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Architectural Designer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted Experts

Korydon Smith,

Rashida Ng, RA

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical architectural designer skills. We ranked the top skills for architectural designers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 14.9% of architectural designer resumes contained sketch as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an architectural designer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 architectural designer skills for your resume and career

1. Sketch

Here's how architectural designers use sketch:

Render three dimensional models in AutoCAD and Sketch Up programs for production review and customer presentations.
Prepared the 3D views using AutoCAD 2D/3D and Google Sketch up.

2. SketchUp

Here's how architectural designers use sketchup:

Worked extensively in Google SketchUp to produce promotional models as representations of proposed designs.
Used computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents such as InDesign and SketchUp.

3. 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 architectural designers use bim:

Design development Advanced surface modeling Presentation rendering Tender contract preparations BIM team member using Digital Project Completed IDP, Spring 2012
Created existing Architectural AutoCAD or BIM drawings and performed field verification.

4. Architectural Design

Here's how architectural designers use architectural design:

Provided architectural design and construction drawings with plans, elevations, architectural details and specifications for new and existing retail stores.
Hired as junior designer to manage and prepare architectural plans and architectural designs for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

5. 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 architectural designers use building codes:

Reviewed construction documents for compliance with the local building codes and regulations and accessibility requirements.
Assisted principal architect with construction administration, materials and building codes research.

6. Construction Drawings

Here's how architectural designers use construction drawings:

Prepared complex architecture and engineering construction drawings for commercial, residential, religion and financial institution projects utilizing AutoCAD.
Completed construction drawing packages including site, mechanical, and electrical drawings upon approval of preliminary drawings.

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7. Rhino

A Rhino is a computer application software for graphics and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) developed in 1980 by Robert McNeel & Associates. It's a computer 3D application used for 3D printing and is used for reverse engineering in fields like graphic design, 3D printing, multimedia, industrial design, architecture, computer-aided manufacturing, and a few others.

Here's how architectural designers use rhino:

Conducted initial site analysis and developed an accurate site model within Rhino.
Familiarize myself with luxury residential designs Render perspective views through Rhino.

8. 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 architectural designers use design development:

Prepared and modified architectural documents within design development and construction documents phases for a small firm expanding into new construction.
Led several design development projects including a major mixed-use project in Portugal and a large-scale mixed-use project in Brazil.

9. Construction Administration

Here's how architectural designers use construction administration:

Provided design services from initial survey through construction administration for new construction, renovation and historic restoration projects.
Managed design, document coordination, and on-site construction administration for architecture and interior design projects.

10. Design Concepts

Here's how architectural designers use design concepts:

Participate in discussions with clients to determine architectural needs and contribute responsive schematic design concepts.
Conducted architectural studies, prepared presentation drawings, developed design concepts and design criteria.

11. 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 architectural designers use schematic design:

Performed schematic design for mixed-use, medium-high density developments, single-family detached infill housing and urban renewal projects.
Compiled, organized and revised architectural drawings; generated computer-aided visuals for schematic design phases and marketing needs.

12. Shop Drawings

Here's how architectural designers use shop drawings:

Coordinated construction documents with specifications, shop drawings, and presentation documents.
Reviewed shop drawings and product specifications.

13. Visualization

Here's how architectural designers use visualization:

Project design and visualization, contract documents.
Design architectural strategies, construction documentatio 3d visualization and follow up construction process

14. Design Solutions

The design solution is a process that is used to simplify or translate high-level client requirements into a simpler form that may be also be regarded as a solution. For this purpose, the technical requirements and models are to be transformed into alternative designs which are then analyzed and the best one among all the alternatives is chosen as the ultimate solution.

Here's how architectural designers use design solutions:

Provided complete interior design solutions from building materials to furniture selection.
Proposed multiple design solutions including furniture recommendations.

15. Project Management

Here's how architectural designers use project management:

Prepare and develop project schedules estimates and coordinate activities with Design and Construction and Trades supervisors, utilizing Project Management Software.
Complete project management of contractor and subs for successful tenant improvement and furniture installation.

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What skills help Architectural Designers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on Architectural Designer 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 Architectural Designers 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 Architectural Designers?

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 Architectural Designer 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 Architectural Designers need?

A. Haven Kiers

Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of California, Davis

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.

What technical skills for an Architectural Designer 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 architectural designer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an architectural designer resume and required skills for an architectural designer to have include:

Sketch
SketchUp
BIM
Architectural Design
Building Codes
Construction Drawings
Rhino
Design Development
Construction Administration
Design Concepts
Schematic Design
Shop Drawings
Visualization
Design Solutions
Project Management
Architectural Drawings

PowerPoint
Space Planning
Design Process
Autodesk Revit
Autocad Architecture
Auto CAD
Cost Estimates
Autodesk
MEP
Adobe Photoshop
Design Projects
Commercial Buildings
Construction Projects
Aided Design
Construction Management
Design Ideas

IBC
Computer Assisted Design
Design Phase
Architectural Project
Revit
NYC
RFI
Client Presentations
Industrial Design
Feasibility Studies
Team Coordination
Residential Projects
As-Built Drawings
Presentation Drawings
Bentley Microstation
Construction Process

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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