Laptop Requirements, Equipment & Supplies

CABE requires that students use Windows-based (not MacOS) laptops because the software on which our disciplines rely (listed below) is most readily available for Windows computers. Mac users are at a distinct disadvantage, as many software packages are either not available for MacOS upon their release, and sometimes not at all.

All undergraduate and graduate students are required to meet or exceed the “Minimum” specifications below. “Preferred” specifications are also offered. Students in studio-based programs are strongly advised to consider purchasing laptops that meet or exceed the “Preferred” specifications because design studio courses and their associated technical courses have heavy computing requirements. This is especially true for BArch Students, as the typical life expectancy of laptops is around 5 years, the expected duration of that program. Incoming freshmen students are required to have a laptop that meets the requirements listed here one week before they begin their program.

The East Falls Jefferson Campus Store works directly with the deans of the colleges to offer specific recommended computer configurations for your course of study. The campus store is an authorized DELL and Lenovo retailer and offers reduced educational pricing on hardware and software. You may purchase a laptop from wherever you like, or bring one you already have as long as it meets or exceeds all minimum requirements. A laptop certification process takes place during a student's first month on campus to confirm their laptop meets the standards listed below. For your college recommendations and software offerings through the Campus Store, please click on the links below or contact the Campus Store directly at CampusStore@jefferson.edu or 215-951-2717.

Allow a budget to purchase and subscribe to the minimum software needed for courses. Special required software should be listed on Banner when students enroll in a course. Courses may have specific purchasing instructions on a per course basis. Prices below are provided as a budget estimation.

Non-studio-Based Major/Program: Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Historic Preservation

Autodesk Software

Autodesk Software (Revit, 3DSMax, AutoCAD, etc.) is available for free to students as educational copies by creating an account through Autodesk Education using students' ".edu" university email address.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Thanks to Jefferson University's partnership with Adobe, all Jefferson students, faculty, and staff have unlimited access to Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of their relationship with the University. Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator is available through an educational license with TJU, students can create a free Adobe ID account with Campus Key.

• Adobe Creative Cloud FAQs (PDF)

Studio-Based Major/Program: Architecture, Architectural Studies, Interior Design/Interior Architecture, Geodesign, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Design, Urban Design

Rhinoceros 8

You can download for free a 90 day trial version to start the semester. You will be using this software throughout your studies (and professionally) so we suggest that you buy it:

$175 one time purchase (This rate is available through the East Falls Campus Bookstore which will be cheaper than online)

Adobe Creative Cloud

Thanks to Thomas Jefferson University's partnership with Adobe, all Jefferson students, faculty, and staff have unlimited access to Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of their relationship with the University. Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator is available through an educational license with Thomas Jefferson University, students can create a free Adobe ID account with Campus Key.

• Adobe Creative Cloud FAQs (PDF)

Autodesk software

Autodesk Software (Revit, 3DSMax, AutoCAD, etc.) is available for free to students as educational copies by creating an account through Autodesk Education using students' ".edu" university email address.

Enscape

Enscape rendering software is available for free to students as educational license.

Lumion

Lumion rendering software is available for free to students as educational license.

Additional free software and plugins such as Grasshopper3D are required for specific classes and download instructions will be provided by course instructors.

Budget $500 per year

Required Text: Francis D. K. Ching, Architectural Graphics, 6th Edition

Recommended Text: Francis D. K. Ching, Architecture: Form Space and Order, 4th Edition 

Setting up a first studio work space can get expensive. Most of these items will be used for all of your design studios throughout your time at Jefferson – and during your professional life as a designer. These will only need to be replaced when lost or you desire an upgrade. Not all items will be used immediately. Feel free to purchase tools and supplies as necessary. Check out the Campus Store to get started.

Small tools kit: The small tools listed below in bold type are included in a package prepared by the Jefferson Campus Store (apx. $75). We encourage sharing! If you do not have any tools, it is probably easier and less expensive for you to purchase this package

For the First Week of Class:

• Sketchbook - hardcover, unlined, min. 5”x7” (spiral or hard bound)
• Pencil sharpener, one that catches the shavings
• Set of drawing pencils; recommended weights - H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
• Eraser - white plastic
• Architect's scale ruler - triangular, 12" long

For the First Month of Class:

• Bristol Paper
• Metal ruler - 12” long, with cork backing
• X-Acto knife with #11 blades
• Box of 100 #11 X-Acto blades
• Mat or utility knife with blades and Snap-off knife (Olfa or X-Acto)
• White (or yellow or buff) tracing paper, 12” or 24” wide roll
• Drafting tape or drafting dots (You may also want masking tape)
• White glue - Elmer’s or Sobo, get both the smallest bottle and a larger bottle for refills
• T-Square (36” or 42” long), metal - or - wood with clear edge
• 30˚- 60˚ triangle - 12" or 14"
• 45˚ triangle - 10" or 12”
• Prismacolor pencils, 12-pack set, larger if you can afford it (plus Black, White, Warm Gray 50%)
• Fine point Sharpie marker, black

Recommended Additional Drafting Tools you will need for this Class:

• Eraser - Kneaded
• 45˚ triangle - 4”
• Circle template
• Set of 3 Pigma Micron Fine Line pens (or similar) 
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Engineer's scale ruler

Recommended Additional Model Making Tools

• Shop safety glasses (REQUIRED to use Jefferson power tools) (side protection required) (Get ones that fit over your corrective lenses!) 

Optional Items

• Lead holder (clutch pencil) optional 
• Leads for lead holder; recommended weights - 2B, HB, H 
• Lead sharpener (hand held) 
• Cutting mat 18” x 24” with grid (for home) 
• 6” metal straight edge (ruler) 
• Adjustable triangle - 8" 
• Color Wheel 
• Modelmaker’s miter box & saw 
• Double stick tape

Storage: Make your life easier by getting: a storage box for your tools, a lightweight portfolio for carrying flat drawings, an ice tube for rolls of drawings.  Many students find a folding rolling crate to be useful. You might also want a combination lock with a cable.

Paper Sizes: It is our goal to have required drawings fit on either 11x17 or 18x24 drawing sheet size. Consider this when purchasing pads of paper and carrying cases. 

EXTRA MONEY - Allow at least $250 for additional expenditures. 
There will be additional materials required – chip board, basswood, presentation boards and paper, paint, clay, wood, metal, fasteners, etc. These should be purchased when specific projects require them. You should factor the cost of project-based materials into every semester of design school.

Recycled Materials: If you have clean boxes, feel free to break them down, store them and use them for study models. Save both cardboard (Amazon delivery) and chipboard (cereal, pop-tarts…). No greasy pizza boxes! 

Art Supply Stores: Most of the supplies you will need are available in the Campus Store, but you might find a broader selection of tools and materials at some of these stores (or your local version). In addition, the Fab Lab provides a map to various specialty material stores. While you may find some great prices online, some items do not ship well (i.e. sheets of cardboard).