Virtually every industry is seeing a great change in terms of data and technology, essentially modernizing systems and abrupting time-honored methods of getting work done. The architecture industry or those who work as architecture professionals within other industries are feeling the effects of this as well, seeing how everything from design to drafting to rendering are changing.

Construction industry growth is showing that there are plenty of job opportunities on the rise for architecture and construction design experts, so being able to adapt to the design process and the digital landscape of the industry is important. What’s also important, and a good rule of thumb, is to go into a job and work for a design firm that equips its architects with a solid architect professional liability insurance policy that covers risks on the job.

Here are some skills the modern architect can learn and add to their toolbelt to stay ahead of the curve.

1. Automation

Knowing what tasks should be automated will enhance productivity while creating an efficient environment. This will come in handy when project schedules run a little tight and time is of the essence. Architects who understand the basics of programming concepts and have a grasp on algorithmic thinking can communicate better with programmers.

2. Coding

An architect who goes into a job with coding knowledge and experience is a great value to any project. Visual programming languages and software know-how are still important, but now understanding the backend of design through coding is a valuable asset. Someone who can code can add to the functionality and flexibility of any software and learn new programs at a faster clip.

Coding has the benefit of imploring designers to think in a more structured and analytical way. With modern building projects popping up over the country in relation to construction industry growth, it’ll help having architects on hand who code and understand advanced software better.

3. Data

It’s no secret that new buildings are being constructed with the latest technology and more advanced systems. With this in mind, being able to translate vast amounts of data into spaces helps to make things perform better and support the success of occupants. Architects today should be able to look at a profit-and-loss sheet and see how the building in question is going to help everything run better.

4. Climate Control

There has been a big push in the last decade for buildings to promote eco-consciousness. L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the country’s leading green building certification for new buildings, establishing new buildings with green benefits. Architects should understand climate-specific building design and study topics like heat transfer, moisture storage and transport, and building-enclosure behavior and material selection. All these components can work together to set a modern architect apart from others who aren’t considering the future of buildings and their overall impact.