The issues of the development of engineering thinking in the training of architects, starting with pre-university training at school, are considered; the optimal list of disciplines and their content within the school process are determined. The methods of training specialists, their adaptation to the conditions of professional work in the learning process are considered. The method of competitive real design as an elective part of "Architectural Design" of students of the Belgorod Architectural School is discussed, which will improve the training of architects in higher education and develop engineering thinking.