How to Become an Architect
An architect is a licensed professional who organizes space. Architects design houses, schools, hospitals, shopping stores, skyscrapers, office buildings, landscapes, and even entire communities and cities. Becoming an architect takes hard work, dedication, motivation, creativeness and patience. There are a few different routes a prospective architect can take to become licensed in their jurisdiction, however, there are three main steps every architect must take to gain that recognition.
1. Earn an accredited degree in architecture
2. Participate in the IDP, or Intern Development Program
3. Pass the ARE, or Architecture Registration Exam
Educational Requirements
In the US, most students who want a career in architecture, obtain a professional degree from an architecture program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, or NAAB. Generally, this takes up to 4 years, and gives candidates either a Bachelor of Architecture (B Arch) or Master of Architecture (M Arch) degree. There are more than 100 accredited programs nationwide for hopeful architects. Unlike other professions, the architecture programs are accredited not the schools or universities. NAAB-accredited programs usually lead to a Doctor of Architecture, Master of Architecture or Bachelor of ARchtecture degree. Students can choose to go to a pre-professional architecture program or undergraduate program before pursuing a Master of Architecture program.
To learn more about educational requirements for architects, click here.
Internship Requirements
Once a student earns a professional degree in architecture, they must sit for a minimum of three years before they are eligible to take the ARE (Architect Registration Exam). During this three year period, students who want to pursue a career in architecture need to complete an internship program of some form. Students can have experience working in architecture firms as early as high school, however, they still need to participate as an intern in between school and the exam. In most States, students are allowed to count experience in an architecture firm after their third year in an architecture program, and is allowed to proceed after graduation. One requirement of becoming a licensed architect is that the internship must take place in a setting that will give the intern direct supervision under an architect.
The IDP, or Intern Development Program is what many students go for when pursuing an internship program. The IDP offers a comprehensive training program that offers architect students the knowledge and skills required for their career, especially in the early stages. Most internship’s last 3-5 years. A bonus to using IDP is that students can begin their internship before graduation, giving them a head start on the rest of the class. This way, the internship can be completed immediately after graduation. NCARB, or the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offers IDP to students.
To learn more about internships, click here.
Passing the Exam
The Architect Registration Exam is administered by NCARB in the United States and parts of Canada. The ARE exam (as it’s called) is the only consistent element of becoming an architect through all U.S. licensing jurisdictions. There are testing centers nationwide that offer test takes an electronic exam. There are 7 divisions (also referred to as sections) of the exam, and all must be passed in order for the test taker to pass the exam. A person can not fail one division, pass the rest of the divisions, and still pass the test. Instead, they must wait 6 months to retake the division(s) failed and try to pass it.
The seven divisions of ARE are:
- Programming Planning and Practice
- Site Planning and Design
- Building Design and Construction Systems
- Schematic Design
- Structural Systems
- Building Systems
- Construction Documents and Services
To learn more about the Architecture Registration Exam, click here.
Job Outlook for Architects
The job outlook is great for architects. Currently, about 21% of all licensed architects are self-employed. Architects are needed worldwide, and will continue to have their services needed until the end of time, or until the world runs out of space on which to build. Whether the world is need of a house, community, hospital, school, office, store or some other type of dwelling, architects will be employed. There are numerous locations and employment opportunities worldwide for new graduates to pursue. Small firms, large firms, governmental agencies, and construction firms are great places for new graduates to begin looking for work. New graduates may even consider taking a job that requires relocating to another city, state or country. According to the BLS, employment for architects is expected to increase 16%, which is faster than the average for all other occupations.
“Green” designs of buildings are becoming a hot commodity for architects. Many architects are finding jobs that involve being green with materials, specifications and design. It’s a whole new market that is booming for architectural employment opportunities. Competition is high, especially for new graduates, however prospective architects should continue to build their reputation through hard work, dedication, continued education and experience to stand out from the others.
To learn more about an architect’s job description, click here.
