Should I become an Architect?
So, you’ve always wanted to be an architect? That’s great! Some of us come to that decision as adults and others have dreamed about it since we were kids.
Our dad’s architecture firm was located in Waukegan and both Chuck and Bob started out at the bottom: cleaning the office! Eventually, we become draftsmen, interns, and eventually licensed architects and partners.
Patricia recalls visiting Oak Park, IL as a middle school student with her cousin Billy O’Brien. It was the first time she had seen the amazing residential projects of Frank Lloyd Wright and the trip inspired her to become an architect too.
Should I become an architect?
- Do you like math, science, and art? Architecture is a combination of all three.
- Are you able to visualize and understand spatial relationships?
- Are you a team player?
- Do you like to problem solve?
- Are you a good communicator?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may well be suited to a career in architecture!
How do I become an architect?
Architects receive their initial training in two ways:
- real-world experience in the construction/engineering/architecture field
- formal education at an accredited architecture school
Although exposure to construction is helpful, it is not required for licensure.
Going to college
Architecture programs vary somewhat, but students typically obtain a professional degree in architecture, a 5-Year Bachelor of Architecture. They may also pursue additional education for 2-3 years to get their Master of Architecture degree.
These programs are offered by the 139 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Find them here naab.org/architecture-programs/school-search/.
Courses taken by architecture students are very specific to the program. Likely they will not transfer to other degree programs if you decide to change majors. Students take math, physical science, building design, history and theory, technology, structures, and construction classes.
In the design studio, students apply what they have learned in all their classes to design structures. Their designs are expressed in drawings and scale models which are shared with other students and juries of professionals. We remember many long days and nights spent in the studio completing our design presentation materials, followed by scathing jury presentations.
Studying architecture is not for the faint of heart!
What’s an Internship?
Once a student receives a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, they go to work under the supervision of a licensed architect. We interned at small, medium, and large firms in Texas and Illinois to get a variety of experiences.
The internship period lasts at least 3 years in most states, after which the intern architect is eligible to sit for the Architect Registration Exam.
Internships may be completed in a corporate office, a university, a contractor’s office, or government agency; but most likely your internship will be in the office of an architecture firm. Architecture firms are typically small, independent businesses with one or two employees supervised by a licensed architect.
ENTREPRENEURS: 21% of architects are self-employed; that’s 3-times the number of self-employed people in all occupations.
Taking the Test
Every architect has vivid memories of taking the Architecture Registration Exam. When we sat for the test at McCormick Place in Chicago, it was a 4-day grueling affair akin to a marathon. And the test was only offered once a year. The 4th and final day was a 12-hour design exam in which we were required to create a complete set of design presentation drawings.
According to NCARB, “The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture.” Although the exam is undoubtedly still grueling, ARE takes place at a local testing center and is offered all year round. The current test ARE 5.0, has divisions, including multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions as well as graphic vignettes. Each division of the test currently costs $210 or $1,260 total. Test results are available 4-6 weeks after your test date.
So you passed the test!
Like all professions, architects continue to learn on the job. In addition, licensed architects are required to participate in continuing education in most states. In Illinois, we obtain a minimum of 24 credits every 2 years through participation in classes and educational activities.
NCARB certification is obtained by about 45000 of 110000 licensed architects in the US. It offers a higher level of certification, allowing architects to seek licensure reciprocity in additional states and parts of Canada. Bob is NCARB certified and we work in many states, including Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, California, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois.
ADDITIONAL CREDENTIALS:
Some states, such as California, Alaska, and Florida, require additional testing in order to receive a license. This is due to special conditions present in the state, such as seismic and hurricane activity.
Do you still want to be an architect? We do too!
NCARB offers great information about becoming an architect, intern development, and licensing.
NAAB offers information for students interested in pursuing a career in architecture.
