Becoming An Architect

Do you have an overactive imagination? Do you like to design? The architecture profession welcomes intensively creative individuals who are always seeking out-of-the-box ways to solve problems. The practice of architecture is both artistic and technical, and therefore requires well-rounded critical thinkers with the ability to clearly represent their ideas in verbal, written and graphic ways. As technology, materials and building practices continually change, future architects must always be ready to learn, take leadership roles in their communities, and manage teams of diverse professional expertise. While experience in art and design is helpful, it is not a requirement to explore a career in the profession of architecture.

To become a licensed architect in almost all U.S. jurisdictions, you will need to hold a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB – www.naab.org). The educational paths are a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), or the "4+2" option: a pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4 year B.S.) and a Master of Architecture (2 year M.Arch). Some students also earn a four-year B.A. or B.S. in a different discipline and pursue an extended Master of Architecture (3-4 year M.Arch). A less common and longer degree option is the Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch). You may also pursue coursework at a two-year institution and transfer to the above listed degree paths.

There is no significant difference in the world of professional practice between these degree paths, other than the time and cost implications of an extended degree. Additionally, you will need to enroll in and complete the 3+ year Intern Development Program (IDP) administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB – www.ncarb.org). You will also need to take and pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE).

Architects enjoy a wide variety of daily activities that will differ based on your position in the firm and the type of work that the office produces. Typically, these responsibilities include working with clients and communities to bring shape to their ideas, designing how parts of a building are constructed, and spending time in the field as projects are constructed. Every day brings new challenges and exciting opportunities that require creativity, leadership, and collaboration among the many individuals who are involved in the process of creating buildings. To gain hands-on experience of the daily life of an architect, contact your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA – www.aia.org) to connect with a practicing architect in your area.

The need for architects is growing with an increased interest in sustainable (green) design and the built environment; as well, a slight decline in the total number of architects is creating opportunities in the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for architects is projected to grow nearly 20% from 2006 – 2016. Salaries may vary widely based on geographic location, firm size, and experience of the candidate, however the 2007 Salary Report published in Architect Magazine offers the following average salary ranges:

Graduate:	$34,543 – $39,810
Intern (3 years):	$41,004 – $47,003
Architect: (5 years):	$51,709 – $64,519
Architect (15 years):	$72,678 – $96,928 (top-performing firms may pay $130K – $220K)
Principal/Owner:	$128,799 - $173,983

Pursuing a career in architecture prepares you for a myriad of career possibilities both within traditional practice (architecture firms) and outside the profession. Within a traditional architecture firm, you can advance from intern to project architect to principal, but career opportunities also exist within corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

In addition, you can tap your creative thinking skills and pursue a career in a related discipline such as planning, urban design, real estate development, interior design, preservation, industrial/product design, construction or landscape architecture. Career possibilities with a background in architecture are endless.

The world is rapidly changing and the architectural profession needs individuals with creative imaginations to design the next generation of the built environment. If you are interested in how the design of cities, buildings and spaces can affect people and communities, you should consider a career in architecture.

For more details, consider the following resources: 1) Becoming an Architect: A Candid Guide to Careers in Design (Wiley 2006); 2) www.archcareers.org; 3) www.archschools.org; and 4) www.aias.org.

Editorial by Lee W. Waldrep, Ph.D.
Dr Architecture – ARCHCareers.org (www.archcareers.org)
Associate Executive Director, National Architectural Accrediting Board (www.naab.org)