Friday, November 14, 2008

Boy Scouts of America Architecture Merit Badge

Are you a Boy Scout? If so, have you obtained your Architecture Merit Badge?

Regardless of whether you a boy scout or not, consider fulfilling the requirements of the BSA Architecture Merit Badge. To begin, review this particular Scoutmaster's blog on the topic.

ScoutMaster Blog: Merit Badge of the Week - Architecture

Below is the requirements for the badge --

Boy Scouts of America - Architecture Merit Badge

It is interesting to note that 2,104 scouts earned the Architecture Merit Badge during 2007. For the full list, visit the Merit Badge Fact Sheet.

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, November 9, 2008

IDP Friendly Firms

I am a recent M.Arch graduate and I would like to inquire about a list of architectural firms in New York City that participate in the IDP program. If there is no official list, could you then please refer me to a couple of firms that have participated in the past? Or could you at least give me a hint where or how to find current job openings for entry-level positions at firms that are willing to participate in the IDP program?
__________

First, there is no such list of firms that participate in IDP for NYC or any other location in the country. IDP is a program for interns in the architectural profession not the firms. You should approach firms that you wish to work for and inquire how they support your professional growth in the profession including IDP. In theory, all firms could fit the bill but some firms are more supportive of interns and IDP than others.

Some AIA chapters have lists of "intern-friendly" firms.

AIA Massachusetts


AIA South Carolina

AIA Alabama

Granted, these firms are not in NYC, but the websites might provide ideas on what to look for in firms to which you apply for employment. Remember, your professional growth is your responsibility.

Dr. Architecture


Sunday, October 19, 2008

Job Searching - A.R.C.H.I.T.E.C.T

I am a recent graduate from California Polytechnic State University and with a minor in sustainable environments. I worked at a firm in southern California for six months before resigning and moving to Chicago with my new wife. I have been looking for a job for two months here in Chicago and have had no luck with interviews. It is a hard market, and I do not have any contacts here in this city. I have been mostly looking online for jobs as I do not have any contacts in the city as of yet. Do you have any tips regarding job hunting, or other industry ideas that would be a good fit for an architecture degree?

I really appreciate any feedback.

Listed below is a portion on "job-searching" from my book, Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design. Review for some ideas.

From what you have shared, it would seem that you are not spending enough time. If you do not have a position at the present time, you should be spending 8 hours a day to secure one. Job searching is your job right now.

The most effective method is connections. You say you do not have any contacts; you need to find some. Join the AIA Chicago chapter and become involved with the associates. Attend lectures at the local schools IIT and UIC and connect with faculty. Knock on doors of firms directly to determine their hiring needs. You need to put yourself in connection with the architect professionals of Chicago. Research firms through AIA Chicago.

Contact Cal Poly Alumni Assn. to see if any alums are in the Chicago area. Do any of your faculty from school have colleagues in Chicago? Take a class to develop skills and make connections.

Also, polish your job search skills -- phone skills, cover letter writing, resume, firm research. Do not rely on online searching or emails. Make connections.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Dr. Architecture

A.R.C.H.I.T.E.C.T

By applying your talents as an architecture student towards gaining experience, you will be able to design your own career, rather than just letting it happen. You will want to be more creative in organizing your search for gaining and promoting yourself to prospective employers. While not guaranteed, the following hints, spelling out the word ARCHITECT, may assist you in gaining experience a little quicker.

Assessment
The first step in gaining experience involves assessing yourself. Assess what aspect of architecture inspires you: programming, design, interior architecture, construction management, etc.; what is it that you desire to do within an architecture firm and what are you able to offer a prospective employer. Ask yourself the question -- Why should this firm hire me? What would your answer be? Constantly evaluate your interests, abilities, and values and how they match those of your current or a prospective employer.

Research
Research is critical to the process. What positions within an architecture firm can best utilize your skills and knowledge? What employers have such positions? Do not limit your search to the architecture profession; the best employment opportunities for you may be with an interior design firm, a construction firm, or an engineering firm; again, be creative in your search.

Connections
To be successful, connections are crucial. Regardless of the career field, over 60% of all openings are obtained through networking. Consider adding five to ten names to your network monthly. One places to network is local AIA meetings where you can meet with architects of the local firms. Listen. Learn. Talk. Remember, every conversation is a possible lead. The more ears and eyes you have looking for you for the positions you want, the more likely something will materialize.

