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Staff architect skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Korydon Smith,

Randall Randall

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical staff architect skills. We ranked the top skills for staff architects based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 28.5% of staff architect resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a staff architect needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 staff architect skills for your resume and career

1. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how staff architects use java:

SCRAM was a Java-based development project utilizing Jini and Java Spaces for managing the job lifecycle for the Equifax supercomputer.
Developed Java applications and tools to continuously improve and enhance the automation framework's deployment, execution and reporting mechanisms.

2. 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 staff architects use revit:

Implemented Autodesk Revit and currently trainingother staff members on the application.
Gained experience using REVIT (3D modeling software) to prepare architectural drawings.

3. Conceptual Development

Here's how staff architects use conceptual development:

Foster City, CA Conceptual development of process scale-up layout for clinical manufacturing facility.

4. MEP

MEP is generally a term used in construction, and it stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. MEP engineering refers to the process of developing, planning, and managing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system of a building or architecture.

Here's how staff architects use mep:

Supervised teams of consultants including structural, civil, and MEP engineers and lighting, LEED, code & waterproofing consultants.
Prepared MEP file coordination, was a Site supervisor, Landscaping arch.

5. Visualization

Here's how staff architects use visualization:

Prepare graphical presentations and utilize 3D visualization (modeling and rendering).
Pioneered using 3D CAD software in architectural visualization for the firm.

6. Client Presentations

Client presentations are speeches or demonstrations presented to clients in an effort to either convince clients to work with the company or to provide updates to client projects. These presentations often include evidence of success, whether this is past success from previous projects or current success in a project the company is actively working on for the client.

Here's how staff architects use client presentations:

Led project teams in the development of design and construction documents, client presentations and project interviews.
Selected interior finishes and color schemes for client presentations.

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7. Shop Drawing Review

Here's how staff architects use shop drawing review:

Job Captain, coordinate construction documents with Engineering disciplines, write specifications and shop drawing review
Shop drawing review and approval.

8. Cost Estimates

Here's how staff architects use cost estimates:

Surveyed property conditions and produced scopes of work, punch lists and cost estimates.
Prepare preliminary and conceptual documents using County Information Services System and cost estimates for technical services.

9. Construction Drawings

Here's how staff architects use construction drawings:

Coordinated architectural projects from schematic design to construction drawings.
Prepared presentation & construction drawings and preformed structural analysis for all projects under my supervision.

10. Leed

LEED is basically the acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a certification program that approves the standards of buildings that are ecology-oriented. This includes the maintenance, building, and even the working of the ecological infrastructure.

Here's how staff architects use leed:

Utilize sustainability programs such as LEED and STORM for U.S. Military/Corp of Engineers projects and commercial retail stores.
Passed rigorous exams for LEED AP BD+C, led LEED Design Teams on four Certified projects.

11. Architectural Design

Here's how staff architects use architectural design:

Generated all project management from layout to architectural design stage.
General Architectural Design and Drafting.

12. Building Codes

A building code is a requirement or standard for construction purposes. These codes will serve as the model and set of rules to obtain and approve before starting a project. The goal of this standard is to ensure the safety and protection of both the clients and workers. it is usually related to structures and buildings.

Here's how staff architects use building codes:

Researched building codes and building materials during the design process.
Researched applicable building codes to determine proper design for handicap-accessibility and health, safety, and welfare issues.

13. 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 staff architects use schematic design:

Developed schematic designs, construction documents and high-impact presentations.
Assisted in schematic design studies through physical and computer modeling and imaging.

14. Code Analysis

Here's how staff architects use code analysis:

Code analysis (egress patterns, travel distances etc.)
Code analysis for residential & commercial buildings.

15. Auto CAD

Here's how staff architects use auto cad:

Generated construction documents utilizing Auto Cad software.
Generated construction documents utilizing Auto Cad software.

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What skills help Staff Architects find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on staff 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 staff architects possess?

Randall Randall

Program Head Architecture, Professor, University of Idaho

Communication skills (both disciplinary and interpersonal); strong work ethic; reliability.

What hard/technical skills are most important for staff architects?

Randall Randall

Program Head Architecture, Professor, University of Idaho

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 staff 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 staff 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 staff 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 staff architect skills to add to your resume

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

Java
Revit
Conceptual Development
MEP
Visualization
Client Presentations
Shop Drawing Review
Cost Estimates
Construction Drawings
Leed
Architectural Design
Building Codes
Schematic Design
Code Analysis

Auto CAD
Construction Management
NYC
Office Buildings
Code Reviews
Healthcare
Design Concepts
RFI
Various Design
Project Design
Space Planning
Master Plan
Residential Projects
Construction Phase

Office Space
SF
Project Scope
Construction Process
Code Research
AIA
Site Inspections
Site Planning
IBC
Architectural Services
Institutional Projects
Commercial Buildings
Punch List
Condominiums

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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