What do you do if you want to gain practical experience in Building Design?

1 Volunteer for a design project

One of the easiest ways to get some hands-on experience in building design is to volunteer for a design project in your community. There are many organizations that need design assistance for various causes, such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, social justice, or cultural heritage. You can find volunteer opportunities through websites like Architecture for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity, or Design Corps. Volunteering for a design project will allow you to apply your skills, learn from others, and make a positive impact.

2 Join a design competition

Another way to gain practical experience in building design is to join a design competition. Design competitions are contests that challenge participants to come up with innovative and feasible solutions for a specific building problem or theme. They can be organized by professional associations, academic institutions, or private entities. You can find design competitions through websites like Bustler, ArchDaily, or Competitions Archi. Joining a design competition will help you develop your portfolio, showcase your talent, and network with peers and experts.

3 Intern or work for a design firm

A more formal way to gain practical experience in building design is to intern or work for a design firm. A design firm is a company that offers building design services to clients, such as architects, engineers, contractors, or developers. You can find design firms through websites like Archinect, Dezeen, or Architizer. Interning or working for a design firm will give you exposure to real-world projects, mentorship from professionals, and feedback from clients.

4 Enroll in a design course or program

A more structured way to gain practical experience in building design is to enroll in a design course or program. A design course or program is an educational offering that teaches you the principles, methods, and tools of building design. It can be offered by a college, a university, or an online platform. You can find design courses or programs through websites like Coursera, edX, or Udemy. Enrolling in a design course or program will provide you with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a certificate or degree.

5 Start your own design project

A more independent way to gain practical experience in building design is to start your own design project. A design project is a personal or professional endeavor that involves creating a building design for yourself or someone else. It can be as simple as remodeling your own home, or as complex as designing a new building for a client. You can start your own design project by identifying a need, setting a goal, researching the site and context, sketching ideas, developing plans and models, and presenting the outcome.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?