Your architectural design skills can help you succeed in roles other than Architectural Designer. Advanced skills along with passing the Architect Registration Examination can help you work as an architect while specializing in BIM software can lead to a career as a BIM Manager. The skills you focus on developing when training to become an Architectural Designer will influence the day-to-day work you do and the role you end up landing when seeking a job in architectural design.

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. 

Architectural Designer 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.

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Architectural Designer Career Path

With the right training, you can pursue a career as an Architectural Designer. Many Architectural Designer roles require you to have several years of experience in architectural design. You can gain the necessary experience working as an intern at an architectural firm. With enough on-the-job experience and classroom experience, you should have gained the skills and knowledge needed to work as an Architectural Designer. 

Some designers work for architectural firms while others work as freelancers. Freelance Architectural Designers have to manage their business, from contracts to marketing. Working as a freelance Architectural Designer will allow you to set your hours, choose how much to charge for your services, and give you the chance to work a flexible schedule. Starting as a freelancer is not easy. When you work as a freelance Architectural Designer, finding clients may prove challenging. You’ll have to market your business aggressively at first to get work before you build a positive reputation for your business that will do the marketing for you later down the line. 

Architect

Architectural Designers who work at a firm will usually work under an architect. Architects plan and design functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. They must meet with clients to discuss objectives for projects, prepare structure specifications, manage construction contracts, and visit worksites to make sure that construction follows architectural plans. Like Architectural Designers, architects must know how to use CAD software, like AutoCAD, and BIM software, like Revit. An architect should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. 

To become an architect, you usually need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited architectural program. In addition to schooling, you’ll need on-the-job experience, usually in the form of an internship. Architects in the US made a median annual wage of $93,000 in 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay will vary depending on the industry you work in. For example, architects working in government made annual wages of $106,500. 

Director of Architecture

A Director of Architecture leads and directs design teams to develop responsible design solutions for clients and the community. Companies looking to hire a Director of Architecture seek candidates with leadership skills and an ability to communicate with clients. This role requires you to manage project teams, so project management skills are a must, and work closely with building regulations and zoning departments. Like Architectural Designers, a Director of Architecture must know how to use Revit and AutoCAD. They should also have experience with project management software. 

To become a Director of Architecture, you need a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Some companies prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree. You must also be a registered architect with significant experience in the field to work as a Director of Architecture. If you plan to work for a company that values sustainable design, you should consider becoming LEED-certified. In the US, a Director of Architecture makes anywhere from $103,000 to $247,000.

BIM Manager

BIM Managers oversee the production of project information models and act as collaborators between clients, the design team, the contractor team, and the supply chain. In this role, you’ll work closely with BIM coordinators and complete supply chain assessments. A BIM Manager may also lead meetings and train or upskill their colleagues in specific software. Like Architectural Designers, BIM Managers need to know how to use BIM software and have excellent communication skills, leadership skills, and attention to detail. 

To become a BIM Manager, you can enroll in a degree program or begin an apprenticeship. Students who pursue a degree usually major in architecture, construction, product design, civil engineering, or architectural technology. Enrolling in degree or non-degree training will also teach you how to use the BIM software that BIM Managers must know how to use. Pursuing an apprenticeship with a construction company can help you enter the industry. You can also elect to complete an internship in engineering or manufacturing to help you work toward a career as a BIM Manager. According to ZipRecruiter, BIM Managers in the US make an average annual salary of $91,500. 

Project Manager

A project manager is a broad term for someone who helps plan, organize, and direct a project from start to finish. Project Managers may work in construction and oversee all aspects of the building process. They ensure that a project is following the expected timeline and budget and collaborate with engineers, architects, and architectural designers. A project manager needs leadership skills and knows how to communicate with stakeholders, much like an Architectural Designer. 

Project managers typically have a degree in engineering, building science, or another relevant field. They should have experience working in a leadership position and working on construction sites. If you’re planning to become a project manager, you should also consider pursuing industry certifications. The Construction Management Association of America awards the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential and the American Institute of Constructors awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) credential to candidates that meet their respective requirements. According to Indeed, the average salary for this role in the US is $95,000.

Why Become an Architectural Designer?

Architectural Designers are in high demand in the US because of population growth, aging infrastructure, and a growing trend toward sustainable design. Training to become an Architectural Designer will help you develop the skills needed to pursue this in-demand career. Getting started now can help you quickly enter the field and benefit from the expected demand. The industry is competitive, but you’ll likely find the salary and potential for growth rewarding. 

You should also consider becoming an Architectural Designer if you want to work in a creative field. Architectural Designers can express their creativity through their designs. Although clients usually have ideas in mind that designers need to follow, there is still a lot of room for creativity. Working on project designs will also give you the chance to improve your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. 

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 live online classes available to enroll in today. 

Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp will teach you the fundamentals of technical drawing. The 30-hour live online bootcamp covers the creation of 2D drawings using AutoCAD. Lessons range from beginner to intermediate-level skills. You can expect to learn basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing in the bootcamp’s beginner-level lessons. As part of the bootcamp, you’ll receive access to a 1-on-1 training session with an expert who will answer questions you have about challenging course concepts and provide assistance with your project. After completing the course, you have one year to take advantage of a free retake. Before enrolling in this bootcamp, please be aware that Noble designed the course for PC users. Noble hosts in-person PC-only versions of the bootcamp, but Mac users may attend the live online bootcamp. If using a Mac, be aware that the Mac AutoCAD graphic interface is different from the PC version that the instructor will use.

For a more intensive AutoCAD training experience, enroll in Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Certification Program. 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. 

Sign up for Noble’s AutoCAD Masterclass to learn the foundations of AutoCAD along with advanced-level skills. You’ll learn through hands-on lessons that cover the basics of AutoCAD, like opening and creating drawings, exploring the interface, and using fundamental drawing and editing commands. Later lessons covered in the course teach effective working methods and accurate positioning. The course intends to help students gain real-world experience through project-based lessons where you’ll learn to use productivity tools commonly utilized by Architectural Designers. Along with 48 hours of training, Noble includes one 1-on-1 training session where you can ask an expert about challenging course topics. 

VDCI offers accredited classes to help you develop the skills needed to work as an Architectural Designer. In their Introduction to Revit course, you’ll learn about foundational Revit concepts and how they relate to BIM. This hands-on class will help you gain real-world experience as you work on a class project that includes floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, curtain walls, and roof design.

VDCI’s Revit Architecture Professional Program will introduce you to beginner and intermediate-level Revit. During these lessons, you’ll design 3D building models and learn how to explore BIM project management techniques. Three courses within the program cover construction documents. In BIM Construction I, II, and III, you’ll learn how to produce renderings for presentation and documentation. Lessons also cover building topography for projects and cataloging building information using schedules. 

Enroll in VDCI’s BIM Certificate Program to learn how to use Revit to create 3D models of commercial building projects. The 100% live 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.