All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to
be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or
contract to provide architectural services. Nevertheless, many
architecture school graduates work in the field while they are in the
process of becoming licensed. However, a licensed architect is required
to take legal responsibility for all work. Licensing requirements
include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical
training or internship, and passage of all divisions of the ARE.
In most States, the professional degree in architecture must be from one
of the 113 schools of architecture that have degree programs accredited
by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). However, State
architectural registration boards set their own standards, so
graduation from a non-NAAB-accredited program may meet the educational
requirement for licensing in a few States. Three types of professional
degrees in architecture are available through colleges and
universities. The majority of all architectural degrees are from 5-year
Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering
university-level studies from high school or with no previous
architectural training. In addition, a number of schools offer a 2-year
Master of Architecture program for students with a preprofessional
undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area, or a 3- or
4-year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in
another discipline.
The choice of degree depends upon each
individual’s preference and educational background. Prospective
architecture students should consider the available options before
committing to a program. For example, although the 5-year Bachelor of
Architecture program offers the fastest route to the professional
degree, courses are specialized, and if the student does not complete
the program, transferring to program offered by another discipline may
be difficult. A typical program includes courses in architectural
history and theory, building design, structures, technology,
construction methods, professional practice, math, physical sciences,
and liberal arts. Central to most architectural programs is the design
studio, where students put into practice the skills and concepts
learned in the classroom. During the final semester of many programs,
students devote their studio time to creating an architectural project
from beginning to end, culminating in a three-dimensional model of
their design.
Many schools of architecture also offer postprofessional degrees for those who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or other areas. Although graduate
education beyond the professional degree is not required for practicing
architects, it may be for research, teaching, and certain specialties.
High school students interested in a career in architecture should take
courses in English, history, art, social studies, mathematics, physics,
and computer science. Students should also visit the design studio of a
school of architecture or tour the offices of a local firm. In
addition, many schools of architecture offer summer programs for high
school students.
Architects must be able to communicate their
ideas visually to their clients. Artistic and drawing ability is
helpful, but not essential, to such communication. More important are a
visual orientation and the ability to conceptualize and understand
spatial relationships. Good communication skills, the ability to work
independently or as part of a team, and creativity are important
qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect. Computer
literacy also is required for writing specifications, for two- and
three-dimensional drafting, and for financial management. Knowledge of
CADD is helpful and will become essential as architectural firms
continue to adopt that technology. Recently, the profession recognized
National CAD Standards (NCS); architecture students who master NCS may
have an advantage in the job market.
All State architectural registration boards require a training period before candidates may sit
for the ARE and become licensed. Most States have adopted the training
standards established by the Intern Development Program, a branch of
the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of
Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). These standards stipulate
broad and diversified training under the supervision of a licensed
architect over a 3-year period. New graduates usually begin as interns
in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural
documents or drawings. Some States allow some of the training to occur
in the offices of related professionals, such as engineers or general
contractors. Architecture students who complete internships in
architectural firms while still in school can count some of that time
toward the required 3-year training period.
Interns may research building codes and materials or write specifications for building
materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other,
related details. After completing the on-the-job training period,
interns are eligible to sit for the ARE. The examination tests
candidates’ knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various
services required in the design and construction of buildings. Nine
critical areas are covered. Candidates who pass the ARE and meet all
standards established by their State board are licensed to practice in
that State.
Several States require continuing education to
maintain a license, and many more States are expected to adopt
mandatory continuing education. Requirements vary by State, but usually
involve the completion of a certain number of credits every year or two
through seminars, workshops, formal university classes, conferences,
self-study courses, or other sources.
A growing number of architects voluntarily seek certification by the NCARB, which can
facilitate an individual’s becoming licensed to practice in additional
States. Certification is awarded after independent verification of the
candidate’s educational transcripts, employment record, and
professional references. Certification is the primary requirement for
reciprocity of licensing among State Boards that are NCARB members.
After becoming licensed and gaining experience, architects take on
increasingly responsible duties, eventually managing entire projects.
In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial
positions. Some architects become partners in established firms; others
set up their own practices. Graduates with degrees in architecture also
enter related fields, such as graphic, interior, or industrial design;
urban planning; real estate development; civil engineering; and
construction management.
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