One of the more, let’s say, mysterious callings in the United States is the one of an architect. There are really not a lot of them out there. Paradoxically enough, parents in the US usually, when envisioning their children’s future, they usually see them as architects right next to doctors or bankers. People have a tendency to look at architects like some rare creatures that just fell out of the sky or something. Statistics show that there is a significantly smaller number of licensed architects than, for example, attorneys or doctors. Due to this deficiency, a lot of people don’t even know what you need to do in order to become a licensed architect.
I’m going to try to shed some light on this whole matter. I’m going to go step by step and try to explain what you actually need to do in order to become a licensed professional in the noble field of architecture. Let me be frank upfront, this is a goal that requires dedication and hard work but, then again, which high paying job doesn’t?
Step One: Education
Of course, like most roads to professional success, this one also starts with you going to school. The thing you need to pay attention to when picking out your school is if their program is accredited. It would be silly to go through years of studying to get a degree that cannot help you get a job anywhere. An unaccredited degree is just a piece of paper that proves you have wasted your time. This is why it is important to do your research diligently before making a choice. There are about 150 accredited architectural schools in the US.
BAarch (Bachelor of Architecture) – This is your basic undergraduate education which is basically no different from any other university education. This degree is a five year program where most of your subjects are predetermined.
MAarch (Master of Architecture) – While someone with an undergraduate degree is not obliged to apply for a graduate degree, they do give you the option of applying for a master degree which takes less time to acquire.
DArch (Doctor of Architecture) – This is as high as you can go and if you are this talented and devoted you don’t need advice from me. If you get to the point where you are planning to go for this degree, you probably know everything you need to know.
Step Two: Internship
It is only natural that you need practical experience in working on a variety of projects, before you can actually say that you are experienced enough to work without supervision. Sure, internships can be a drag and they are usually underpaid, but the good thing about being an architectural intern is that you are actually protected by law from being harassed with meaningless and repetitive tasks. You will need to acquire experience in 16 different categories in order to qualify for a license. This is all regulated by the Intern Development Program. The working hours need to be documented and you need to go through 700 working units which are 8 hours per unit, divided into categories.
Step three: Testing
These days, the testing process for licensing is computerized and divided into seven testing segments and they all need to be passed. The tests consist of fill-in-the-blank questions, multiple choice questions and drawing segments. The tests are no trifling matter, but the thing that makes it easier is the fact you can choose which part you want to take – in what order that is. You still need to pass all of them.
Step four: Licensing
If you have gotten to this step, then I congratulate you. The only thing you need to do before getting your license is to pay the necessary fees and you can officially call yourself an architect. Being a member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) is a great honor, but in some states, you may be required to have documented educational hours to prove you are up to date with the relevant changes in the niche, when you are renewing your license.
You should be aware that things may vary from state to state and you need to have a license to work for each individual state. I wish you luck, concentration and the nerves you need to get your architectural license.
Photo credit: Dion Seminara Architecture