Architecture can be a challenging field to enter for a number of reasons, but the stringent education and licensing requirements are arguably the most significant barrier to entry for most professionals. The niche knowledge and specialized skills required to become an architect aren’t easy to develop, and traditional education pathways can be both lengthy and costly. 

This is one of the factors that has contributed to the architecture industry’s diversity problem. Simply landing a spot in an architecture program can be challenging, while those who are drawn to architecture later in life may be daunted by the idea of going back to school for 5 years or longer before they can start looking for architecture opportunities. 

The NCARB’s Pathways to Practice initiative was designed to expand access to an architecture career, and has opened up new doors for non-degree holders. While the majority of new architects still pursue a degree, the popularity of alternative education pathways is rising. According to data from the NCARB, 13% of new architects in 2023 did not hold a degree, and nearly 5,000 candidates began to report their experience to work toward licensure.

Of course, even with this door open, it can still be challenging to determine the best path to an architecture career. Let’s take a look at some popular ways to gain architecture education outside a degree program and steps aspiring architects who lack a degree can take.

Advantages of nontraditional architecture education

The traditional path to becoming an architect isn’t feasible for everyone. Architecture degree programs can be lengthy—typically a 5-year program for a Bachelor of Architecture, plus an additional 3 years if you want to obtain your Master of Architecture degree. The length of architecture programs also means they come at a high price. Many students graduate with 6-figure student loan debt, and the intensive nature of these programs often makes it impossible to work while attending school.

Taking an alternative route like an apprenticeship or self-guided learning is more financially feasible for many aspiring architects. These paths also allow you to bypass the gatekeepers who determine who gains entry into degree programs, expanding access to architecture careers to a more diverse set of professionals. 

While cost savings are the main advantage for aspiring architects, nontraditional career paths have benefits for firms and other employers, as well. There is a growing demand for multidisciplinary knowledge in architecture, something that career-switchers are often uniquely positioned to provide. Those coming to architecture from other domains also bring skills in areas like client interactions, project management, and business acumen that don’t get taught in architecture classrooms. These professionals can also serve as bridges between designers and clients or technical staff who may not speak the same jargon.

The bottom line is, while it can be more challenging to start an architecture career without a degree, nontraditional paths benefit both individual professionals and the profession as a whole.

Alternative educational pathways for aspiring architects

One of the challenges with starting careers in design without a degree is that these roles require technical skills and knowledge of advanced engineering concepts that can be difficult to learn outside a college program. There are absolutely ways for self-taught architects to develop this expertise, however, as well as to prove that they have these skills to potential employers. Here are five options for aspiring architects without a degree to explore.

Vocational training and technical schools

Technically, a vocational or trade school is still an architecture program, but with some key differences that can make it a more feasible option for those making a career pivot to architecture. The most significant difference is cost. While the exact cost varies depending on the school, a typical range is around $4,000-$15,000 total—significantly lower than the total cost for an architecture degree program.

The time to complete a degree with a vocational or technical school is shorter, as well, which is part of why they cost so much less. Some programs can be completed in a year or less, letting professionals enter the workforce more quickly. They are also more likely to offer flexible course schedules, including part-time course loads or evening and weekend classes that can work around a full-time job or family responsibilities. 

Vocational schools focus on giving students practical experience in architecture, emphasizing hands-on training in skills like drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), construction techniques, and building codes. That said, they often don’t include topics like advanced design principles or architectural theory and history. Because of that, the options for licensing after graduating from a trade or vocational school may be more limited, and that’s the main downside of this option. Most licensure boards require a professional degree from an institution accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Not all roles in architecture require licensing, however, and vocational or technical schools are an excellent alternative design education option for careers like CAD technician, architectural drafter, surveyor, residential designer, or Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialist.

Online courses

Like trade schools, online design courses are popular alternative paths to architecture education. There are a range of online architecture and design programs for beginners, varying in length, depth, and price from free introductory courses to full online degree programs run by accredited universities. 

Online courses can be affordable options to learn architecture and design skills. Smaller, targeted courses let you focus your learning on the specific topics or skills you’re interested in, while learning from anywhere at your own pace (and usually at a much lower cost than taking a college class).

Granted, full online degree programs are going to be lengthier and more expensive, often the same 4-5 years as an in-person program and close to the same cost, though minus expenses like transportation and on-campus housing. They still offer more flexibility, though, and culminate in the same traditional degree and licensing options you’ll get from any accredited university program.

