Smart Building Systems Designers

High School

Smart building systems designers are experts in technology and mechanical systems, good at working with their hands, and knowledgeable about mathematical principles and physics. To build these skills in high school, take computer science (especially computer-aided design), shop (especially electronics), math, and physics classes. Speech and English classes will help you to become a good writer and oral communicator. You’ll need these skills to write reports, interact effectively with colleagues, and make presentations to your coworkers and clients.  

Postsecondary Education

Smart building systems designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering (architectural, mechanical, electronics, electrical, software, hardware) or engineering technology, or equivalent work experience in the heating and cooling, security, and/or fire industries. Others have degrees in industrial design or architecture. Some employers require their designers to have a master’s degree. A graduate degree may be required for managerial positions.

Pittsburgh Technical College (Oakdale, Pennsylvania) offers an associate’s degree in smart building technology. Students who complete this program can become smart building systems technicians, although some companies seeking designers may hire a graduate with only an associate’s degree if they have extensive experience in smart building technology. Roxbury Community College (Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts) also offers an associate’s degree program in smart building technology. Contact these schools for more information.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificates in engineering, industrial design, architecture, electronics, mechanical systems, and related fields. A small, but growing, number of schools offer certificates in smart building systems. For example, the College of San Mateo in San Mateo, California, offers a fundamentals of smart building systems certificate of specialization. Classes include Basic Applied Electronics Mathematics, Introduction to Electronics Fundamentals, Solar Energy Fundamentals, Introduction to the Building Code, and Blueprint Reading for Construction. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs. 

Other Education or Training

The U.S. Green Building Council, American Institute of Architects, and engineering associations in a variety of disciplines (e.g., computer, electronics, mechanical) offer lectures, workshops, seminars, online courses, and other continuing education opportunities that focus on smart building technology and related topics. Contact these organizations for more information.