What Degree Do You Need to Become an Architectural Designer?

When researching the requirements to become an Architectural Designer, you’ll find that some professionals pursue degrees while others enroll in non-degree training programs. Individuals who pursue degrees may learn through architecture, design, civil engineering, construction management, or urban planning programs. Finishing a comprehensive degree program can take anywhere from three to five years. Some students have the time to take on a heavy course load while others need to take fewer classes per semester. 

Instead of spending time and money on a degree, you can develop the skills needed to become an Architectural Designer through training programs and on-the-job experience. Before deciding which route to pursue, read about the degree types available to aspiring Architectural Designers and the non-degree training alternatives. 

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.

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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 lets you ask questions, receive feedback, and view demonstrations. You can find classes that run from anywhere between one day to several months. 

Common Degrees for Architectural Designers

Architectural Designers tend to pursue one of several degrees. These common degrees take roughly three to five years to complete, although this length depends on other factors, like how many classes they can fit into their schedule each semester alongside other obligations. You don’t need to pursue one of these degrees to become an Architectural Designer, but you should consider how a degree may fit into your future. 

• Bachelor of Architecture: Architectural Designers who plan to enter the field after school or may want to become an architect typically earn a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. This degree takes around five years to complete. Students spend the first two to three years working on core coursework and the final two years studying advanced topics. Some programs require students to intern during the program to experience what working in an architecture firm is like. 
• Bachelor of Design: A Bachelor of Design is usually a four-year degree program where students receive a foundation in architecture. Some schools treat their Bachelor of Design programs as pre-professional degrees that students should complete before seeking a Master of Architecture. This degree type includes core coursework, studio work, and classes covering history, theory, and construction materials. 
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering: Civil Engineering programs teach students about the design and construction of different structures, like bridges, buildings, and dams. Students who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering can expect to gain proficiency in the fundamentals of engineering, develop an understanding of civil engineering projects, and learn the communication skills needed to work on civil engineering projects. 
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Architectural Designers with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management will have spent time learning about managing the construction process and coordinating with teams working on construction projects. Nowadays, these programs frequently introduce students to sustainable building practices alongside the expected lessons on cost controls. 
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning. After working in the field for some time, Architectural Designers may seek further education. With a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Architectural Designers can focus their efforts on positively influencing their communities. These degree programs often cover how to design inclusive public spaces and sustainable transportation programs. With a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, an Architectural Designer can take their talents to a firm or agency interested in driving positive social, economic, and environmental change through design. 

Tips for Starting an Architectural Designer Career Without a Degree

You can become an Architectural Designer without earning a degree. Instead, enroll in comprehensive architectural design training. These training programs will prepare you to work as an Architectural Designer and can even provide you with the training necessary to become certified in an in-demand skill. Pursuing a training program over a degree program is a great way to save money and time. Training programs cost significantly less than four-year degrees and you can complete them much faster. 

Looking for tips on how to pursue non-degree training? Here are several training avenues you should consider when looking for a way to develop architectural design skills. 

• Free resources: Enroll in a free on-demand class to learn the basics of architectural design before signing up for formal training. Free on-demand classes can help you learn the basics of architectural design skills quickly. Other free resources include online training videos and community forums. 
• On-demand class: Paid on-demand classes will provide you with comprehensive architectural design training that you can complete at your preferred pace. Students enrolled in an on-demand class will receive access to lessons that they’ll complete without direct instructor guidance. Class materials usually include pre-recorded video lectures and projects. 
• Live online classes and bootcamps: Attending live online classes will give you the chance to learn architectural design skills under the guidance of an expert live instructor. This hands-on training method is a popular way to learn how to use software such as AutoCAD and Revit because your instructor can provide you with demonstrations and feedback. 
• On-the-job experience: After attending architectural design classes, you’ll want to gain first-hand experience working on an architectural project. You can pursue an internship while training or wait until after you’re done with classes. An internship at an architecture firm will give you the chance to see up close what working as an Architectural Designer is like day-to-day. This learning method will also allow you to build connections that will benefit you when starting your career. 

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 you can 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% 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.