Architectural Designer Certificate

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Launch your architecture career in a year or less

In only 2 semesters, the Architectural Designer Certificate at CLC equips you with job-ready skills in architectural design. You’ll learn AutoCAD and Revit: the industry-standard tools that architects and designers use to create buildings and infrastructure.

Gain hands-on experience with 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Complete architectural drawing sets. Select the right tools for the job. Measure and interpret dimensions. Experienced instructors who are active in the local design community will guide you every step of the way.

Turn your creativity into tangible designs

Bring your ideas to life by creating designs that shape buildings, communities and spaces. Collaborate on projects that turn concepts into safe, functional and inspiring structures. Get the satisfaction of seeing your work become part of real-world construction projects that make a difference.

This certificate prepares you for entry-level roles such as Architectural Drafter, Architectural Technician or CAD Technician. It’s also a stepping stone to more certificates, a CAD Drafting Technology A.A.S. degree or even an architecture license. The career opportunities are endless!

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Highlights

100% Online Program

This program can be completed 100% online for maximum flexibility.
Metallica Scholarships

View the available heavy metal scholarships.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

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

Finish in 1 year as a part-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
  
  $55,914
  
  Median
  
  $79,182
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $146,879
  
  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
  
  $38.06
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $70.61
  
  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.
  
  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
  
  $42,163
  
  Median
  
  $56,039
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86,379
  
  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
  
  $20.27
  
  Median
  
  $26.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $41.52
  
  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.
  
  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
  
  $107,828
  
  Median
  
  $159,393
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $220,451
  
  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
  
  $51.84
  
  Median
  
  $76.63
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105.98
  
  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
  
  $43,860
  
  Median
  
  $75,818
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $151,076
  
  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
  
  $21.08
  
  Median
  
  $36.44
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $72.63
  
  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
  
  $37,230
  
  Median
  
  $71,338
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $145,942
  
  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
  
  $17.89
  
  Median
  
  $34.30
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $70.16
  
  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
  
  $65,569
  
  Median
  
  $99,434
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $135,608
  
  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
  
  $31.52
  
  Median
  
  $47.80
  
  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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choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
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Recommended Pathway

This pathway to complete the certificate serves as a guide for students who are enrolled part time (registered in less than 12 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.

View program in 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

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.

Meet our CAD-Drafting Technology experts

Learn more about faculty at CLC

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

Throughout this four-month, four-course program in Lake County, IL, you’ll gain hands-on experience and the practical skills employers look for:
- CAD/CAM Concepts: Explore how computers support design. Get an overview of software such as AutoCAD (2D), Inventor (3D mechanical), and Revit (3D architectural).
- Introduction to AutoCAD: Build foundational 2D drafting skills, including drawing, modifying and dimensioning.
- Introduction to Revit: Learn to model 3D buildings by creating walls, windows, doors and roofs. Prepare construction documents.
- Revit II: Advance your Revit skills with conceptual massing, custom component (family) creation, site and structural modeling, design options, phasing and rendering.
By the end of this program, you’ll be ready to create professional-quality architectural drawings and 3D models. This certificate provides a strong foundation for entering the workforce or continuing your education.
No. You don’t need any previous architecture or design experience. You’ll learn everything you need in a supportive environment, where design skills are developed through guided practice, class discussions and demos using actual industry tools. Each course builds on the last, helping you steadily grow your skills and confidence.

With classes capped at 16 students, you’ll get personal attention from instructors who know you by name.
The certificate in architectural design is 12 credit hours and takes an average of 2 semesters of part-time study to complete. Part-time students typically can complete the certificate in one year or less.
Yes, this program can be completed 100% online:
- Virtual live: Learn remotely in real time through live, scheduled classes held on Zoom.
- Online: Work on your coursework on your own schedule with no required class times, while staying engaged in a fully online learning environment.
With an Architectural Designer Certificate, you can start working right away in entry-level architecture or design roles, including:
- Architectural Drafter
- Architectural Technician
- CAD Technician
If you go on to earn a CAD-Drafting Technology A.A.S., you could qualify for more advanced careers: engineering roles, industrial designer, landscape architect or higher-level architectural or CAD positions.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for 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 Cost of Attendance.
Yes. You can apply the credits you earn in this certificate program toward a CAD Drafting Technology A.A.S. degree. At CLC, it’s easy to keep building your skills and advance your career!

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Join us Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at

Open House

Launch your architecture career in a year or less

Turn your creativity into tangible designs

Highlights

100% Online Program

Metallica Scholarships

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

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

Meet your instructors

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What skills will I learn?

Do I need to know anything about architectural design first?

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

What jobs can I get with this certificate?

How much does this program cost?

Is this certificate stackable toward an associate degree?

Related programs

CAD-Drafting Technology A.A.S.

AutoCAD Certificate

Civil Designer Certificate

Mechanical Designer Certificate

SolidWorks Certificate

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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