This variety makes it important to know your career goals and do your research before choosing which online courses to take. If you plan to become a licensed architect, for instance, you need to make sure you choose an accredited online program. For those forging their own creative career pathways, online courses can be an excellent way to learn or upgrade critical skills, explore new fields or specializations, prepare for a certification program, or expand on your education from a trade school, bootcamp.

Certification programs

Architecture and design certifications exist in the space between a full degree program and a-la-carte online courses. These are credentials that validate a professional’s expertise in the topic they cover. While there are some broad certifications that cover a range of architecture fundamentals, most have a tighter focus on a specific skill, technology, technique, or niche knowledge area.

Many architects who do have a traditional degree earn certifications to enhance or expand their skill sets. For instance, getting LEED Accreditation is a popular way to get a sustainable design education and verify knowledge of green building practices. Most programs do not require test-takers to have previous formal education, though, so while they aren’t enough to qualify you for licensure on their own, they are an excellent way to gain innovative design skills for a non-degree architecture career.

Like online courses, the length and cost of certification programs varies. Some consist only of an exam, and it’s up to the student to first acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Others include required courses or provide study materials, which you can often work through at your own pace. Across the board, they are shorter and cheaper than degree programs, with even the more extensive programs lasting a matter of weeks or months instead of years.

Some of the top certifications for a career in architecture and design include:

• LEED Green Associate – Offered through the U.S. Green Building Council, this entry-level certification tests general knowledge of green building practices and sustainable design. Advanced professionals can build on this knowledge with LEED AP Certification, which is offered in specialities including Building Design & Construction (BD+C), Operations & Maintenance (O+M), Interior Design & Construction (ID+C), Neighborhood Development (ND), and Homes.
• Archicad BIM Manager Certification – Obtained through Graphisoft, this credential is earned at the end of a 10-week online course, and covers the full range of current Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards and best practices. It’s an excellent credential to support careers like Project Coordinator or BIM Specialist.
• Certified Architectural Drafter (CAD) – The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) proctors this credential, which covers the core skill of computer-aided design. Obtaining it demonstrates expertise in the latest drafting and design software, and is ideal for careers in technical drafting.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) – Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), this credential demonstrates expertise in managing construction projects and processes, making it valuable for architects in design-build firms or those who regularly oversee large-scale projects.
• OSHA Safety Certifications – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers two certification options ideal for architects. Their 10-Hour Construction Industry Certification covers how to recognize and prevent common safety hazards to promote a safe work environment as an employee, while their 30-Hour Construction Industry Certification is more comprehensive and aimed at site supervisors and safety managers.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – Architects often need to manage complex projects, and this certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) verifies that you have the skills to do so. It verifies skills in areas like multidisciplinary team coordination, scope planning and management, risk management, and effective project governance.
• Well Accredited Professional (Well AP) – Obtained through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), this credential demonstrates mastery of the WELL standard for buildings that enhance human health and well-being. It is ideal for architects who design public spaces like schools, healthcare facilities, and office buildings, demonstrating your abilities in human-centric design.

Bootcamps

Architecture bootcamps are intensive, short-term programs designed to teach students practical skills they’ll need to build a career in the field. Similar to certifications, they tend to focus on a specific area of the industry, like digital design, sustainable architecture, or BIM.

Bootcamps can be online, in-person, or hybrid, and range in length from a few weeks to a few months. Some are designed for beginners to the profession, while others are focused on those changing careers or current architectural professionals who want to upgrade, expand, or modernize their skill sets. 

The advantage of bootcamps over online courses is that they typically offer more real-world and hands-on practice. Some are instructor-led while others are self-paced, making them a flexible education option for working professionals. Frequently, they culminate in a project that can be included in a professional portfolio, and students may also earn a credential or certification at the end of the course. 

The main limitation of bootcamps is that they don’t provide a pathway to licensure since they focus on specific skills rather than a comprehensive overview of the field. This makes them a good option for technical or entry-level roles, letting professionals quickly get started in their architecture career.

Apprenticeships and mentorships

Architects who don’t complete a traditional degree program often miss out on two key aspects of that education: the opportunity to build their network, and the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field. Architecture apprenticeships and mentorships are an excellent way to fill in those gaps. 

These are similar opportunities with one key difference. An apprentice is formally employed, receiving training and instruction while getting hands-on experience working on real-world tasks and projects. This guided, practical instruction means apprenticeships can replace architecture degrees. Along with developing skills, the projects apprentices work on are an excellent foundation for their portfolio. In many states it can even provide a path to licensure through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). 

Mentorship programs are often more theoretical and less formalized, focusing more on broader career development and growth instead of specific skill sets or technical proficiencies. The role of mentorship in nontraditional architecture careers is primarily as a source of guidance, knowledge, and support in navigating the challenges of an unconventional career path. Mentors can also connect you with other professionals and job opportunities, or provide a reference that can get non-degreed architects past the initial gatekeepers who might otherwise exclude them from opportunities.

