Earning a relevant certification can help you prove your skills and experience as an Architectural Designer. Firms and clients look for additional skills that candidates have when applying for jobs. Having an Architectural Designer certification proves to potential employers that you’re proficient in the field. Although you don’t need certifications to become an Architectural Designer, they’ll help you with securing a job, furthering your growth as a designer, and can steer your architectural design interests. 

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 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.

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Do I Need a Degree to Become an Architectural Designer?

You can become an Architectural Designer without a degree. Although some Architectural Designers pursue degree programs before entering the field, another option is to enroll in accredited architectural design classes or non-degree programs. In these classes, you’ll learn about conceptual design and fundamental design principles. You can also enroll in blueprint reading courses and pursue certifications. 

The types of classes and resources you can rely on to learn architectural design include:

  • Free resources: Enrolling in a free short-form training class, like the classes offered by online learning platforms Udemy and Coursera, can help you learn the basics of architectural design before pursuing formal training methods. You can also save money by watching training videos uploaded to YouTube. These videos can help you learn how to use software Architectural Designers use, such as AutoCAD. 
  • On-demand classes: Students who can’t commit the time or funds to a degree program can enroll in on-demand classes. These asynchronous courses let students learn the fundamentals of architectural design at a pace that works for them. If you have a busy schedule and need to fit in lessons after work or school, consider signing up for an on-demand class. 
  • Live online classes and bootcamps: For a more traditional learning experience, enroll in a live online class or bootcamp. Expert instructors guide live online students through lessons. Learning from a live instructor gives you the chance to ask questions, receive feedback, and view demonstrations. You can find classes that run from anywhere between one day to several months. 

Do Certifications Matter for Architectural Designers?

Architectural Designers can earn certifications that will help them market themselves when applying for jobs. Having certifications displaying their understanding of in-demand skills will make them more attractive and competitive candidates, although these certifications are not required to find an Architectural Designer job. Here are some certifications to consider earning:

  • LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP): This certification demonstrates your expertise in green building and design principles as recognized by the US Green Building Council. LEED APs understand the LEED rating system and can contribute designs that meet high environmental performance standards. Candidates must pass an exam and earn and report continuing education hours with a 2-year cycle or reporting period to maintain and renew their credentials. 
  • Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC): An EDAC, issued by the Center for Health Design, signifies that you have expertise in applying evidence-based design principles in healthcare environments. This certification awards credentials to professionals who know how to apply research and data to inform their design decisions with the intent of enhancing patient experience and contributing to patient wellbeing. Candidates must pass an exam and complete a renewal application every two years to maintain their credentials. 
  • Green Globes Professional (GGP): The GGP is a certification presented by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). GBI awards this certification to professionals with clear expertise in green building practices and the Green Globes building assessment and certification system. Candidates must complete a training course, pass the GGP exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education. 
  • WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP): The International WELL Building Institute awards WELL AP certification to candidates with expertise in the WELL Building Standard, a framework that seeks to enhance human health and wellness in businesses and communities globally.Professionals who pass the WELL AP exam receive this certification; continued education is required to maintain the certification.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Students earn certifications and certificates in different ways. You earn certifications demonstrating your expertise in software, frameworks, or skills after completing a certification exam. Usually, to earn a certification, you’ll study and train to gain the skills necessary to pass the exam. Some schools proctor the certification exam themselves whereas others require you to test through a third party. After passing the relevant exam, you’ll receive a certification. Certifications can help you stand out as a candidate when seeking a job and help you earn a promotion because they prove that you have met the skills and knowledge required to pass a standardized exam. 

Schools and training centers award certificates to students who have completed a training program. Certificates prove to potential employers that you have received training in a subject, skill, or software. You can attend training classes, receive certificates, and then showcase them on your resume. Earning a certificate is a great way to prove that you’ve upskilled and are knowledgeable enough to work on a new project or to transition to an entry-level career in a new field.

How to Get Certified as an Architectural Designer

To get certified as an Architectural Designer, you’ll first have to choose what certifications you want to earn. If you plan to work at an architecture firm that prioritizes sustainable design, you should seek a certification centered around sustainability and environmentally friendly design, like the LEED AP or GGP. After choosing a certification that will benefit your pursuit of an Architectural Designer career, you need to research the certification requirements and begin training. Some certifications only require you to take an exam while others want you to have a level of experience in the field, to pass an exam, and to continue training after certification. 

You can look for training classes designed to prepare you for a certification exam to make the process simpler. Otherwise, you’ll need to train and then fill in any knowledge gaps between your lessons and what’s expected of certification candidates. From there, you can take the certification exam with the training school you’re attending (when offered) or sign up for the exam through a third party. 

Top Certifications & Certificates for Architectural Designers

Looking for an Architectural Designer program to enroll in? Check out these programs you can enroll in to earn a certification or certificate. 

Enroll in Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Certification Program for comprehensive AutoCAD training. This live online program will prepare you to become an Autodesk Certified Professional. An expert instructor will guide you and your classmates through beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level AutoCAD. In addition to 48 hours of hands-on lessons, you’ll have access to six hours of private tutoring. During your tutoring sessions, you can ask questions about topics of interest and challenging course content. The program fee includes the cost of the certification exam and a retake. If you want to enroll in the program but don’t want to take the exam, let Noble Desktop know and they will instead provide you with an extra hour of tutoring. 

In VDCI’s BIM Certificate Program, you’ll learn how to use Revit to create 3D models of commercial building projects. The 100% online class includes 290 clock hours of comprehensive lessons covering Revit, construction documents, and BIM detailing. You will also have your choice of 60-80 clock hours of electives that will count toward completing your certificate program training, and you will gain relevant work experience while working on a capstone project.

VDCI also offers an online CAD Certificate Program. In this program, you’ll spend roughly eight months developing the skills and technical knowledge needed to use CAD software in a construction or architectural design career. Lessons start from the very beginning to help you develop a strong foundation in CAD software. In addition to beginner and intermediate AutoCAD lessons, you’ll spend time learning to create construction documents, creating detail drawings, and learning project management skills. The course includes access to 60-80 clock hours of elective courses and a capstone project. 

Arizona State University offers a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certificate Program. Enrolled students will receive hands-on training intended to help them understand and implement BIM into current practices. Topics covered in the 100% online course include a BIM overview, key BIM software packages, and core functionality of key software packages. Students usually finish the course within three to six months. Course materials included video lectures, targeted content, and applied projects. The inclusion of structured projects will help students develop a portfolio of working tools and experience applying BIM best practices.