3 answers
lydarrien
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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What would it take to become a Architect?
I'am a sophomore that loves the designing of homes; with the thought of making great places to stay. What do I have to do to pursue this dream? #architect #career
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3 answers
Luke Durkin, NCARB, AIA
Architect
24
Answers
Lakewood, Colorado
Updated
Luke’s Answer
Each state has different rules and requirements to become a licensed architect. The following is the universal route which is works everywhere. It should be noted you don't have to be a licensed architect to do architecture work, plenty of people have long careers in architecture firms without ever being licensed but is most places if you want to design a home, it will need to be stamped by a licensed architect to receive a building permit. So if you want to work for yourself designing homes, you'll need to be licensed.
1. Get a NAAB accredited Architecture degree. Either a 5 year "Bachelor of Architecture" (B.Arch) or 4+2 year M.Arch. (Note that a 4 year degree is not a NAAB degree)
List of Programs: https://www.naab.org/wp-content/uploads/Accredited-NAAB-Programs-062119.pdf
2. Complete a certain number of internship hours. NCARB is the organization that manages that. It's about 2-3yr depending on the pace.
3. Pass your licensing exams.
Each of these steps can overlap in many states.
https://www.ncarb.org/become-architect
In some states such as Colorado, you don't have to have a NAAB degree. Instead in CO, for example, you have to earn more internship hours based on what degree you do have (various 4yr degrees, 2yr degree, HS diploma). I'm not sure you even need a High School Diploma.
I strongly recommend the 5yr B.Arch over the M.Arch especially for anyone who is fairly certain they want to be an architect. It's the same content, same prestige (some people even think the B.Arch is more prestigious/better prepares you).
-It costs about $100k less (about half of that is lost wages from being in school an extra year or more)
-it takes at least 1 less year
-it's hard to go back to college for many people once working
-In the B.Arch you start out intensively in architecture, the studio environment, etc. rather than at 4yr schools the first 2 years tend to be less intensive/less immersed in architecture and more like a typical college student.
The advantage of the M.Arch is that if you're unsure, it's easier to transfer majors after 1-2 years and it's easier to bail after 4 years and get a master's in something else. You can also do a 4-year degree is something else then get a Masters. Depending on the degree those are typical +/- 3yr programs.
Review NCARB website
Review NAAB to consider which schools you'd like to look into
Consider doing a summer program for HS students interested in going into architecture. One I did at UNC-Charlotte was very helpful in getting into Arch schools.
Consider interning in an arch firm or at least ask if you can visit for an hour or shadow for a day. Most people would be really excited to have you.
1. Get a NAAB accredited Architecture degree. Either a 5 year "Bachelor of Architecture" (B.Arch) or 4+2 year M.Arch. (Note that a 4 year degree is not a NAAB degree)
List of Programs: https://www.naab.org/wp-content/uploads/Accredited-NAAB-Programs-062119.pdf
2. Complete a certain number of internship hours. NCARB is the organization that manages that. It's about 2-3yr depending on the pace.
3. Pass your licensing exams.
Each of these steps can overlap in many states.
https://www.ncarb.org/become-architect
In some states such as Colorado, you don't have to have a NAAB degree. Instead in CO, for example, you have to earn more internship hours based on what degree you do have (various 4yr degrees, 2yr degree, HS diploma). I'm not sure you even need a High School Diploma.
I strongly recommend the 5yr B.Arch over the M.Arch especially for anyone who is fairly certain they want to be an architect. It's the same content, same prestige (some people even think the B.Arch is more prestigious/better prepares you).
-It costs about $100k less (about half of that is lost wages from being in school an extra year or more)
-it takes at least 1 less year
-it's hard to go back to college for many people once working
-In the B.Arch you start out intensively in architecture, the studio environment, etc. rather than at 4yr schools the first 2 years tend to be less intensive/less immersed in architecture and more like a typical college student.
The advantage of the M.Arch is that if you're unsure, it's easier to transfer majors after 1-2 years and it's easier to bail after 4 years and get a master's in something else. You can also do a 4-year degree is something else then get a Masters. Depending on the degree those are typical +/- 3yr programs.
Luke recommends the following next steps:
Eric Packer
Structural engineer
91
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Iydarrien,
A career in architecture can be very rewarding and exhilarating, mainly because the design process is very stimulating and it is enjoyable to work directly with clients who see their dreams come to fruition.
If your intent is simply to design homes, most states allow single-family home designs to be performed by a home designer (drafter) but a licensed architect will almost always be required for non-residential building design. Most community colleges have courses and degrees in drafting but you will need to attend an accredited university for a degree in architecture. Not all universities have architectural programs, so some research will be needed to find the universities that do. A bachelors degree will be sufficient to begin your career in architecture and will allow you to become licensed but, if you intend to work for a high-end architectural firm, then having a masters degree will give you better chances to be attracted by those firms.
An architect will be a team leader on projects, working with various other design trades to collaborate the final product. Those other trades often include civil engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers. The architect is usually the main contact with the client and is usually the main source of coordination with the general contractor once the project begins construction. An architect will need to have a general knowledge about the various design trades mentioned above and about construction management so that they can properly coordinate those trades into the design and ensure the project is built correctly. For smaller projects, such as single-family homes, the architect or home designer may be wearing all of the hats by designing the electrical, HVAC & structural systems based on prescriptive residential code minimums.
