Recommended Studio Computers

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

APDesign maintains partnerships with Dell, Lenovo, and the CatTech K-State Campus Store to offer high-quality computer systems at optimal prices. We recommend Dell Precision Workstations for their excellent technical support, on-site warranty service, and industry certifications from Adobe, Autodesk, and ESRI. Lenovo ThinkStation and ThinkPad workstations are also recommended for their educational discounts, reliable hardware, and on-site support.

APDesign faculty, students, and IT staff annually review these recommendations to ensure they meet curriculum requirements. We advise students to order their systems ahead of classes, with guidance available from Dell and Lenovo on stock and shipping times.

Building a PC or using brands that do not match the warranty and support offered by Dell and Lenovo is not recommended. Your computer vendor will be your primary support for your purchase. APDesign does not recommend Apple Mac computers or Mac OS, Linux, or Windows virtualization for studio work. Students choosing alternatives should consider the risks of not meeting studio workload requirements.

Please select your program of study to review the recommended hardware specifications. Additional instructions are available in the Technology Preparation and Setup Course on K-State Canvas.

• Environmental Design (ENVD)
  First year students in APDesign will not need a computer in studio. It is not advised to purchase your studio computer until required in the 2nd year.
  APDesign does provide incoming students with an iPad for their use while enrolled in the college.
  
  
• Architecture (ARCH)
  Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.
  
  
• Interior Architecture & Industrial Design (IAID)
  Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.
  *Interior Design Students, Follow this link.
  
  
• Landscape Architecture (LA)
  Non-Baccalaureate (NB) Students
  Computer/Peripherals: Purchase before entering the landscape architecture program.
  Tablet: A tablet is needed for LAR 430 summer studio between the 2nd and 3rd year.
  Post-Baccalaureate (PB) Students
  Computer/Peripherals: Purchase before entering landscape architecture program.
  Tablet: Purchase for the first semester of the program.
  
  
• Regional & Community Planning (RCP), Real Estate and Community Development (RECD)
  Bachelor of Science RECD Students and non-baccalaureate (NB) RCP Students will need to purchase a GIS-capable computer before they take GEOG 508 (4th semester) and then PLAN 510 and PLAN 640 (5th semester).
  Post-baccalaureate (PB) RCP Students will need to purchase a computer before they begin their 1st semester.