Students wishing to become Architectural Designers will need to receive training in relevant skills and knowledge areas. Most students will need to enroll in classes that cover architectural design and architectural design software. Commonly used software by Architectural Designers that students need to learn includes AutoCAD and Revit.
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.
What Skills Will I Need to Learn to Become an Architectural Designer?
Architectural Designers must develop 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. You can enroll in a general design class to learn the basics before looking for classes that focus on skills specific to architectural design.
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. Enroll in one of Noble Desktop’s project management classes to learn about the phases of project management, foundational project management concepts, and how to project costs.
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What Courses Should I Enroll in to Become an Architectural Designer?
You’ll come across many types of courses when searching for architectural design training. The best course for you is one that meets your schedule and your learning goals. You can enroll in on-demand classes if you cannot attend scheduled courses and need lessons that offer flexibility. This class style requires you to guide yourself through lessons. There is no live instructor, but you may have access to the lead instructor’s office hours or tutoring sessions. Even though on-demand classes lack live learning, you’ll still get the chance to engage with classmates through discussions and other avenues.
Another option is to enroll in a live online course. You’ll find live online classes scheduled on weekdays, in the evenings, and on weekends. Expert instructors teach live online classes over Zoom or another web conferencing platform. In a live online class, you’ll have the chance to ask your instructor questions and receive feedback. Some instructors even encourage screen sharing during class to encourage students to participate.
Below, you’ll find bootcamps, certificate courses, and classes that can help you learn the skills you need to become an Architectural Designer. Some classes last several weeks while you can complete others in a matter of days. The cost of each class varies from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Noble Desktop - AutoCAD Bootcamp
Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp is a 30-hour live online bootcamp that will teach you the fundamentals of technical drawing. You’ll also spend the bootcamp learning how to create 2D drawings using AutoCAD. This live online bootcamp covers beginner and intermediate-level AutoCAD. The class will first begin with foundational AutoCAD skills, like basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing. The intermediate-level lessons will teach you how to create basic 2D drawings in AutoCAD.
In addition to 30 hours of hands-on training, students will receive access to supplemental materials for use during and after the course. Students who complete the bootcamp will receive a verified digital certificate of completion and access to a one-year free retake. This free retake allows students to refresh on course concepts, which can prove especially useful after starting a career as an Architectural Designer. If you find yourself confused on any topics during the bootcamp, you can schedule a 1-on-1 training session with an expert who will help you review concepts from class and provide assistance in applying the skills you’ve learned to your project.
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.
Noble Desktop - AutoCAD Certification Program
Noble Desktop offers a live online AutoCAD Certification Program for students interested in learning beginner through advanced-level AutoCAD skills. This program will also prepare you to become an Autodesk Certified Professional. As part of this program, you’ll spend roughly 48 hours covering AutoCAD and have access to six hours of private tutoring. During tutoring sessions, you can receive individualized attention and ask questions about topics of interest.
This class concludes with the Autodesk AutoCAD exam. Upon passing the exam, you’ll receive your AutoCAD certification. Your tuition includes the exam’s cost, proctoring, and a free retake. If you want to take the course but don’t want to take the exam, just let Noble Desktop know when you enroll. Instead of scheduling you for the exam, they’ll provide you with an extra hour of private tutoring.
After completing the certificate program, you should have developed career-ready AutoCAD skills. You’ll receive a certificate of completion from Noble Desktop after the course has ended, which you can use as part of your career portfolio. Noble Desktop also offers a free one-year retake of the class. This benefit offers a great way to refresh on AutoCAD topics without having to pay for additional training.
VDCI - Introduction to Revit
VDCI’s Introduction to Revit course will teach you about primary Revit concepts and how they relate to BIM. You’ll take your time exploring the Revit interface and design a 3D building model. You and your classmates can expect to receive hands-on training to strengthen your understanding of Revit. Part of this training includes working on a project that includes floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, curtain walls, and roof design.
This is a 100% online class that takes approximately 30 hours to complete. VDCI’s commitment to flexible learning means that you can create your own schedule around the class’ due dates. As part of the course, you’ll receive a 30-day free trial of Revit. The course instructor will keep up with your project as you submit quizzes and participate in discussion forums.
VDCI - Photoshop Fundamentals Bundle
VDCI’s online Photoshop Fundamentals Bundle will prepare you to use Photoshop during the architectural design process. Lessons will cover selection, manipulation, creation, and workspace tools in the program which you’ll use to edit, retouch, and color correct images. This is a hands-on class where you can expect to learn by working on real-world projects. In the first half of the class, you’ll learn introductory-level Photoshop, like how to use basic tools. The second half of the class covers intermediate-level skills, such as incorporating client’s goals in your designs and adjusting image strategy based on design goals.
VDCI has grouped two courses in this bundle to help students like you access well-rounded training at a lower cost. Students who complete the bundle with a grade of 70% or higher will receive a digital credential from Accredible.
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 classes offered by VDCI, a nationally accredited provider of CAD and BIM training.
Noble Desktop offers a live online AutoCAD Masterclass. In this program, you’ll learn beginner, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD skills. This comprehensive course will help you gain hands-on experience using AutoCAD. The beginning of the program covers the basics of AutoCAD, like opening and creating drawings, exploring the interface, and using fundamental drawing and editing commands. Intermediate-level lessons focus on effective working methods and accurate positioning. During this section of the course, you’ll complete projects using productivity tools. The final section of the course introduces you to advanced topics, like text objects, tables, and attributes. In addition to 48 hours of hands-on training, you’ll receive access to one 1-on-1 training session with an expert who can clarify challenging topics for you.
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 develop 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.