Architecture Careers: Drafter, Designer, Technician
You love to draw buildings. You have a great eye for detail and sense of design. You don't want to spend five years in college.
Consider a career in architectural drafting or design. After learning job-specific skills, including CAD software, you will convert architectural concepts into working drawings that guide construction. You can earn an architectural drafting or design degree from a technical school or career college in less than two years.
What does an architectural designer or drafter do?
Titles for architectural support specialists include CAD drafter, architectural designer, residential design technician, CAD technician and documentation coordinator.
Responsibilities vary by position. An architectural drafter creates working drawings, materials lists, construction schedules and other specifications that guide construction. The job may include marketing, team lead responsibilities, and a variety of technical support duties.
Most architectural drafters and designers specialize in specific areas such as commercial or residential construction, renovation and remodels, interior space design, even fields as unlikely as security systems.
CAD training and other qualifications
An architectural drafter needs an eye for detail and an understanding of principles of design. A college or technical school program will also provide computer-aided drafting (CAD) training and instruction in material strength, building codes, electrical and mechanical systems and similar topics. Current employer requests include familiarity with green design (LEED) and commercial codes.
Career-focused architectural drafting and design degree program
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business offers a two-year program that prepares students for careers in architectural technology:
Associate in Applied Science in Architectural Drafting and Design If you would like information on the program, on career opportunities in architecture or on our college, please call 1-877-655-7676. We will be happy to answer your questions and help in any way.