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.

Certification or Licensing

Engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public must be licensed in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Those who are licensed are called professional engineers (PE). To qualify for a license, one must have a bachelor's degree from a school accredited by ABET, the accrediting board for engineering and technology, four years' relevant work experience, and pass a state examination. States often recognize licenses from other states. New engineers may qualify for licensing in two stages. First, they may take the Fundamentals in Engineering examination after graduating from college. They are then considered engineers in training (EIT) or engineer interns (EI). Once they achieve the work experience requirement, and EIT or EI then takes the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. In most states engineers must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license. The exams are offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (http://www.ncees.org).

Many associations offer certification for engineers, but certification is generally not mandatory. A smart building system designer with an educational background in architecture can become certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Certification in green building design (a complementary field that features some aspects of smart building technology) is also available. Many green builders are certified as a LEED-accredited professional (LEED AP) through Green Business Certification Inc. (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.)

Those seeking entry-level positions typically obtain experience via co-ops or internships. For higher-level jobs, you will need several years of experience working with smart building technology.  

Smart building systems designers must have an understanding of the various building systems (e.g., heating/cooling, electrical, lighting) and how they work together via intelligent building technology. They also need to know how to use computer-aided design, building information modeling systems, and other types of software to design building systems, manage information, and keep projects on track. Important soft skills for designers include creativity; imagination; a detail oriented–personality; excellent time-management, research, and organizational skills; the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; and a willingness to continue to learn about emerging technologies and systems, new design strategies; and other topics that will help them to be more effective on the job.