Becoming An Architect
We love discussing the projects we're working on, the types of builds out there, and what the world of architecture can do for the world around us. But we wanted to take a step back to the very beginning for this blog and talk about what it really takes to become an architect.
A new year is always the best place to start on new goals and dreams, and to turn them into realities. We love using this blog to talk about the new projects we're working on, the multitudes of different architecture that's available, the popular trends we are seeing in architecture, and the world around it. But in this blog, we wanted to take it all the way back to the very beginning. Has becoming an architect been a dream of yours that you are ready to turn into a reality and a career? Or have you been curious about what the steps are in becoming an architect? Then keep on reading! We have a few tips, ideas, and facts that can help you start this journey to make it a reality.
THE BEGINNING
If you are just starting your professional educational path, then you have an exciting road ahead of you. If you are still enrolled in high school or have an opportunity to branch out into a high school that can help you develop the skills you need to become an architect, take advantage of that! Start preparing as early as you can to sharpen your skills. If you know that this is what you love, then follow through with it. Take as many math classes and art classes that you can. Some schools specifically offer an intro to drafting. You can take all kinds of design classes from shop classes where you start to understand how to build something to classes in virtual design that teach you how to design on virtual programs. If your school doesn't offer these types of opportunities, branch out and see if you can find them elsewhere in your community or at another school. These opportunities are excellent in learning the basics and getting familiar with them. Take any opportunity you can get. Ask if your school can connect you with professionals in the field or take class outside (vocational) that connects you to the industry. The opportunities are out there, so we encourage you to take advantage of them.
THE NEXT STEP
After you finish up high school, it's time to move into the world of the university for your bachelor's and perhaps even your master's degree. You will need to earn a professional degree in architecture from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. But don't worry, there are over 100 to choose from. Take the time to research the best schools for your professional career. Research the professors at the universities, the resources and connections each program can offer you, and find a place that you connect with very deeply. Choose a university that will help you grow.
Your bachelor's degree will prepare you and introduce you to the basics of architecture. You'll learn about the history of architecture, the types of architecture, what makes up each kind of architecture, and you'll learn about the materials that are available to your use and the best way to use them. You will start diving into the programs used to draft, how to draft, and you'll take art classes to help you create your style and introduce you to multitudes of styles out there. Work hard once you find your university, and work towards an excellent internship. This can form and mold your career for the rest of your life.
HIGHER EDUCATION
If you decide to get your Master's Degree in Architecture, it will help take you to the next level. It will teach you how to shape the conversation of how architecture looks at structures and how you can help shape the built environment around it, and how to add ways to make the world around it a better place. It will broaden your horizons on the materials you can use, how you can help save more money when building and for the new owners, and how to preserve architecture. You will learn more about urban planning and the multitude of directions you can take as an architect. If you are so inclined to continue your education, you can also earn a Doctorate as well.
THE INTERNSHIP
The next stepping stone towards your career both during and after your higher education is your internship. You have to work as an intern as a type of training period with the guidance, supervision, and caliber of a licensed and trained individual. The internship development program helps take a student and put them into the business world. It helps you learn how to develop within the working world, and it helps you become familiar with how to apply everything you learned during your years of education into the real world. You need 5600 hours' worth of time covering 17 different categories to complete your internship. Once you've done that - it's time for the next step.
THE LICENSE
You've graduated, you've completed your internship, and now it's time to strike out on your own. But before you do that, you have to pass the Architect Registration Examination by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards. Every state requires you to be licensed, and there is the opportunity to be licensed in multiple states and to become nationally certified. But once you hold that license and certification, you have all the tools on paper to become an architect.
BEYOND THE PAPERWORK
Being good at your craft is only part of the job of an architect. You've done the schooling, the internships, and been licensed. That is a huge amount of hard work and dedication, but you still need to take the next step. You need to not only be excellent in your design and creation skills, but you also need to be able to communicate well with others, be very analytical, be organized, and have amazing visual skills. You will be doing more in this field than just designing and drafting on a day to day basis. The business of architecture is a huge industry with many different types of career opportunities, so don't limit yourself. Focus on design, construction history, and learn how people interact with buildings and how you can make that interaction even better. Use your tools to help make the world around every building a better one. Also, remember that this is a very highly regulated profession. You are dealing with the safety of a lot of people and the safety of the world surrounding the building. You have a responsibility to these people to keep them safe, and that is why you have to become licensed.
There is a lot to becoming an architect. It's a labor of love and one that is well worth the time and effort. If you think this is the right path for you, we encourage it. Take these tips and go beyond. There is a whole world out there that needs what you have to offer, so go out there and make it happen!