Journal of Higher Education Research

Against the backdrop of China’s national strategy to digitalize and decarbonize the construction sector, architectural education confronts a central challenge. A widening gap between graduate competencies and evolving industrial needs. Grounded in the industry–education integration framework, this study examines reform initiatives at Hubei Urban Construction Vocational & Technological College, Tianjin Chengjian University, and other institutions. We propose an innovative talent-cultivation model that (1) leverages modern apprenticeship and “order-based” classes to intensify university–enterprise co-education, (2) embeds cutting-edge content such as BIM, smart construction, and green-building technologies into curricula, (3) utilizes cross-disciplinary joint practicums and industry colleges as key vehicles for practical training, and (4) transforms the teaching faculty into “dual-qualified” teams through reciprocal secondment. The findings provide both theoretical guidance and replicable practices for architecture-oriented institutions seeking to deepen industry–education integration.