You can become an Architectural Designer without enrolling in a degree program. Instead, you can enroll in comprehensive architectural design training. In your training, you’ll learn about conceptual design and other important design principles, like balance and functionality. In addition to design principles, your training will introduce you to and help you master industry-standard software. This article will help you determine how to become an Architectural Designer without a degree in architecture. 

Pros and Cons of Becoming an Architectural Designer Without a Degree

Before pursuing a career as an Architectural Designer, consider the pros and cons of earning a degree in architecture to ensure that you follow the route best suited to your goals. 

Pursuing comprehensive architectural design training in a class, bootcamp, or certificate program enables you to develop the skills needed by an Architectural Designer more quickly than you’d learn them in a degree program. Schools and training centers that offer the relevant training provide focused classes that will help you become career-ready. Many schools also offer career services like mentoring and job placement. This method of training is also more affordable than a degree program. Most architecture degrees in the US cost tens of thousands of dollars. Architectural Designer classes range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. This training method will save you not just time, but also a significant amount of money.

Pursuing a career as an Architectural Designer without a degree does come with some challenges. Training programs usually run for several weeks or several months, compared to a bachelor’s degree program which typically takes students four years to complete. When enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program, you can expect a fast-paced curriculum. Some students enjoy accelerated lessons but others may struggle to keep up. In this case, you can look for part-time programs that take longer to complete or you may decide that a longer degree program best suits your needs. 

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Learning Methods to Become an Architectural Designer Without a Degree

Earning a degree is not the only way to become an Architectural Designer. You can learn the skills necessary to become an Architectural Designer free online, in an on-demand class, and in a live online class or bootcamp. 

Free Resources

Students who want to learn the basics of architectural design can look at free resources. This includes free, short-form on-demand training classes offered by platforms like Udemy and Coursera. These short-form classes provide students with basic lessons on architectural design concepts and software. You can also turn to YouTube to find training videos uploaded by schools, training centers, and experts. 

Free resources provide a quick and easy way to get started with your architectural design training. For more advanced training, however, you’ll need to enroll in a formal training class. Learning the basics of architectural design using free resources can help you decide if architectural design is right for you before you commit to enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program. 

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes provide one of the most affordable ways to learn architectural design. Classes do not come with a live instructor, so students save money by enrolling. Students with busy schedules enjoy on-demand classes because they can work through their lessons when they have the time instead of having to attend scheduled classes. Most on-demand classes provide students with prerecorded video lectures and other course materials like worksheets and projects to complete. 

Learning architectural design without an instructor can be challenging. If you learn best under guided instruction, an on-demand class may not be right for you. If you’re wary about on-demand classes but need to enroll in a class that provides flexibility, check out the on-demand classes available to you. Some schools now provide on-demand students access to instructor office hours and tutoring sessions so they can ask questions that arise when working through the course material. You can also look for hybrid on-demand classes that provide some live lessons. 

Live Online Classes and Bootcamps

One of the most popular non-degree training methods for Architectural Designers is live online training. Live online classes and bootcamps give students the chance to learn architectural design at home from an expert instructor. Both classes and bootcamps provide guided lessons over Zoom or another web conferencing platform. Students will enter the virtual classroom and spend one or several hours learning from their instructor and engaging with their classmates. Live lessons give students the chance to ask their instructor questions during class and receive feedback on their work. 

Live training is the most expensive training method. Classes can cost several hundred dollars, while bootcamps usually cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. Even still, live training costs less than the typical four-year degree program. Before enrolling in a class, you can also check whether the school offers a payment plan or other financing options. 

What is an Architectural Designer?

Architectural Designers transform design concepts into reality. When studying architectural design, students learn how to create functional, sustainable, responsive, and aesthetically pleasing structures. This role requires one to develop technical design skills and soft skills. Architectural Designers must also keep up with industry trends. In recent years, sustainable design has become more popular among home and business owners. Many clients expect new builds to incorporate sustainable designs and energy-efficient systems. An Architectural Designer looking forward knows how to keep up with these trends and advancements in architecture and construction. 

Architectural Designers often work with other professionals involved in architecture and construction. Architects usually lead an architectural design team. They plan and oversee the construction process while also managing contracts. Architectural Designers may also work alongside Interior Designers, who make indoor spaces functional, and BIM Specialists. This role may also require collaborating with engineers, contractors, and clients. The level of teamwork associated with Architectural Designer roles means that individuals working in this field need excellent communication skills. 

