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Job outlook for architectural designers in the United States
Architectural designer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected architectural designer job growth rate is -3% from 2018-2028.
About -6,700 new jobs for architectural designers are projected over the next decade.
Architectural designer salaries have increased 11% for architectural designers in the last 5 years.
There are over 39,554 architectural designers currently employed in the United States.
There are 54,358 active architectural designer job openings in the US.
The average architectural designer salary is $59,122.
Are architectural designer jobs in demand?
Architectural designer job and salary trends over time
Architectural designer jobs over time
Architectural designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 39,554 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 39,056 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 39,211 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 38,521 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 37,908 | 0.01% |
Average architectural designer salary over time
Architectural designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,122 | $28.42 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $57,929 | $27.85 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $56,469 | $27.15 | +3.9% |
| 2022 | $54,361 | $26.14 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $53,097 | $25.53 | +1.8% |
Architectural designer jobs by state
Most common states for architectural designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 295 | 43% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 805 | 12% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 515 | 12% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 837 | 11% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 870 | 10% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,407 | 9% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 523 | 9% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 268 | 9% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 475 | 8% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 467 | 8% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 87 | 8% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 57 | 8% |
| 13 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,338 | 7% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 897 | 7% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 697 | 7% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 391 | 7% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 100 | 7% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 513 | 6% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 58 | 6% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 39 | 6% |
Most common cities for architectural designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eden Prairie | 3 | 5% | $51,327 |
| 2 | Boston | 11 | 2% | $59,297 |
| 3 | Grand Rapids | 4 | 2% | $48,869 |
| 4 | Irvine | 4 | 2% | $60,489 |
| 5 | San Francisco | 9 | 1% | $61,788 |
| 6 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $65,217 |
| 7 | Minneapolis | 5 | 1% | $51,476 |
| 8 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $61,664 |
| 9 | Fort Collins | 2 | 1% | $56,853 |
| 10 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $48,196 |
| 11 | Riverside | 2 | 1% | $60,481 |
| 12 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $58,766 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $60,678 |
| 14 | New York | 4 | 0% | $61,080 |
| 15 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $49,470 |
| 16 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $56,901 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $55,425 |
| 18 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $60,183 |
| 19 | Anaheim | 1 | 0% | $60,549 |
Architectural Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of architectural designer experts
University of Oregon
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Idaho
Temple University
Dunwoody College of Technology
Syracuse University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
The Catholic University of America
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University at Buffalo – The State University of New York
Kansas State University
Seminole State College of Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of California, Davis
NCARB
Kansas State University
College of Charleston
The Pennsylvania State University
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Designer?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Diversify your experiences (and expectations); gain knowledge in a variety of different areas and certifications. Curate your portfolio to show a range of the kinds of work that you're able to offer. Get out of the comfort zone of doing only what you know "how to do" and challenge with incremental bits of knowledge.
What Architectural Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Because of the urgent need to address climate challenges in energy, materials, water, ecosystems, fire and so on, one person cannot do it all. Gone are the days of the "starchitect". What's most important is learning ways of collaboration, communicating, and team building; energy modeling at small and large holistic scales; life cycle accounting for materials.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What experience really stands out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Experience in the areas where one intends to practice. If someone wants to work in hospitality design, an employer will see what kind of experience they have. This is why selecting one's internship location is so important.
Many employers are also looking to see how well the Interior Designer can think outside the box and develop innovative design ideas.
An area of specialized knowledge that will complement the existing design team. Most firms are looking for future leaders.
What Architectural Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Design thinking. This can be done by looking for certificates or attending a series of seminars. The COVID-19 virus has opened up numerous opportunities to shape an Interior Designer's scope. Using Design Thinking as a means to solve problems will enhance a person's marketability.
Additionally, I would recommend learning about disease transmission and pathology. With a stronger foundation in these areas, the interior designer will be better equipped to address the infection control expectations that will likely be required of future Interior Designers.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Architectural Designers in the next 3-5 years?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: COVID-19 has changed the playing field, and future skills will need to include creative ways to use materials and systems for enhanced infection control. This will consist of thinking differently about ventilation systems, space planning, and material specifications.
Randall Randall
Program Head Architecture, ProfessorUniversity of Idaho
Architecture Department
What skills stand out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Randall Randall: Diversity of creative work demonstrated in a portfolio.
What soft skills should all Architectural Designers possess?
Randall Randall: Communication skills (both disciplinary and interpersonal); strong work ethic; reliability.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Architectural Designers?
