Architectural Designer Certificate

Design your future

Go further in your architecture career with an Architectural Designer Certificate. Get real-world experience in class with instructors who work in the Lake County area.

Prepare to work as a contractor or for firms where you assist on creating digital plans, visit construction sites and more. Course work such as labs, lectures and reading assignments cover:

using AutoCAD and Revit to complete architectural drawing sets
choosing appropriate drawing tools for each design to increase productivity
measuring and reading dimensions using scales

What can you do with an Architectural Designer Certificate?

With this certificate you get started or get ahead in architectural fields that use Revit software in their building and infrastructure design process. If you’re just starting out, begin in an entry-level role working in the design or production departments of an architecture firm.

After they receive their certificate, some students take steps toward earning an architecture license.

Depending on your current education and experience your role could be:

Architectural Technician
Architectural Drafter
CAD Technician

Highlights

100% Online

This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 4 Months

Finish in 4 months as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $55,897
  
  Median
  
  $78,201
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $138,365
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.87
  
  Median
  
  $37.59
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $66.52
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  47.62%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  47.62%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,982
  
  Median
  
  $55,787
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86,126
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.18
  
  Median
  
  $26.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $41.40
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  0.41%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.91%
  
  Some college
  
  0.41%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  54.59%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $107,820
  
  Median
  
  $159,299
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $220,383
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51.83
  
  Median
  
  $76.58
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105.95
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  46.67%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  51.04%
  
  Doctorate
  
  1.15%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,188
  
  Median
  
  $74,639
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,555
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.76
  
  Median
  
  $35.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.42
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.32%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  15.55%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  30.49%
  
  Doctorate
  
  44.63%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,456
  
  Median
  
  $69,959
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $128,148
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.00
  
  Median
  
  $33.63
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.61
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $65,536
  
  Median
  
  $99,409
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $135,598
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.50
  
  Median
  
  $47.79
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $65.19
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  60%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CAD 110	CAD 110 CAD/CAM Concepts Class Description This course will introduce the student to how computers are used in Computer Aided Design. The course will cover basic functions of Windows operating system, as well as computer hardware and software and how the operating system relates to the use of both. Extensive use of the internet will be used to download software and information. CAD software will be introduced including AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D mechanical parts), and Revit (for 3D architectural models).	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
CAD 117	CAD 117 Introduction to AutoCAD Class Description The course is designed to introduce students to the use of AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drafting. 2D drawing, modifying and dimensioning is emphasized. NOTE: Completion of CAD 110 is recommended.	3	Online/Virtual options available
CAD 178	CAD 178 Introduction to Revit Class Description (Formerly CAD 214) This course is designed as an introduction to the Revit Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include building 3D architectural project models with walls, window, doors, floors, roofs, stairs; creating schedules; adding views and annotation to the sheets to create construction documents. NOTE: Industrial experience recommended.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 110
Course Title	CAD 110 CAD/CAM Concepts Class Description This course will introduce the student to how computers are used in Computer Aided Design. The course will cover basic functions of Windows operating system, as well as computer hardware and software and how the operating system relates to the use of both. Extensive use of the internet will be used to download software and information. CAD software will be introduced including AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D mechanical parts), and Revit (for 3D architectural models).
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 117
Course Title	CAD 117 Introduction to AutoCAD Class Description The course is designed to introduce students to the use of AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drafting. 2D drawing, modifying and dimensioning is emphasized. NOTE: Completion of CAD 110 is recommended.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 178
Course Title	CAD 178 Introduction to Revit Class Description (Formerly CAD 214) This course is designed as an introduction to the Revit Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include building 3D architectural project models with walls, window, doors, floors, roofs, stairs; creating schedules; adding views and annotation to the sheets to create construction documents. NOTE: Industrial experience recommended.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CAD 278	CAD 278 Revit II Class Description This course is designed as a continuation of CAD178, Introduction to Revit. It expands the topics started in CAD178. It also covers more advanced concepts such as Conceptual Massing, Family Creation, Site and Structural Tools, Design Options, Phasing and Rendering.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 278
Course Title	CAD 278 Revit II Class Description This course is designed as a continuation of CAD178, Introduction to Revit. It expands the topics started in CAD178. It also covers more advanced concepts such as Conceptual Massing, Family Creation, Site and Structural Tools, Design Options, Phasing and Rendering.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

12

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

An Architectural Designer Certificate is just one possible way to study CAD-Drafting Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the CAD-Drafting Technology program overview

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

The Certificate in Architectural Designer is 12 credit hours and takes an average of one semester to complete. Learn design using the latest CAD software under the supervision of an engineer or architect.
Your classes include:
- CAD/CAM Concepts
- Introduction to AutoCAD
- Introduction to Revit
- Revit II
Here are some great options:
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ 4-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Explore the many other transfer options available.
- Virtual live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

View current tuition and fees

Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

View courses with variable tuition and fees

Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Design your future

What can you do with an Architectural Designer Certificate?

Highlights

100% Online

Career Certificate

Program Length: 4 Months

Career Outlook

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Landscape Architects

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Urban and Regional Planners

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 3 Credits

Total Credit Hours

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

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Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

How long is the program?

What’s the best way to get my bachelor’s degree?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

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