa en Boga Interior Design Exhibition.
Areas of experience
- Architectural design
- Interior design (residential & commercial)
- Landscape design
- Design education and research
- Construction project management
Representative works / roles
- Professor of architectural and interior design (undergraduate & graduate) — University of Zulia and Universitat Carlemany (2010–present)
- Developer of 200+ projects in architecture, landscape, and interior design
- Awarded two Carlos Raúl Villanueva National Architecture Awards
- Notable projects: Science and Technology Museum of Mérida; Movilnet and FONDAS stands; Plaza Yépez rehabilitation; Maracay Metropolitan Park; House in Vogue Interior Design Exhibition
Education
- Doctorate in Architecture — University of Zulia
- Master Scientiarum — Construction Project Management
- Specialization in Higher Education Teaching — University of Zulia
- Architect & Graphic Designer — University of Zulia
Do I need previous experience in furniture design to take this course?
You don’t need direct experience in carpentry or furniture design, but you should have intermediate knowledge of AutoCAD, SketchUp, and CAM software.
Does this course prepare me to work with companies in the United States?
Yes. The program is specifically designed to teach you how to work under U.S. architectural and millwork standards, from concept development to construction detailing.
What software will I use during the course?
You’ll mainly work with AutoCAD and SketchUp, while also integrating concepts related to CAD/CAM tools for technical documentation.
What is the estimated weekly workload?
You can follow the course at your own pace with no time limit, though the total estimated time to complete the program is 12 hours.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes. After completing all activities and final projects, you’ll receive a certificate from The A Career certifying your knowledge under North American standards.
What kind of projects will I work on during the course?
You’ll design real pieces such as cabinets, closets, and kitchen furniture, creating detailed construction drawings with industrial hardware and finishes.
What if I don’t have a university degree?
You can take the course without a degree as long as you have a background in design and drafting to help you specialize for the job market.
Is the course more focused on theory or practice?
It is a 100% applied program that focuses on hands-on design and drafting skills you can immediately use in real projects.
What level of English do I need?
At least a B1 level is recommended to understand technical terms and vocabulary commonly used by U.S. design firms.
Will this course help me get a job?
The goal is to equip you with the skills and a strong portfolio needed to professionally apply for relevant millwork and furniture design positions in the U.S.
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