Randall Randall: Adept with hand-drawing, model making, CAD, and graphics software (photoshop, illustrator). Experience with some kind of hands-on-making/construction is a plus.
What skills will help Architectural Designers earn the most?
Randall Randall: Strength in all of the above, i.e., being the "whole package."
Rashida Ng, RA
Associate Professor of ArchitectureTemple University
Tyler School of Art + Architecture
What skills stand out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Rashida Ng, RA: Within the profession of architecture, breadth of knowledge is essential. Architectural designers must understand materials, building systems, structures, codes, and regulations, as well as historical and civic issues. Furthermore, they must be able to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and through graphic formats. Applicants with resumes and portfolios that demonstrate competence in these areas will be competitive in the job market.
What soft skills should all Architectural Designers possess?
Rashida Ng, RA: At its best, the practice of architecture enhances the lives of people and improves the health of communities. To that end, architects must respond to complex and often competing conditions within a single project. As such, effective listening skills, and the ability to collaborate with project teams, consultants, and community members are essential in the field.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Architectural Designers?
Rashida Ng, RA: Given the climate crisis, architects must design buildings that reduce carbon emissions during construction and post-occupancy. Technical skills, including building information modeling, environmental impact assessments, and post-occupancy evaluations, provide essential information to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. As such, demand for these skills will continue to increase in the years to come.
Anonymous Professor
How have salaries changed over time for Architectural Designers?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to money and employment compensation ... those who can be willing to try new things and move with the flow will do well ... very well. Those who cannot, it's McDonald's and minimum wage ...
A footnote: ... the people I contact do not care about who you are, what you are, or how you are. So things like pronouns, and victimization, and excuses, and hanging on to reasons for failure will not cut it in the workplace of the future ... learn ... grow ... and you will have success ...
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Designers?
Paul Strother: We are hopeful that we will not see any long-term impact on our graduates due to the pandemic. That being said, we know that some students have struggled with the added stress of COVID-19, and others with managing online education, leading them to withdraw from school. And we know that students who choose not to finish their degree carry the long-term effects of a disrupted education.
What type of skills will young Architectural Designers need?
Paul Strother: For students earning their A.A.S. in Architectural Drafting & Design, the skills they are currently learning will be critical to their future success. Not only should students master Revit, but they also need the ability to quickly learn other software. They need an understanding of the principles of construction and building systems, and they need to know the role of the architect and its companion players, such as contractors, consultants and owners. Understanding regulatory elements will also continue to be key skill sets. At the core, when they leave Dunwoody, they must be ready to continue learning new systems, software and regulations, and possess the fundamental skill of good communication. This past year has also taught students to be flexible, and exposed them to new ways of communicating and doing business, which are critical skills as they enter today’s workforce.
What experience really stands out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Paul Strother: Dunwoody focuses on ensuring our students are learning the skills employers need. Because of that, students are ready for a part-time office job even before they graduate. Dunwoody structures the program and its class schedule in a way that allows for part-time positions, and provides students with the right software and a grasp of the building systems they’re working with. We know that a recent graduate with the right skills, along with some experience on their resume, will be hired first after graduation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Designers?
Kristen DeWolf: The class of 2021 will be in a highly competitive hiring situation. Not only will they have their peers to compete against for jobs, but also those who were laid-off or furloughed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be imperative for the graduates to prove they are the 'right' candidate. At the same time, this class has had to jump into flexibility mode to be successful as classes, club meetings, and even internships went virtual. They have already proven they are quick to adapt to the changing nature of work.
What's a good job out of college for Architectural Designers?
Kristen DeWolf: We are encouraging students to keep their options open. Any position that will add soft and/or hard skills to your resume is a great job to consider after college. Showing the value they provide will only help them as they continue to build their careers.
What technical skills for an Architectural Designer stand out to employers?
Kristen DeWolf: This is certainly highly dependent upon the industry the employer is in/type of work being done; however, MSExcel is one of the key skills that I hear over and over again from employers across many industries. Researching the employer/industry and understanding the technologies most used (and learning those programs if you don't already) is a great way for a candidate to stand out. There are plenty of opportunities to learn technical skills on sites such as LinkedIn Learning. When a candidate can show they're paying attention and have learned the skills to hit the ground running, the more valuable they will be as a candidate.
Michael Brazley Ph.D.
Associate Professor of ArchitectureSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
School of Architecture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Designer job market given the pandemic?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates. The first issue that comes to mind is lack of work for graduates because of lack of architectural commissions. The second point that comes to mind is that design itself will have changed because of covid-19. And third, more people will be working from home.