Whether you intend to simply become a home designer / drafter with 2-4 years or pursue a degree in architecture, I recommend that you take sufficient drafting courses in Revit and AutoCAD so that you can work for design firms while you are still in college, even if only during summer breaks. Gaining that experience will be invaluable and will also be a great means to fund your education should you need to pay your way through college.
Feel free to follow up with questions regarding which path might be best for you (home designer vs. architect).
All the best,
Eric
A career in architecture can be very rewarding and exhilarating, mainly because the design process is very stimulating and it is enjoyable to work directly with clients who see their dreams come to fruition.
If your intent is simply to design homes, most states allow single-family home designs to be performed by a home designer (drafter) but a licensed architect will almost always be required for non-residential building design. Most community colleges have courses and degrees in drafting but you will need to attend an accredited university for a degree in architecture. Not all universities have architectural programs, so some research will be needed to find the universities that do. A bachelors degree will be sufficient to begin your career in architecture and will allow you to become licensed but, if you intend to work for a high-end architectural firm, then having a masters degree will give you better chances to be attracted by those firms.
An architect will be a team leader on projects, working with various other design trades to collaborate the final product. Those other trades often include civil engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers. The architect is usually the main contact with the client and is usually the main source of coordination with the general contractor once the project begins construction. An architect will need to have a general knowledge about the various design trades mentioned above and about construction management so that they can properly coordinate those trades into the design and ensure the project is built correctly. For smaller projects, such as single-family homes, the architect or home designer may be wearing all of the hats by designing the electrical, HVAC & structural systems based on prescriptive residential code minimums.
Whether you intend to simply become a home designer / drafter with 2-4 years or pursue a degree in architecture, I recommend that you take sufficient drafting courses in Revit and AutoCAD so that you can work for design firms while you are still in college, even if only during summer breaks. Gaining that experience will be invaluable and will also be a great means to fund your education should you need to pay your way through college.
Feel free to follow up with questions regarding which path might be best for you (home designer vs. architect).
All the best,
Eric
Aric Gitomer
Architect
36
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Aric’s Answer
Hi Lydarrien,
It is always exciting to see a young person who is interested in the wonderful field of architecture. I think it is too soon for you to limit yourself to residential architecture since there are so many other avenues to pursue. However, if you feel architecture is the field you want follow here are my suggestions to you:
If possible get a summer job in an architecture firm. Small firms, medium firms or large firms will all give you different tasks depending on the type of architecture they specialize in. Whether it be residential, commercial, institutional, etc. will let you see first hand what happens in a firm. Tasks you could possibly be doing in these firms could range from printing and folding documents to creating models or maybe even drawing! If there are firms nearby call and visit and see if they can provide you with an opportunity!
School is also very important! Do well in school so that you can get admitted to a school of architecture. It is competitive to gain acceptance so you could also start to look at accredited schools of architecture and see what requirements they have and the type of student that usually is accepted. The following is an article I penned and maybe it will be helpful! https://www.archdaily.com/907252/getting-in-admissions-advice-from-architecture-programs-around-the-world
Another thing to consider "what will I actually be doing in architecture school when I get there?" To answer that rea this other interesting article I wrote as inspiration! https://www.archdaily.com/885258/a-glimpse-into-the-weird-world-of-architecture-students-first-assignments
Do you like art? Take art lessons!, Do you like math? How about computers? You will need these skills. Just start to look around you and absorb your surroundings. Walk around wit a sketchbook and sketch things that interest you. Look at how buildings impact you and the environment. Did you just walk in the shadow of a building? How did that make you feel? You can get ready by just being more aware of your surroundings, studying and speaking with others!
Good Luck!!
Aric
It is always exciting to see a young person who is interested in the wonderful field of architecture. I think it is too soon for you to limit yourself to residential architecture since there are so many other avenues to pursue. However, if you feel architecture is the field you want follow here are my suggestions to you:
If possible get a summer job in an architecture firm. Small firms, medium firms or large firms will all give you different tasks depending on the type of architecture they specialize in. Whether it be residential, commercial, institutional, etc. will let you see first hand what happens in a firm. Tasks you could possibly be doing in these firms could range from printing and folding documents to creating models or maybe even drawing! If there are firms nearby call and visit and see if they can provide you with an opportunity!
School is also very important! Do well in school so that you can get admitted to a school of architecture. It is competitive to gain acceptance so you could also start to look at accredited schools of architecture and see what requirements they have and the type of student that usually is accepted. The following is an article I penned and maybe it will be helpful! https://www.archdaily.com/907252/getting-in-admissions-advice-from-architecture-programs-around-the-world
Another thing to consider "what will I actually be doing in architecture school when I get there?" To answer that rea this other interesting article I wrote as inspiration! https://www.archdaily.com/885258/a-glimpse-into-the-weird-world-of-architecture-students-first-assignments
Do you like art? Take art lessons!, Do you like math? How about computers? You will need these skills. Just start to look around you and absorb your surroundings. Walk around wit a sketchbook and sketch things that interest you. Look at how buildings impact you and the environment. Did you just walk in the shadow of a building? How did that make you feel? You can get ready by just being more aware of your surroundings, studying and speaking with others!
Good Luck!!
Aric