How to get better at programming the Application Layer?

I recently started learning Laravel (4 months ago) and have really enjoyed building an API and adding more and more features to it. My Controllers are starting to get fat and 1 method is starting to do multiple things. I was wondering how to get better and building the application layer. Do you kind of keep writing code and then when you run into a problem find a better way to do it? The project that I’m working on now has got me interested in Software Design/Architecture. I’ve realized that learning how to use a framework is easy, but figuring out how to put the pieces together is a little bit harder. It also makes me want to read code and see how other ppl build bigger web applications but idek where to start with that. Or would reading books about software design help? Ik about design patterns; honestly, most of them the framework implements it for you and you just plug and play. I’m self taught btw and was looking for a Jr Developer position but realized that I need more experience. But I can’t help what I’m intellectually interested in.