Steps to become an architect through nontraditional methods

Now that we’ve explored some of the alternative pathways available to aspiring architects, the question remains: Can you become an architect without going to architecture school? The good news is that you absolutely can, though it will require dedication and creativity to overcome the common barriers faced by non-degreed professionals.

One of these challenges is that there’s more variety in nontraditional career paths than for those who take the typical degree route. Because of this, the advice that works for someone else may not apply to your unique situation. With that being said, if you’re wondering how to start a career in architecture without a traditional degree, here are some of the steps you can take.

1. Get involved in the industry to build a professional network.

While you need to be a licensed or working architect to become a member of organizations like the American Institute of Architects, nonmembers can often still attend events like conferences and workshops that they host. Doing so can be beneficial in multiple ways, serving as both a source of knowledge and a way to make connections with active professionals in the field.

The same is often true for institutions that educate architects. Some courses may be limited to only degree-seeking students, but there are often classes, workshops, lectures, and networking events that are open to anyone. Research the options in your area and be proactive in attending as many as you can to start building connections and knowledge.

2. Identify and highlight your unique skills and perspective.

If you’re switching into architecture from another career path, you’re likely bringing at least some skills to the table that can be valuable. Research the types of roles you’d ideally like to work toward, then look up some job postings to assess their qualifications and skill requirements. Look for those that overlap with your own experience, or areas where you can bring a unique perspective that will provide value for a firm that hires you.

3. Develop basic technical skills.

Some careers in architecture don’t require licensure, and these are an excellent place to start building experience for those taking a non-degree path. These include jobs like 3D modeler, CAD technician, draftsperson, or civil technician, in addition to many jobs in the construction industry.

Research the non-degree options in the field and identify which roles seem like the best fit for your skills and aspirations. From there, you can determine what specific skills you’ll need to land these positions. Often, this will mean gaining proficiency with software like Revit, SketchUp, and AutoCAD, either through self-guided learning or by taking a course or workshop.

4. Get hands-on experience through freelance work, internships, or apprenticeships.

With your technical skill sets in place, you can start to look for your first hands-on work in the field. In some cases, seeking out entry-level roles will be the best option. You can also pursue architecture internships and apprenticeships to learn directly from experienced professionals. While some internships are unpaid, many of these roles do pay enough to live on, making them a viable option for aspiring architects who can’t afford to take time away from the workforce.

You can also find freelance architecture opportunities for self-taught professionals. Marketplaces like Houzz, Guru.com, PeoplePerHour, and Fiverr let you directly connect with clients for jobs at a range of experience and skill levels. Once you have completed projects under your belt, you can showcase them on sites like Dribbble and Behance to attract other potential clients or find long-term job opportunities.

5. Build a strong portfolio.

The options described in the previous step are the best way to build an architecture portfolio without formal education. As you complete projects and gain experience, you’ll have more options to choose from and can tailor your portfolio to highlight your strengths, demonstrate your skills, and showcase your unique aesthetic.

• Here are some portfolio tips for aspiring architects:
• Highlight your strongest projects by putting them at the front of your portfolio
• Explain your problem-solving process for each project and include brief descriptions of your role in it
• Include materials from every stage of the process, such as 3D renderings and visualizations, drawings of floor plans, and conceptual designs
• Demonstrate your understanding of building codes and the other practical aspects of designing and building structures
• Feature any specializations you have, especially in-demand areas like sustainable design

6. Obtain an architecture license and/or professional certifications.

There are some certifications that don’t have prerequisites, which you may want to obtain even before you start seeking out entry-level or freelance work. Others require a baseline level of experience first, and are best obtained after you’ve completed an internship, apprenticeship, or a few freelance projects. Determine which certifications make the most sense for your specialization and career path and what their requirements are. 

Getting licensed as an architect can be more challenging if you don’t have a degree, but there is a pathway to do so in most places. Typically, this will involve having significant professional experience, though the length of that experience varies from state to state. Research the rules for your region and how your experience should be documented to ensure you get full credit for all of the projects and work you complete. This is one place where the guidance of a mentor can be very helpful.

Finding your ideal career path

Architecture is an exciting and rewarding career, and one that’s open to more people than ever before thanks to the expanded pathways to licensing offered through the Pathways to Practice program. Taking a nontraditional route to an architecture career requires determination, resourcefulness, and self-discipline, but for those who are passionate about design, you don’t need a degree to turn that passion into a career.