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Design architect skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Korydon Smith,

Rashida Ng, RA

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical design architect skills. We ranked the top skills for design architects based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 15.5% of design architect resumes contained revit as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a design architect needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 design architect skills for your resume and career

1. Revit

Revit, also known as Autodesk Revit, is computer software used by architects, structural engineers, and designers to perform building modeling tasks. Revit was designed to facilitate users, draw building modeling structures in a 2D and 3D format. Creating such models allows architects and engineers to pre-planning, scheduling, estimating the life of the structure and the entire cost of construction.

Here's how design architects use revit:

Served as Co-Chairman of the Revit Building Information Modeling evaluation, selection, and implementation team for the firm.
Gained experience using REVIT (3D modeling software) to prepare architectural drawings.

2. Architectural Design

Here's how design architects use architectural design:

Provided full scope of architectural design services for various renovation and rehabilitation projects.
Supervised and coordinated preparation of all phases of architectural design on assigned projects.

3. Project Management

Here's how design architects use project management:

Collaborated with project management and staff to develop effective mitigation strategies.
Led team to implement new services, requiring contract negotiations, cross team support and project management.

4. Sketch

Here's how design architects use sketch:

Sketch and design of required facilities as per contract.
Created two-dimensional construction documents utilizing AutoCAD and three-dimensionalmodeling using Sketch Up Software.

5. Design Development

Design development is used to refer to a number of positions and skills in a number of different industries. In the architectural world, Design Development is used to refer to an architectural plan that is already halfway or more done but needs further development, alteration, and testing. In the automotive industry, it refers to the skills necessary to create and develop new car, engine, and other designs, as well as to ensure that all designs are safe and effective.

Here's how design architects use design development:

Assist on design conceptualization during design development stage & coordinate with the other engineering disciplines.
Developed building schematics and design development, and presentation material for Disney and similar resorts.

6. C #

Here's how design architects use c #:

Instituted digital media campaign and achieved organic #1 rankings for targeted keywords via SEO and SMM.
Used dot net code C # to incorporate the business logic.

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7. BIM

BIM or Building Information Modelling is a process in which buildings, infrastructure, and other physical structures and places are translated into digital means, into various forms of computer files, 3D models, and digital plans.

Here's how design architects use bim:

Set up and managed the BIM process while implementing the Teamwork environment for future growth
Utilize BIM technology for the development of digital models of buildings and their components.

8. Schematic Design

Schematic design is the initial stage of the five stages of an architectural project. The schematic design aims at producing a rough drawing of the site plan, floor plan, etc.

Here's how design architects use schematic design:

Developed Augusta 3 project from schematic design to material selection and construction.
Prepared schematic design, construction development and construction document drawings.

9. Visualization

Here's how design architects use visualization:

Staff management, design solutions, 3D modeling, rendering, and visualization.
Introduced 3D drafting and visualization to firm.

10. SharePoint

Here's how design architects use sharepoint:

Created and maintained the Quality Operations SharePoint site - creating a centralized knowledge repository.
Configured and managed Azure Hybrid Cloud deployment for Office 365, SharePoint 2016 and SOA services.

11. Design Concepts

Here's how design architects use design concepts:

Created design concepts and coordinated technical designs, developed architectural blueprints, and produced construction documents.
Worked with sales teams to develop and present design concepts to client for initial data center build.

12. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how design architects use database:

Designed and implemented high performance database clusters to report predictive statistical analysis for business intelligence.
Constructed a database for facilities capital planning.

13. JavaScript

Here's how design architects use javascript:

Lead developer for all projects by completing extensive HTML, ColdFusion, JavaScript ASP coding, and proprietary action software.
Flash for Client UI, and some JavaScript.

14. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how design architects use cloud:

Lead on private cloud auto-provisioning project, which included Unix/Linux AD integration for authentication and DNS.
Help Design and architect the environment (cloud/hybrid cloud or on local Data Center).

15. UI

Here's how design architects use ui:

Presented five different UI component suites to client demonstrating how each control could be used to fulfill functional specification.
Make sure the UI delivery as per the Nokia GUI Board guidelines and usability rules.

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What skills help Design Architects find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on design architect resumes?

Korydon Smith

Professor and Chair, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York

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.

What soft skills should all design architects possess?

Rashida Ng, RA

Associate Professor of Architecture, Temple University

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 design architects?

Rashida Ng, RA

Associate Professor of Architecture, Temple University

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.

What design architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dak Kopec Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design Program, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

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 type of skills will young design architects need?

Michael Armstrong

CEO, NCARB

In most states, students interested in becoming architects will need to graduate from a NAAB-accredited program, earn experience through the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), and pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). These programs ensure young graduates earn knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas—like working with clients, determining project schedules, reviewing building codes and regulations, and establishing sustainability goals—and set them up for a successful career in architecture. For specific state requirements, explore our Licensing Requirements Tool.

We also encourage graduates, and all who are considering the licensed practice as a career, to explore our newly-launched Destination Architect site, an interactive guide with video tutorials and useful tips.

What technical skills for a design architect stand out to employers?

Kristen DeWolf

Director, Career Services, Syracuse University

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.

Do you want to know more?

List of design architect skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a design architect resume and required skills for a design architect to have include:

Revit
Architectural Design
Project Management
Sketch
Design Development
C #
BIM
Schematic Design
Visualization
SharePoint
Design Concepts
Database
JavaScript
Cloud
UI

Java
Construction Administration
CSS
HTML
Windows
Design Projects
Linux
QA
Construction Drawings
Design Process
IP
Lumion
Auto CAD
Technical Specifications
Prototyping

MEP
Space Planning
SQL Server
Shop Drawings
Lead Design
Enterprise Architecture
ETL
Commercial Buildings
Unix
User Interface
End Design
EMC
VMware
Master Planning
Construction Management

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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