Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a licensed architect to design homes?

In most places, no. Single-family homes usually do not require an architect's stamp, and when a stamp is needed it is most often from a structural engineer. Where drawings do have to be sealed by an architect, designers partner with one, and if your knowledge and drawings are strong, clients do not mind paying someone else to stamp. Requirements vary by state and city, so always check the rules where you plan to work.

Do I need a degree or design experience?

No. Students come in from all kinds of backgrounds, from people who have never drawn a floor plan to interior designers and drafters who have been working for years. If you are starting from zero I take you through it step by step, and if you already have experience you will fill in the gaps you have been working around.

How much time does it take?

Plan on about 6 hours a week. The program is paced over 16 weeks, and every student gets 20 weeks of access so there is room if life gets busy.

Can I do this while working full time?

Yes. Most students are working full-time jobs, raising kids or both. The lessons are recorded, and the live calls are there when you can make them.

Is it live or self-paced?

Both. The lessons are recorded so you can work on your own schedule, and there are live coaching calls twice a week where you can get your questions answered and your work reviewed.

How do I get feedback on my work?

You tag me on your project any time and I comment back within a few days, and I review work on the live calls too. The more you detail, the more you get to learn from the feedback.

Is this an architecture program or an interior design program?

It is architectural. We focus on massing, proportion, elevations, rooflines, floor plans and construction documents. Close to half of our students are interior designers who come in to learn exactly this part.

What software do I need?

You will not need to learn a new 3D modeling program. We work between Rayon and hand sketching, and assignments live in Canva. If you already use SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit or ArchiCAD, you can keep using it.

What will I be able to produce at the end?

One complete home design of your own, taken from the first concept through a set of construction documents that includes elevations, a roof plan, floor plans, a wall section, and lighting and electrical plans.

How much does it cost?

Tuition is currently $5,500, and that won’t stay the same as the program keeps growing. There are payment plans if paying in full isn’t the right move for you, and we’ll walk through all of the options on your application call so you have the full picture before deciding.

Can I get a refund?

Because you get immediate access to everything when you enroll, all enrollments are final. You can read the full Refund Policy here.

Has anyone like me done this?

Probably. Our students include career changers, interior designers, drafters, engineers and a firefighter, and you can read some of their stories in Design Insights or meet a few of them on the homepage.

How do I get started?

Apply to the Academy to book your application call, or start with the free course to see how I teach first.