Introduction to CAD for Landscape Designers
Introduction to CAD for Landscape Designers is an online elective for landscape designers who want to develop practical two-dimensional computer-aided drafting skills. The course covers CAD’s role in landscape design, essential tools, drafting workflows, scaled drawings, professional presentation techniques, and methods for adding landscape elements and exporting finished designs. Guided exercises and a residential-project example help participants create precise digital plans and build skills that can strengthen their design process and portfolio.
The course uses Vectorworks, and registration includes a short-term software license for the exercises and projects. It is an elective in Longwood Gardens’ Landscape Design Certificate program and is designed for adult learners.
When: Wednesdays, November 4–25, 2026
Showtimes: Live-streamed sessions from 3:30–5:30 pm
Location: Online, live-streamed
Tickets: $165; $148 for Longwood Gardens members and Innovators. A 10% class discount is applied automatically at checkout for members and Innovators.
Availability: The class is sold out. Waitlists are available for general registrants, members, and Innovators.
Instructor: Danilo Maffei
Instructor background: Maffei’s experience includes public horticulture, landscape contracting, education, and civic leadership. A graduate of Longwood Gardens’ Professional Horticulture Program, he specializes in creating natural, purposeful outdoor spaces that connect architecture and landscape through carefully chosen plants and materials. He leads his own firm, serves as a Philadelphia Flower Show judge, is a former president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, and has held local volunteer and elected board roles.
Certificate: Elective course for Longwood Gardens’ Landscape Design Certificate.
Ages: Intended as an adult learning experience.
Equipment: Participants need a Mac or Windows computer with a keyboard and mouse. The recommended minimum is an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, or an Apple M1 processor or better; at least 8GB of RAM; and a graphics card with 2GB of VRAM or more. M-series Macs should have an M1 GPU with 8GB or more, while Windows computers should support DirectX 11. Systems with 16GB of unified memory on M-series Macs or 4GB of VRAM are recommended for multiple displays or 4K-and-higher-resolution screens. Some integrated Intel Iris Plus, Iris Pro, or Iris Xe graphics can support simple drawings, although a dedicated graphics card is preferred.
Cancellation policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to two weeks before the event. Refunds exclude a $30 processing fee; cancellations can be requested by email or by calling 610-388-5454.