Designing the Future: Where Architects Go to Master New‑Age Skills

For Architects, staying still is the fastest way to fall behind. The built environment is no longer shaped solely by pencils and paper but by code, computation, and creativity that blends tradition with cutting‑edge innovation. Today’s successful architect must navigate a world where the timeless principles of form and function intersect with rapid advancements in Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, and parametric design.

All photos – The Arch Daily

Learning in this dynamic context isn’t just important—it’s essential. A strong and continuously evolving educational foundation becomes the bedrock of a career capable of expressing the language of modernity, honoring traditional wisdom, and envisioning structures that speak to the aspirations of the future.

Thanks to the digital age, architects now have unprecedented access to a worldwide digital classroom. No longer confined to lecture halls or textbooks, these curated platforms expand creativity, sharpen intelligence, and empower professionals at every stage of their journey.

This curated list was compiled and adapted from research conducted by The Arch Insider, ensuring a high-quality resource tailored to architects who aspire to expand their creative and technical horizons.

1. ArchiStar Academy

Specializing in on‑demand, self‑paced learning, ArchiStar offers in‑depth training on tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, Dynamo, Revit, AutoCAD, Python, Adobe CC, V‑Ray, and SketchUp. Their platform supports practice-ready architects and university students, pairing software skills with parametric workflows.

2. LinkedIn Learning (Architecture Track)

With hundreds of courses—from Revit Essential Training 2024/2025 to SketchUp, BIM 360, Architectural Families, and Space Planning—LinkedIn Learning provides authoritative, continually updated content taught by industry experts LinkedIn. Popular options include:

  • Revit 2024/2025 Essentials (20+ hours)
  • Understanding the Architectural Design Process
  • SketchUp Free
  • Archicad Architectural Design Techniques

3. ArchAdemia

Dubbed the “all‑in‑one” architecture platform, ArchAdemia offers a rich mix of software tutorials, project‑based courses, podcasts, and community forums. With over 35 curated lessons—from Revit to parametric design—and downloadable resources like CAD blocks, CGI textures, and Excel templates, it’s ideal for transitioning students and busy professionals alike.

4. ThinkParametric

Kick‑starting a niche for subscription‑based parametric design training, ThinkParametric packages expertly organized videos and project‑based courses focused on Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit. Their structured modules are perfect for diving into computational design workflows.

5. The Revit Kid

Led by Jeffrey Pinhiero, this blog offers a treasure trove of video tutorials and written guides specifically for Revit. With a mix of free and paid content, it dives into real‑world tips and family creation—great for BIM aficionados.

6. The Grasshopper Website

An official resource backed by the makers of Grasshopper. It includes beginner video tutorials and links to external tools, plus the free 157‑page Grasshopper Primer—perfect for mastering computational design.

7. Digital Toolbox

Created by Scott Leinweber and Tam Tran, this platform guides learners through Rhino and Grasshopper workflows via practical tutorial videos—helpful from basic to advanced levels.

8. Autodesk’s YouTube Channel

An official source for “Getting Started” tutorials, feature demos, and software tips across AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360, and more—ideal for reliable, directly endorsed learning.

9. Plethora Project

A deep dive into non‑standard tools—Unity3D, Maya, C#, Python, and JavaScript—as well as Rhino and Grasshopper. Great for architects seeking to integrate visualization, programming, or game‑engine workflows.

10. NYCCTfab (Vimeo Channel)

From NYC College of Tech’s Fabrication Lab, this channel offers valuable tutorials on Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper—focusing on real‑world application in fabrication and digital modeling.

These platforms offer more than technical skill—they cultivate new ways of thinking: systems-driven, data-informed, parametric, and AI-enhanced. Whether you’re brushing up on Revit families, coding Grasshopper scripts, or exploring visualization pipelines, each platform equips you with the tools to lead in the future of architecture.