What Architectural Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Architectural Graduates will have to have very strong computer skills; not just in drawing but in writing also. Graduates will need to know the latest software, and in many cases, help to introduce the latest software to their new companies. Students are learning to make 3D digital videos and virtual reality models.
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Designer?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Work experience in an architect's office is best.
Robin Puttock
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Visiting Assistant ProfessorThe Catholic University of America
School of Architecture and Planning
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Designer job market given the pandemic?
Robin Puttock: I think we will continue to see more use of online platforms. I believe we will have an increase in firm participation this year in our annual School of Architecture and Planning career fair due to the online platform. In previous years, we invited representatives who were local and who could attend in person. There were also space limitations in our architecture building. Now that we are online, that opens up a world of possibilities, both for the hiring firms and for the students. In addition, the interviewing process can be quite efficient online, especially in the initial stages.
What Architectural Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Robin Puttock: My background is in sustainable civic architecture that supports wellbeing. Therefore, I would highly recommend earning certifications, if possible. I would recommend the LEED Green Associate and/or the WELL AP. In addition, NCARB's AXP hours can be quite flexible and can accommodate experience hours outside of the traditional architecture office.
If a student cannot find employment in an architecture firm working under a licensed architect, students have the option to earn AXP hours working for contractors, landscape architects, engineers, etc. As a bonus, they will receive a well-rounded internship experience. Finally, I would also recommend getting in touch with their local AIA chapters and plugging into continuing education opportunities and conferences. Knowledge and network connections gained in these outlets may prove quite useful in a future interview.
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Designer?
Robin Puttock: In addition to all of the above, I recommend students stay connected with their professors. Most of us have a vast network that we would love to invite you into. Often, an introduction is the pivotal component to a new opportunity. Relationships are key, especially when a recent graduate does not have significant professional experience. In addition, recent graduates should be sure to spend time on crafting their cover letters, their resumes, their work samples, and their portfolios. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward when an opportunity does arise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Designer job market given the pandemic?
James Shields: In mid-to-late 2020, some 70% of architecture firms saw a decline in billings due to Covid-19 impacts. Some architecture firms were hit worse than others; firms that designed office buildings, hospitality projects and cultural buildings fared poorly, and in general have not been hiring. Health care organizations and the architecture firms that service them have also been hit, although most firms have helped hospitals evaluate or design alternative Covid-care facilities.
Firms that design housing projects remained more stable and have continued to at least interview some job candidates. There has also been an increase in demand for master planning services of all kinds, as communities and businesses want to be prepared for the end of the pandemic and a return to more normal economic activity with a plan for expansion in place. Firms that design Science & Technology buildings, like university lab, science and health care teaching buildings, have also seen their workload remain stable and be less affected by the pandemic as many US States have continued to fund such projects.
School design firms have also done well, as many local districts have been able to pass referendums for new projects during the crisis, keeping their architects busy. There has also been a surprisingly strong turn towards interest in sustainable energy and infrastructure systems during the pandemic.
What skills stand out on Architectural Designer resumes?
James Shields: Many interviews for architecture jobs remain online at the present time, so an ability to communicate via Zoom or Teams is vital. Looking professional on the small screen with an ability to show your work well are skills that can be practiced before an interview. Most architecture employees are currently working online from home, so knowledge of the essential digital architecture programs (like Revit, Bluebeam, Sketchup, et al) is currently very important. On resumes and in portfolios, any experience in the architecture sectors that have remained relatively stable (Housing, Master Planning, Science & Tech, Schools, sustainable infrastructure) should be emphasized. If you have no such experience, read up on current trends in these practice areas online and find some that interest you. Conveying such an interest can go a long way.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
James Shields: Areas of the country that have been experiencing booming growth rates like North Carolina, Texas, and Colorado are expected to generate increased demand for architectural services as the pandemic is controlled. Look for cities whose growth rates top the US charts as you contemplate a location to settle after your time at the University, but don't be afraid to use the contacts you have already developed elsewhere as a rising economic tide raises all boats.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Designer job market given the pandemic?
Korydon Smith: To the above point, I anticipate growth in both the mainstream field of healthcare design (e.g., hospital design) and emergent fields at the intersection of architecture and health, such as renovating buildings to improve air quality, accommodate flexible functioning and spatial distancing, etc.
