Career Spotlight: How Can I Become an Architect?

How Can I Become An Architect?

Drafting Steals is a popular store for an architect's supplies. Let's look into how someone might become one!

 An architect designs and oversees the construction of buildings. The scope of an architectural project may be just the building itself, or it may include other aspects such as how the building relates to the environment in which it will be built. Because people will live and work in these buildings, they must be designed and built with the safety and welfare of the occupants as the uppermost concern.

 A career as an architect requires licensure and each state sets its own standards, specifying education and experience prerequisites. Most states require a college degree. Some states will accept several years of experience in lieu of a degree, but these states are in the minority. In general, the first step is to earn either a Bachelor of Architecture, which takes five years instead of the usual four, or a Master of Architecture degree, which takes 6 years. The school conferring the degree must be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. This information will be posted at the school’s website.
In a few states, several years of actual work experience can be substituted for a degree. The requirements range from 6 to 13 years, depending on the state, and the work of the individual is closely supervised. For students with a degree, fewer years of internship are required, but they are just as carefully overseen.

 Once the education and/or work experience requirement has been met, the student must take and pass the Architect Registration Examination. This is a rigorous test lasting five hours, and includes multiple choice questions and vignettes on several topics, for which the test-taker must write a correct solution. After the candidate passes the exam, he or she must apply for and be granted licensure in his or her own jurisdiction. There is also a certification offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. This certification qualifies the holder for licensure in most other jurisdictions. 

The education and training process for licensure as an architect is demanding and challenging. However, it is a highly regarded and well-paid career for those willing and able to meet the requirements.