Architectural Designers work on the design aspect of construction projects. They often collaborate with architects to create and document design projects. An Architectural Designer should have a strong grasp of math and science and excellent problem-solving skills.
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 one to collaborate 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.
Job Requirements
Aspiring Architectural Designers need to consider the level of education required to become an Architectural Designer before pursuing the career. Professionals in the industry recommend that they seek an NAAB-accredited degree in architecture to become an Architectural Designer or another type of formal and accredited training. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited architecture degree programs offered by universities and colleges in the US. Students interested in pursuing a career as an Architectural Designer can also pursue an engineering degree. Architects must take the Architect Registration Examination to become registered, but Architectural Designers do not.
In addition to comprehensive training, students need strong mathematical, engineering, and analytical skills. They also benefit from strong communication skills and knowledge of building codes. Communication skills will help them work on projects with teams, and understanding building codes will help them ensure that a project follows these codes along with zoning laws and accessibility standards.
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Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an Architectural Designer depend on the scope of the project they’re working on. Architectural Designers working for a client who wants to remodel or renovate their home for functional and aesthetic purposes can depend on their Architectural Designer to help them execute their ideas. Homeowners who want to build or remodel their homes significantly can depend on an architect to help design the project, including projects that need to meet strict regulations or take place on a site that is difficult to work with. In this instance, your architect will likely collaborate with an Architectural Designer and a construction crew. Below you’ll find the key responsibilities of an Architectural Designer on a job.
- Direct design teams. Firms usually expect their Architectural Designer to lead the design team. This responsibility often includes defining the vision and goals of the project. To do this, the Architectural Designer needs to know what the client’s requirements and preferences for the project include. From there, they can lead the design team through the design concept and set out to define budgets and timelines.
- Oversee project workflows. Architectural Designers also often take control of project workflows. They organize the tasks that the design team must get through and make sure that the team is meeting goals. An Architectural Designer can benefit from project management skills and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ensure client satisfaction. Client satisfaction is a primary responsibility of Architectural Designers. This process begins with understanding client needs and expectations. They must also ensure regular communication with clients to keep the client abreast of project updates. Another way Architectural Designers can ensure client satisfaction is by incorporating client feedback throughout the design process and making adjustments when necessary.
Skills
Architectural Designers need a broad range of skills. They rely on technical skills along with soft skills and creativity to work on projects. In terms of technical skills, an Architectural Designer should know how to use CAD software, like AutoCAD. Professionals use AutoCAD to create 2D and 3D drawings of floor plans. The software speeds up the drawing process because users can find pre-built objects, like walls, within the program. Another type of software Architectural Designers should learn is Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM software, such as Revit, helps users generate and manage digital representations of buildings and their characteristics.
In addition, Architectural Designers need to understand design principles. Aspiring Architectural Designers should enroll in a design-focused class to learn about spatial awareness in design so that they can understand how people will interact with the space in their projects. They will also learn about conceptual design, or how to develop concepts based on a project’s requirements related to spatial layout and materials. Attending a design class will help Architectural Designers develop the creativity needed to work on a range of projects.
Architectural Designers need project management and communication skills to properly lead design teams and ensure that a project will meet the client’s needs. Project management skills will help an Architectural Designer organize a project and ensure that team members stay on task. A project management program will teach them how to keep track of timelines and budgets while also resolving any conflict that arises between team members. Excellent communication skills will aid in the project management process and ensure a smooth relationship with the client.
Why Do Businesses Need Architectural Designers?
Businesses hire Architectural Designers to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. They may hire a firm that provides them with access to an Architectural Designer, among other professionals, or may hire a freelance Architectural Designer to work on their project. Transforming an office space into one that takes both function and aesthetics into account can improve employee productivity. Architectural Designers can take their client’s needs into account when remodeling a space. Creating a more comfortable work environment can boost employee morale and reduce stress. The work an Architectural Designer does can also improve a company’s brand image and customer experience. Additionally, an Architectural Designer will ensure that the work they do meets safety codes and regulations.
Architecture firms often hire Architectural Designers to lead their design teams. They usually manage and organize projects. Architects and engineers also collaborate with Architectural Designers on projects. While an architect handles the overall look of a project, the designer focuses more on designing construction projects to meet client requirements. Architects also manage projects and may conduct field testing with the assistance of an Architectural Designer.
Where Do Architectural Designers Usually Work?
Architectural Designers have the option of offering freelance services to clients or working for architecture firms. When a home or business owner wants to manage a remodel, they can turn to an Architectural Designer to help them work through the design process. Conversely, they can reach out to a firm for the help of a variety of professionals, including architects and architectural designers. Firms depend on Architectural Designers to work on a variety of different projects. Looking for a firm interested in hiring an Architectural Designer or interning in the position is a great way to get more hands-on experience after training in architectural design.
Architectural Designer Salary and Job Outlook
Like Architects, the demand for Architectural Designers is increasing each year. This trend aligns with a national rise in demand for new construction projects and remodels. Additionally, as the population grows, both domestically and internationally, the labor market can expect to see a continued demand for residential and commercial construction.
In the United States, Architectural Designers make an average annual salary of $71,000. This salary varies greatly depending on the state where you work. For example, Architectural Designers in Florida, a state that has seen recent population growth thanks to people moving to the state, make an average annual salary of $99,500. When looking at highly-populated cities like Los Angeles and New York City, the average salary rises. In LA, the salary ranges from $103,500 to $130,500, and in NYC the salary for an Architectural Designer ranges from $108,500 to $137,000.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Architectural Designer?
You can become an Architectural Designer after training in architecture or a related field. Many individuals working in this profession start by earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture or enrolling in architectural design classes. In your training, you’ll spend time learning how to use architectural design software, such as AutoCAD and Revit, as well as learning about building codes and construction methods. The time you need to learn architectural design will depend on what type of training you pursue and how much time you can dedicate to learning. Architectural Designer jobs often require candidates to have several years of experience in architectural design along with problem-solving skills and proficiency in architectural design software.
Architectural Designer vs. Architect
Architectural Designers and architects share similar responsibilities. For example, both professionals work on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing projects. However, you can differentiate between the training and skills of Architectural Designers and Architects. An Architectural Designer studies architecture and related fields, with an emphasis on design training. Their lessons usually cover conceptual designs, drafting plans, and using design software to develop architectural projects. An Architectural Designer can expect to work under a licensed architect if they work at an architectural firm.
Becoming an architect requires a high level of training. Students studying to become architects must complete rigorous training, usually in the form of a degree program, and complete an internship. In addition, architects must pass a licensing exam whereas Architectural Designers may work without a license. Once licensed, an architect can expect to design projects, communicate with clients and engineers, oversee projects, and visit construction sites to check on progress. Both Architectural Designers and architects need good communication skills, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of building codes and safety regulations.
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 that you’re developing 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.