Architectural Designer Skills:

Are you interested in becoming an Architectural Designer? Enroll in architectural design classes to develop the skills you need to start a career as an Architectural Designer. Hiring managers look for candidates who have several years of experience in architectural design. You can gain the necessary experience by enrolling in training courses and working as an Architectural Designer Intern. In addition to field experience, hiring managers also prefer candidates with comprehensive knowledge of architectural design software, like AutoCAD and Revit. You can gain this experience when training and by working on real-world projects. Finally, hiring managers prefer candidates who have soft skills that suit the position, such as excellent communication and time management. This article will help you determine what skills you need to develop before applying for Architectural Designer roles. 

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. 

Hard Skills

Architectural Designers need a range of hard skills, from architectural design software to mathematics. You can learn these skills by enrolling in Architectural Designer training classes. 

Autodesk AutoCAD

One of the most common software used by Architectural Designers is AutoCAD. AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application used for 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling. Architectural Designers use AutoCAD to create floor plans, elevations, and sections within their projects. The software includes built-in tools that can analyze and fix weaknesses in a building’s design, making the design process more efficient. You can enroll in an AutoCAD training course to learn basic, intermediate, and advanced-level AutoCAD. Most Architectural Designer roles require that candidates be proficient in AutoCAD. You can master AutoCAD anywhere between one month and one year, depending on how much time you have to learn and how quick of a learner you are. 

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Autodesk Revit

Another software you’ll likely use as an Architectural Designer is Revit. This software is a building information modeling (BIM) software. With Revit, you can explore design options and get an understanding of the space within the design. Other professionals, such as engineers and contractors may use Revit, which allows for collaboration with a project’s Architectural Designer. This software has a complex interface and a steep learning curve. You can learn the ins and outs of Revit in a certification program and gain relevant experience using the software while working as an intern. Most students manage to learn the basics of Revit in around two weeks but require comprehensive training to master the software. 

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D design software that allows users to create and manipulate 3D models. The software has become commonplace in both architecture and interior design. With SketchUp, you can create models of residential and commercial buildings along with landscapes. You can choose from several versions of SketchUp, including a free web-based application version and a pro version that includes extra features meant for commercial use. Users find SketchUp relatively easy to learn, especially with help from the app’s large community who share models and tips online. 

Mathematics

Mathematics plays a crucial role in architectural design. Professionals rely on geometry, algebra, and trigonometry to create precise designs. They use math to calculate dimensions and assess the strength of the structures they’re working on. Solid mathematical skills can also help in the cost estimation stage of a project. You can learn the basics of mathematics in a math-focused course and take your skills a step further during your architectural design training. 

Soft Skills

Architectural Designers don’t just need hard skills. They also need soft skills to ensure they interact with others meaningfully and keep on task when working. 

Communication

Good communication is a necessary skill for Architectural Designers. Hiring managers look for candidates who can communicate with other professionals working on a project and with clients. In this role, you’ll need to communicate with architects, engineers, construction managers, and other designers. Sometimes, conflict arises during the architectural design process. A good communicator can resolve conflict quickly and get everyone back on task. In addition, Architectural Designers need to know how to communicate with clients about projects. Whether you work for a firm or as a freelancer, you should have the skills needed to discuss the client’s wishes for the project, the expected timelines, and the budget. You also need to keep the client up to date with the project’s progress frequently. 

Time Management

Architectural Designers need time management skills to ensure that they stay on task and that their projects run smoothly. The projects that you work on as an Architectural Designer may be complex. In that case, you should prioritize coordinating with stakeholders and creating a timeline to follow. Some projects may come with strict deadlines that lead to long hours. Managing your time effectively will help relieve some stress that comes with strict deadlines and help you better organize your work. When trying to manage your time, try prioritizing tasks by creating a list, starting with the most important tasks first. You can also try using a time management matrix and productivity software. 

Teamwork

Another soft skill valued by Architectural Designers is teamwork. Architectural design requires collaboration between designers, architects, engineers, managers, and construction crews. Successful projects effectively combine creativity and engineering and to do so, you need to know how to work with others. Working with a team on an architectural project can help you diversify your perspective and acquire new technical knowledge. Additionally, teamwork can reduce the chances of conflict and ensure that you complete your projects on time. Skills you can work on to improve your teamwork include communication, leadership, and organization. 

What Other Jobs Require These Skills?

You can use the skills you learn when training to become an Architectural Designer to explore other related career paths. 

One of the most similar careers to that of an Architectural Designer is an Architect. Architects and Architectural Designers share some responsibilities, but to become an architect you need to pass the Architect Registration Exam to earn your license. Architects also need to know how to use software like AutoCAD and Revit and must have strong communication and teamwork skills. One major difference in responsibilities is that architects will handle more of the technical and regulatory aspects than the average Architectural Designer. 

Another career path that might interest you is Urban Planner. Professionals who work as urban planners develop plans and programs for the use of land and facilities. They work on both short and long-term projects, usually aimed at improving the environment that the project resides in. Urban planners work on projects that will improve housing, transportation, infrastructure, and the overall accessibility of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Like Architectural Designers, urban planners need analytical thinking and creativity. 

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.