Can You Really Become an Architectural Designer Without a Degree?

You can become an Architectural Designer without a degree by pursuing the necessary training and gaining experience in the field. This goes for students with no degree and students with degrees in different fields. If you have a degree in another field, you can still pursue a career as an Architectural Designer. In fact, you may find that your current degree and experience have equipped you with some of the skills an Architectural Designer needs. For example, if you have design skills, mathematical skills, or knowledge of design software, you’re already ahead of students starting from the basics. You may also find that you have the soft skills expected of an Architectural Designer, like communication and time management. 

Steps to Become an Architectural Designer

The steps to becoming an Architectural Designer are pretty straightforward. You may find that you have to start from the beginning or that you already have completed some of the steps. 

  • Receive Architectural Designer training. When training to become an Architectural Designer, you have a few options. One of the most popular training routes is to enroll in classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs, like the ones offered by Noble Desktop. In your classes, you’ll learn foundational design principles and how to use architectural design tools. Bootcamps offer comprehensive skills training to ensure that you’re ready for the job on day one. Meanwhile, certificate programs provide skills training in addition to providing career services, like mentoring and resume polishing. Training classes like the ones offered by Noble Desktop also provide a great way to improve your soft skills, such as communication, which will become essential when you’re an Architectural Designer leading a team. 
  • Gain practical experience. Before you can pursue a career in architectural design, you need experience. Apply for an internship at an architectural firm. During an internship, you’ll gain experience in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and developing drawings. Internships provide experience that you can include on your resume and in your portfolio. 
  • Build your portfolio. You can include the work you’ve done at your internship along with class projects in your portfolio. The portfolio of a beginner Architectural Designer should showcase your skills, best work, and technical drawings. You can join architectural associations and attend workshops to help bolster your portfolio and resume. 
  • Apply for Architectural Designer jobs. After you’ve completed your training, gained practical experience, and built a polished portfolio, you can apply for Architectural Designer roles. Search websites like LinkedIn and Indeed to find jobs in your area or in places you wouldn’t mind relocating. Make sure you thoroughly read the job description, including the required and preferred skills and experience. 

Learn the Skills to Become an Architectural Designer at Noble Desktop

Interested in developing the skills needed to become an Architectural Designer? Check out these accredited classes offered by VDCI. 

In VDCI’s online Revit Architecture Professional Program, you’ll learn Revit Architecture. Lessons included in this part-time program will teach you beginner to advanced-level skills. The program includes five Revit courses: Introduction to Revit, Intermediate Revit, and BIM Construction Documents I, II, and III. Over 26 weeks, you’ll spend 140 clock hours learning the skills needed to create models of real-world structures and buildings. Students who complete the class with a grade of 70% or higher will receive a verified credential from Accredible. 

If you want to learn Revit quickly, you can instead enroll in VDCI’s Revit Fundamentals Fast-Track Program. This program includes two online Revit courses that will help you develop the in-demand technical skills needed to create 3D models used in the field. VDCI’s fast-track program gives you the chance to learn Revit quickly and affordably compared to traditional degree programs. Tuition is roughly $1,200 plus fees, with payment plans available. You can expect to finish the course in 12 weeks or 60 clock hours. 

Enroll in VDCI’s BIM Certificate Program to learn the skills and knowledge applied in Revit Architecture. The class teaches you how to create construction documents directly from the BIM model and lets you specialize in AutoCAD Fundamentals, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or another training path. This accelerated, accredited program includes 290 clock hours that you’ll spend taking lessons and working on a capstone project. After completing the course, you’ll receive a verified digital credential from Accredible. 

Need to learn the essentials of AutoCAD? Register for VDCI’s Introduction to AutoCAD class and learn how to use the software application to create and manage your drawings. This 100% online class includes lessons on drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan. You’ll also learn how to create and insert blocks and externally reference files. You can expect hands-on lessons as you draw a floor plan for a Habitat for Humanity residential project. To ensure you develop the skills and knowledge expected, you’ll take quizzes related to your project, engage with classmates in a discussion forum, and submit regular progress updates. VDCI encourages you to engage with others in your discussion forums and during 1:1 time with your instructor.