PhD by Design (PbD) is a new paradigm in European universities' doctoral education in architecture. This article reviewed the features of the PbD program in terms of admission, teaching, and evaluation process. By examining the program’s history of development and its current implementation in architectural education in European universities, this article argues that the emergence of the PbD program is a response to the transformation of scientific epistemology and complicated issues of the built environment. Based on critical reflections, the innovations brought by the programs in the European context can provide reference and inspiration for doctorate education in architecture in China.