Networking
The most effective method to learn of opportunities is NETWORKING, but most people, especially students do not know what is networking. Simply put, it is informing others around you of your intent in gaining experiencing and asking if they may know of any leads for you. In a school setting, this may include classmates, professors, and staff. Another excellent idea related to networking is to approach guest lecturers or architects that may be on your juries. Ask them if they hire students for the summer or part-time positions. They may not always be to responsive so politely ask for a business card for you to follow-up.

Help
Help with your search can be gained from a variety of sources. A good place to start is the university career center; touching base with a career counselor can be a great place to begin as they can help you target your job search. Many AIA chapters post position on their website or allow you to post your resume. Public libraries are another valuable resources; they have a multitude of resources that may be helpful. As well, you should seek support from others, especially family and friends; talking to them can be a big boost to your job search.

Employment Listings
Undoubtedly, most programs in architecture have a job board or notebook that promotes employment opportunities within the region of the program or an online system of informing students. When seeking students to perform entry-level tasks, many firms will send a position announcement outlining the duties and responsibilities, qualifications, and contact information.

If you determine that you either need or want to work part-time while in school, use these postings as a first step to learn of opportunities, but do not stop there. Contact the local chapter of AIA to learn if they also accept listings from area firms. Some AIA chapters also collect resumes from individuals seeking employment and allow firms to review them.

Interim Positions
If you were unable to secure your ideal position for the summer or after graduation, consider an interim job. An interim job provides you with related experience, but is only a stopgap solution; you have no intention of staying on a permanent basis. Ideally, interim jobs allow you to continue your search, connect you with a wide variety of people for networking, and build upon your skills.

Tools
Critical to the job search process are your resume, portfolio, ability to write cover letters and to interview; they are very important tools to communicate your "self" to potential employers. Are your tools in top form? If not, practice your interviewing skills, rework your resume or have someone critique your portfolio.

Resume/Cover Letters - As with any discipline, having a resume is essential when conducting a search for experience. Just as critical is a well-crafted cover letter. While it is not the intent of this book to duplicate the rigors of resume writing or other aspects of the job search, what can be shared are insights to these necessary tools. For the resume, keep is simple and straightforward providing information from your background and experiences that demonstrate your abilities. Do not be afraid to include skills learned from studio or other classroom projects under a section entitled - course projects. If you have not worked formally in an architectural office, you can still promote your drawing, modeling or building, and design skills learned in studio.

Another idea for the resume is the inclusion of graphics! With the ease of scanning drawings and graphic publishing softwares, placing an image on your resume can be powerful; however, exercise caution as the image may make reading the resume more difficult. Rather than including graphics on your resume, you could create a one-page portfolio.

For most, cover letters are an afterthought, when in reality, cover letters serve as the introduction to you as the prospective employee. Most cover letters are typically three paragraphs: 1) introduces yourself and explains the purpose of the letter; 2) sells your skill set and makes the match for the employer; and 3) provides the terms of follow-up. Regardless of the letter, be sure to address the letter to an individual, not a "Dear Sir/Madam." If you do not know the name of the individual, take the time to contact the firm and ask. Be persistent if the firm is reluctant to provide this information.

Finally, remember, the purpose of the resume/cover letter is to obtain an interview!

Portfolio - Just as important as the resume and perhaps more important is your portfolio. As architecture is a visual based discipline, the portfolio provides a direct link for the employer to your skills as an architect. For this reason, you will want to provide images that demonstrate all of your architectural skills - drafting, model building, drawing, design, etc. As well, you want to provide some drawings from projects from the beginning of the design process to the end. In other words, do not only include finished ink on mylar drawings. These will allow the employer to see your thought process as it relates to a design problem.

"The portfolio is a creative act, showing your skills and imagination, but it is also an act of communication and a tool for self-promotion. Demonstrate originality and inventiveness, but also accept the restrictions and conventions of professionalism, and show that you can get your ideas across in terms that working architects and designers can understand." -- Harold Linton

Interviewing – Perhaps not thoughts as a tool, good interviewing skills can make the difference of being selected to receive an offer or not. Surprisingly, you should prepare for an interview by researching the firm, think what questions might be asked of you and what questions you might ask of the firm.

Experience
At this point in your career, you may feel as if you have little experience. This may be true, but recognize that, in many cases, employers are hiring your potential. If you do not have the experience needed, consider trying one of the following to obtain it: 1) part-time work, 2) volunteer work, 3) informal experiences, 4) temporary work.

Commitment
Searching for a position that provides you experience can be a full-time task. Although you are too busy with various school commitments, devote every possible minute to your search; doing so will payoff. In fact, if you have not already done so, start your search now! Do not wait until next week or next month.