What skills stand out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Korydon Smith: Integrative thinking, a core competency in architecture, will become all the more important across sectors. Problem solving amidst complexity, resource constraints, and dynamic factors is what architects do; all businesses will need people that think this way.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
Korydon Smith: Architectural work tends to be in population centers. Architectural practice has become globalized, where many firms work in multiple cities in the U.S. and abroad. Growth in mid- and large-sized cities in the U.S. will continue; likewise for Europe and Asia. Latin America and Africa are emergent markets.
Barbara Anderson
Professor and HeadKansas State University
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
Barbara Anderson: Our graduates gain employment across the United States with ease. I believe some use-type sectors will see a slight decline in demand, including hospitality and retail design. However, there will be plenty of professional opportunities to reimagine the post-pandemic use of existing facilities.
How do you envision technology impacting Architectural Designers in the next 5 years?
Barbara Anderson: The integration of technology in buildings and the use of technology to design and communication design to clients and users will continue to accelerate in the next five years. I expect the technology integrated into buildings to focus on communications, health and well-being, and Net Zero and water efficiency with the goal of resilience/sustainability.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Designer?
Christy Graves: 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Designer job market given the pandemic?
Christy Graves: From what I've seen, I believe job opportunities will continue to be available for architectural technology engineering graduates. While many industries have suffered from layoffs and unemployment during this pandemic, it seems that the built environment is still going strong. I think one of the biggest changes we may see is that once the pandemic is over, many employees are going to work remotely full-time, or the amount of time that was previously spent in the office environment will decrease.
What experience really stands out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Christy Graves: Software skills, such as AutoCAD and Revit.
What Architectural Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christy Graves: I'd suggest trying to get part-time work to enhance the skills that were taught while going to school. Students should contact the career development center at their respective schools for part-time work opportunities.
Clyde Eiríkur Hull
Professor of Strategic ManagementRochester Institute of Technology
Saunders College of Business
What type of skills will young Architectural Designers need?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Graduates entering the workforce now and in the future will need to be comfortable in a digital workplace. Working digitally, whether in an established company or as a digital entrepreneur, was a growing trend before the pandemic, but it was pushing against a lot of inertia. That inertia has switched. Anything that works better, for the employer, digitally instead of in person is going to stay. Even if you aren't working remotely, you'll deal with many people who are. Graduates will need to be more capable of independent work, whether in virtual teams or on their own. But at the same time, interpersonal skills are going to become more important. People aren't interacting as much as they did, so their human skills are rusting. Anyone with polished interpersonal skills is going to stand out more.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: I'm told that the best cities for architects are Atlanta, Chicago, and West Palm Beach (see archinect.com), but look for the construction booms. Given trends, I'd suggest that sustainable architecture, in particular, is due to take off in a major way.
How do you envision technology impacting Architectural Designers in the next 5 years?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Architecture is being hit with virtual reality and augmented reality. Anything you can design now can be built in virtual reality for modeling. But the trend toward digital work is going to impact architectural designs for a long time to come. How will future homes be designed when many residents plan to work from home? How will professional buildings be impacted? Those are questions that architects are answering right now.
What type of skills will young Architectural Designers need?
A. Haven Kiers: While technological competency and hands-on experience will always be in demand within the profession of landscape architecture, more than any technical skills, young graduates will need a positive attitude and the drive to succeed. Because of the pandemic, employers are looking for graduates willing to take the initiative and tackle new projects with confidence and self-sufficiency.
New employees should be willing to take risks, be adaptable, and execute every task they are given to the very best of their abilities (even the boring ones). When faced with a design problem, they need to be able to think creatively, establish a good rapport with the client or community, test (and retest) a range of solutions, and to be able to do so with elegance and style. Technical skills can be learned on the job - the right attitude cannot.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
A. Haven Kiers: While the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Washington, DC, and New York City always have and will continue to top the lists of landscape architecture hotspots; cities in the pacific northwest like Portland and Seattle are the new rising stars, attracting recent graduates from all over the country. Other niche markets attracting landscape architecture firms include Minneapolis, MN, Charlottesville, VA, and Austin, TX.
How do you envision technology impacting Architectural Designers in the next 5 years?
A. Haven Kiers: Technology has and will continue to play a significant role in the field of landscape architecture. 3D modeling, drone technology, and geographic information systems are increasingly integrated into even the smallest projects. While it will always be necessary for a landscape architect to demonstrate a concept with a quick sketch drawn by hand, technology will remain the primary source of both visual and written communication for the profession in the coming years.
How do you envision technology impacting Architectural Designers in the next 5 years?
