Log In to Register
When and Where
  • 3/5/2025 11:00 AM CST
  • 3/6/2025 7:00 PM CST
  • 2/5/2025 11:45 PM CST
  • Denver Public Library - Central Library
  • Denver
  • CO
  • Aliza Leventhal
  • Katie Pierce Meyer

This course WILL count towards the tactical and strategic tier of the A&D certificate program.

Course will count towards the synchronous-course requirement for the certificate programs.

In-person course will run two days---March 05-06, 2024 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time/11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. U.S. central time), in Denver, Colorado.

Design and construction records created through complicated work processes, often are produced with fragile materials, fugitive media, and complex digital files, making the implementation of basic archival functions of appraisal, arrangement, description, preservation, and reference a formidable task. They are the outcome of many disciplines including architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Urban Design, Graphic Design, amongst other professions that provide unique perspectives present in the design process and built environment. In this two-day workshop, participants learn how to identify, appraise, describe, preserve and provide access to physical and digital design and construction records. The first day covers the process of design, legal issues, appraisal, types of records, media and support identification,; the second day focuses on arrangement and description, preservation and maintenance, reformatting, and access and outreach.

Upon completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify content and intent of physical and digital design drawings and construction records
  • Account for the design process in arrangement and description of design materials
  • Identify the legal issues created by design and construction records
  • Develop methodologies for appraisal, arrangement, and description appropriate for a variety of repositories
  • Identify specific media and supports used for design and construction records
  • Address the specialized handling, reproduction, and use needs when providing reference and access for this material
  • Recognize common types of physical deterioration, methods for preservation of born-digital and digitized records, various options for holdings maintenance, and when to refer problems to professional conservators
  • Become familiar with digital design landscape and the unique preservation and access concerns regarding computer-aided design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) records, including a variety of housing and digital storage methods appropriate for their institution and budget.
  • Make informed decisions for reformatting design and construction records for access and preservation

Who should attend? Those who have a basic knowledge of archival practice and professional standards

The Arrangement & Description Competencies Addressed in this Course: 

  • 1. Arrangement: Understand the process of organizing materials with respect to their provenance and original order to protect their context and facilitate access.
  • 2. Description: Analyze and describe details about the attributes of a record or collection of records to facilitate identification, management, and understanding of the work.
  • 4. Management: Demonstrate ability to manage physical and intellectual control over archival materials.
  • 6. Ethics: Convey transparency of actions taken during arrangement and description and respect privacy, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity of archival materials.
  • 7. Risk Management: Analyze threats and implement measures to minimize ethical and institutional risks.

If you intend to pursue the A&D Certificate, you will need to pass the examination for this course.


Fees: Advance / Regular 

SAA Members: $399 / $469

Employees of SAA Member Institutions: $489/ $559

Nonmembers: $559 / $659