About Us

The Evolution of the Institute for Design and Construction

The Institute has been in existence for over twelve years at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). At that time the Institute found that the needs of the local construction community fell into three categories: Safety Science, Construction Technology, and Construction Management. These categories evolved over the years as the Institute provided continuing education and training to the construction community. The courses offered in the Safety Science Program meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. For individuals interested in the construction industry, the Construction Technology Program offers the opportunity to become a Construction Project Coordinator (CPC). The CPC certificate provides individuals with the skills needed in the construction industry such as blueprint reading and estimating. Finally, the Construction Management Certificate Program (CMCP) teaches individuals how to manage a construction company. Individual classes are offered within each of these areas and the certificates are a culmination of several classes deemed necessary by the Institute. Many of the courses are approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DPBR).

In 2004 this Institute was absorbed by the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs (CAUPA) when FAU decentralized the Division of Open University and Continuing Education. FAU moved the institute under the auspices of CAUPA because of the natural fit with the School of Architecture. The School of Architecture has become very involved with the Institute by influencing the name change, the development of new courses, and in May of 2008 the addition of a new Executive Director.

In August of 2008 the Institute’s name was changed from the Florida Institute for Safety and Construction (FISC) to the Institute for Design and Construction (IDaC). This name change was made in an effort to be more inclusive of the allied design and construction trades. IDaC is also adding a design category to compliment the three existing categories. The design category will include courses for architects to collect CEUs and for intern architects to further their education and assist in ARE preparation.

The future holds endless opportunities for IDaC. We hope to offer seminars not only for the professional community but also for the general public in South Florida. So we invite you to continually return to our website and see the programs that we will be adding.