Michael Armstrong: While no one technology will completely alter the architect's role, NCARB's Futures Collaborative-composed of leading architects, experts in emerging technologies, and architectural licensing board members-anticipates that three technologies will have the greatest impact on the profession: generative design, computational analysis, and automation. Technological advancements, as well as shifts in market trends and client expectations, will continue to push architects to specialize in niche areas like building systems, 3D rendering, artificial intelligence, and immersive virtual reality.
The current licensure framework ensures that architects are competent in a broad range of skills-effectively providing a generalist license. But as specialization and project complexity becomes more pervasive, so will the need for increased collaboration with other AEC professionals.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
Michael Armstrong: Like most professions, the availability of architecture jobs fluctuates with the economy.
To get a head start, graduates can contact their local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter to connect with nearby architects and coordinate a firm visit or email their state's architect licensing advisor, a volunteer program NCARB coordinates.
Fred Hasler
John W. & Dorothy M. Burke Architectural Engineering ChairKansas State University
Department Architectural Engineering and Construction Science
What experience really stands out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Fred Hasler: Far and away, the experience that stands out on our students' resumes is their summer internships, where they get to work on structural, mechanical, or electrical buildings systems design. We are fortunate that most of our students have multiple summer internships before they graduate. A recurring theme that we hear from our industry employers is that our faculty's extensive, across-the-board industry experience makes our students highly sought for internships, which places them in a better position to hit the ground running in their careers when they graduate.
How do you envision technology impacting Architectural Designers in the next 5 years?
Fred Hasler: Design firms in the construction industry have certainly seen increases in the application of technology. Our graduates are well prepared, through course content and summer internships, and have adapted well. Technology issues during COVID have added another dimension. Some employers now appear to be hesitant to bring on new graduates because of the uncertainty of accomplishing that critical mentoring process when they have some or all employees operating remotely.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Designers?
Fred Hasler: Our December 2020 and May 2021 graduates are not getting their offers or accepting entry-level positions near the pace that we've seen in recent years. Many companies have indicated that their timeline for new hires has been pushed back until after the election and after we see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. In the long term, many companies have indicated that they are now more comfortable with remote work applications, so we will likely see the workplace quite a bit different moving forward. Our program has taken all possible measures to maintain safe, in-person courses to give our students a sense of normalcy, translating to industry participating in on-campus interviews for internships/employment while also offering virtual interview opportunities.
What experience really stands out on Architectural Designer resumes?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.: A substantial and diversified background (such as internships, course work, relevant volunteer activities) in the student's professional field is worth pursuing.
What Architectural Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.: I highly recommend a gap year between high school and undergrad, or between undergrad and grad school, if they are unsure of what they want to do.
College and graduate degrees are costly these days, so they should be done as a means to end and not to pass the time (unless one is in a financial position to do so). During that time off, they should find employment (regular, temp, part-time, or apprenticeship) related to something that they are interested in and volunteer at a relevant organization or government agency. This way, the person continues to build their resume and professional social network.
Putting yourself out there is very important for making informed decisions on what career moves you want to do next. Even adverse employment and volunteer experiences can be beneficial because you now have learned what you don't want to do. Knowing what you don't want to do before spending significant money on a college or graduate degree is a financially smart idea.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Architectural Designers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.: No one (except for maybe Steve Jobs) foresaw the Smartphone Revolution. Yet, by 2010 the world had changed. Five years from now (2025), there could be another new technology that we have not even imagined previously.
My suggestion is to try to be aware, as much as possible, of the latest and upcoming tech but focus on a specific set (or two) of hardware and software that most interests you. When I was younger, I tried staying on top of it all but quickly found that so much was coming out so fast that soon I spent all my time just trying to be on top of it all and unable to do much else. Technology has become so vast and diversified that to be good at something, you may not be able to do it all.
Professional and social networking can create professional communities where people who specialize in one set or two of technology or skills can share and exchange knowledge and expertise with colleagues and friends that complement each other. This is a strategy that I recommend.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Designers?
Ross Weinreb: Hard to tell right now. It 100% impacted internships during the summer. This will inevitably cause a ripple-effect for most students who will now have a gap in their experience when applying for future internships or job opportunities. The 'good' part is that everyone will be in the same boat, so it shouldn't affect hiring. It'll be about "what did you do during the pandemic to increase your professional experience and/or skills." I don't think this will have an enduring impact on graduates as our industry has had several ups and downs in relation to economic trends.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Architectural Designers to find work opportunities?
Ross Weinreb: Not that I am aware of. Our Penn State graduates generally find work in the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York, etc.).