What is an architectural designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Christy Graves

An architectural designer is responsible for designing buildings and other structures. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, as well as with engineers and contractors to ensure that designs are feasible and meet safety standards. Architectural designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans, models, and drawings. They also consider factors such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility when designing a building.

What general advice would you give to an architectural designer?

Christy Graves

Professor/Program Manager, Seminole State College of Florida

I would advise the graduate to learn from everyone they work with within the workplace environment. Even though a degree in architectural engineering technology is valuable, it's impossible to learn everything you need to know to be successful in the industry by taking classes in school and earning a degree. Do not be afraid to ask others for help when you aren't sure about the task you've been assigned to do. In addition, keep up with new technology. Remember, learning should be a lifetime pursuit. It shouldn't end with earning a degree.

ScoreArchitectural DesignerUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $59,122

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.3

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 7.02%

Black or African American 3.09%

Hispanic or Latino 11.66%

Unknown 5.20%

White 72.33%

Gender

female 29.86%

male 70.14%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

4.3

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an architectural designer?

Pros

Creative expression through design
Potential for high salary and job stability
Variety of project types, from residential to commercial
Ability to make a positive impact on communities through design
Continuous learning and development of skills

Cons

Long hours and tight deadlines
Constant need for continuing education and staying updated on industry trends
Possibility of projects not being built due to budget or other issues
High competition for jobs in some areas or markets
Need for effective communication skills to convey ideas to clients and colleagues

Key steps to become an architectural designer

Explore architectural designer education requirements

Most common architectural designer degrees

Bachelor's

62.3 %

Associate

17.4 %

Master's

14.8 %

Start to develop specific architectural designer skills

Skills	Percentages
Sketch	14.94%
SketchUp	7.27%
BIM	6.25%
Architectural Design	5.57%
Building Codes	4.51%

Complete relevant architectural designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New architectural designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an architectural designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real architectural designer resumes.

Research architectural designer duties and responsibilities

Manage in- house projects and AutoCAD drawings.
Manage design and coordinate construction of grind up, interior finish, conversions and remodel projects.
Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
Submit drawings to OSHPD for approval.

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