Role

Architect

Designs buildings and spaces that are safe, functional, and enjoyable to use.

13 chaptersAbout 3 months15–30 min a day12 skills2 projects
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Chapter 1 is free. No card needed.

Day 1 on the Architect path.

What a Architect does

Design buildings for clients and communities, balancing function, safety, cost, and how spaces feel to use.

  • Design building concepts, layouts, and facades based on client needs and site limits
  • Create drawings and 3D models for planning, approvals, and construction
  • Coordinate with engineers, interior designers, and contractors to align plans
  • Check designs against building codes, accessibility rules, and safety standards
  • Prepare presentations, reports, and permit packages for review by authorities
  • Review contractor questions, shop drawings, and site issues during construction
  • Estimate space needs and support cost and schedule decisions with the project team

A day in the life

  1. Review emails, site constraints, and priorities with the project team
  2. Draft plans in CAD or BIM, then iterate after feedback from stakeholders
  3. Meet clients to confirm goals, budget, and timeline, then document decisions
  4. Coordinate with engineers to resolve structure, HVAC, and fire safety conflicts
  5. Review permit comments or construction questions and issue updated drawings

Tools you will use

CAD and drafting: AutoCADBIM modeling: Revit, Archicad3D modeling: SketchUp, RhinoRendering: Enscape, LumionDocumentation: Bluebeam RevuProject tracking: Microsoft Project, Trello

Your plan

Chapter by chapter.

1~1 wk

See what architect work involves

StartFree
2~1 wk

Collaboration and communication

Skills
31–2 wks

Make small community library: BIM model, plans, sections, and schedules

Proof
4~1 wk

Meet people who do architect work

People
5~1 wk

Thinking and problem solving

Skills
6~1 wk

Technical drawing and CAD

Skills
7~1 wk

3D modeling and visualization

Skills
8~1 wk

Design knowledge and context

Skills
9~1 wk

Project planning and workflow

Skills
101–2 wks

Make local park corner concept with plan, planting list, and rain garden

Proof
11~1 wk

Practise role interviews

Interview
12~1 wk

Choose a route into architect work

Decide
13on your timeline

Apply for roles

Apply

By the last chapter

This is what you can show.

Things you've made

Small community library: BIM model, plans, sections, and schedules and Local park corner concept with plan, planting list, and rain garden

Skills you can prove

12 skills, each rated on work you actually did.

People you've talked to

3 people who do the job, with a message ready for each.

Questions you can answer

20 interview questions and a mock interview, with feedback.

Credentials

4 credentials compared, so you can pick one, or decide you don't need one. None is required.

Ways in

There is more than one route.

Ways to study

  • Architecture degree with studio training and design portfolio
  • Diploma or certificate in architectural technology or building design
  • Related degree plus architecture conversion program and portfolio development

How people get their first job

  • Build a portfolio with 6 to 10 projects showing plans, sections, and a clear design story
  • Apply for architecture internships or trainee roles at design studios
  • Start as an architectural technician or drafter to learn documentation and detailing
  • Volunteer on small community design projects to practice client briefs and constraints
  • Learn BIM basics and produce a sample model with sheets and schedules

Life skills on this path: Networking · Job interviews · Job search

How the work is changing

What AI is doing to this role

How AI is changing this role · one of 6 tasks we track

Develop design concepts and massing options

Sped up a lot

What AI does

Studios now use Nano Banana and Stable Diffusion for concept images.

Still yours

You judge what fits the site, client, and budget.

Reviewed September 2026

In the app · Premium

The rest is in the app

  • How AI affects the other 5 tasks
  • Whether this job is growing or shrinking
  • How hard the first job is to get
  • Similar roles that are easier to get into
  • Updated every month, with sources
See it in the app →

How we rate a job →

Already working

Already a Architect?

Plan your move to Project Architect: 9 chapters that end with a strong case for your next review.

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Questions

Questions about this path

How long does it take to become a architect with Welica?

The path is 13 chapters, 3 months at 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can go faster or slower; the plan moves with you.

Do I need a degree?

Not always. Common routes are architecture degree with studio training and design portfolio, diploma or certificate in architectural technology or building design, or related degree plus architecture conversion program and portfolio development.

What is free?

Chapter 1, See what architect work involves, is free for good. Premium unlocks the rest of the path.

Start the Architect path.

Chapter 1 free. About 15 to 30 minutes a day.

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