Design architects generally design buildings or other structures such as statues and water fountains for their employer. They work on design projects from start to finish, consulting with clients, creating and editing draft designs, and monitoring project progress throughout construction. Design architects must keep their supervisors and other team members up to date on all updates to projects, and they may go to construction sites to monitor construction progress in person and help conduct troubleshooting as needed. Sometimes, design architects coordinate construction projects as well; this requires coordinating the work of a wide number of construction and design team members to ensure a project is completed successfully within project specifications, deadlines and budget.

A bachelor's degree in architecture is generally the minimum educational requirement for this position; additional education may be required or preferred. Previous experience in a related role and licensure are generally required or preferred as well. Design architects must have experience with relevant computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD, as well as basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office suite. They must work effectively with other members of the design team, as well as on their own with minimal supervision; good communication skills are needed, as are the ability to multitask and mentor more junior staff members as required. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Design Architect Tasks

• Assist team in developing and implementing design concepts for both interior and building projects.
• Mentor younger staff to develop their design skills.
• Work with clients in the pre-design phase to generate designs.