Transition
Realize that you are going through a major life transition, that of entering the profession of architecture. In addition to your position, recognize that all aspects of your life will be affected. Summer vacations are a luxury of the past. Finally, there are financial adjustments as you begin to receive an annual salary and have new expenses.

It may be a tough market, therefore, be assertive, learn the search process, and do not be afraid of rejection. Searching for a position is a skill you will be using throughout your life.

A Final Thought
The answer, in a nutshell, is:
Thru your research
And then thru your contacts. -- Richard N. Bolles

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Graduate Architecture Program

I have always been interested in architecture but it always took a back seat to my love and infatuation with graphic design.. I have a bachelor's in fine art for visual communications concentrating in graphic design.

Is it possible to return to school in a 2-3 year graduate program for architecture and still be able to be licensed and be able to practice as both an architect and designer.. possibly in a firm offering both services?

Yes, many institutions offer a Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals that have a degree in another discipline. With your background in graphic design, you should be a perfect fit as you know the design process.

Visit - www.naab.org and www.archschools.org for a list of institutions that offer this particular graduate program.

Dr. Architecture

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Community Service

I recently graduated with a B.S. in Architecture degree and wanted to explore organizations that would provide me the opportunity to volunteer through community services in architecture and / or construction. Do you know of any?
______________________

I applaud your desire to "give back" through service. These may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it should lead you in the right direction.

Look up the following books to give you some ideas and get you started:

Architecture for Humanity, (2006). Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises. New York, NY: Metroplis Books. ISBN – 1-933-04525-6

Bell, Bryan (2003). Good Deeds, Good Design: Community Service Through Architecture. Princeton: Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN: 1-5689-8391-3

Design Corps
http://www.designcorps.org/

Public Architecture
http://www.publicarchitecture.org

Architecture For Humanity
http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/

Architects, Designers, And Planners For Social Responsibility
http://www.adpsr.org/

Habitat For Humanity International
http://www.habitat.org/

Americorps
http://www.americorps.org/

Architects Without Borders
http://www.awb.iohome.net

Mad Housers Inc.
http://www.madhousers.org/

Association For Community Design
http://www.communitydesign.org

Peace Corps
http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Dr. Architecture

Friday, September 19, 2008

Fall 2008 Graduate Open Houses

For those of you seeking to apply to Graduate Programs in Architecture, consider attending the following Open Houses

Fall 2008 Graduate Open Houses (Partial List)

Friday, October 10
Illinois at Chicago, University of
www.uic.edu/depts/arch/

Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of
www.uwm.edu/sarup/

Friday, October 17
Maryland, University of
www.arch.umd.edu

Cincinnati, University of
www.daap.uc.edu/said/

Friday, October 24, 2008
North Carolina at Charlotte, University of
www.coa.uncc.edu

Michigan, University of
www.tcaup.umich.edu/arch

Monday, October 27
California At Los Angeles, University of
www.aud.ucla.edu

Pennsylvania, University Of
www.upenn.edu/gsfa/arch

Washington University
www.arch.wustl.edu/

Friday, October 31
Minnesota, University of
arch.cdes.umn.edu/

Monday, November 3
Cornell University
www.aap.cornell.edu/arch/

Princeton University
soa.princeton.edu/

Wednesday, November 5
Columbia University
www.arch.columbia.edu/

Thursday, November 6
Yale University
www.architecture.yale.edu

Friday, November 7
Harvard University
www.gsd.harvard.edu

Monday, November 10
Virginia, University Of
www.arch.virginia.edu/architecture/

Tulane University
architecture.tulane.edu/home/

Friday, November 14, 2008
North Carolina At Charlotte, University Of
www.coa.uncc.edu

Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lawrence Technological University
ltu.edu/architecture_and_design/index.asp

Dr. Architecture

Monday, September 15, 2008

I am currently a senior and will graduate next spring with a B.S. in Architecture from a public institution. I am in the midst of researching graduate programs in architecture.

Can you explain to me the difference between a Masters of Science in Architecture and a Masters of Architecture?

Also, most schools require 3 letters of reference; I have asked a history of architecture professor to be one and my boss from work to be another. Who do you think I should ask to serve as the third? Thanks!

B.S. in Architecture Senior

First, as a soon-to-be graduate of a preprofessional program, you will want to research architecture programs that offer the NAAB Master of Architecture, sometimes referred to as a professional degree.

The Master of Science is not a professional degree and would not allow you to pursue licensure; they are often referred to as post-professional degrees. If interested in a specific topic, you may wish to pursue this degree after receiving your Master of Architecture. Caution: approximately one-third of the architecture programs title their post-professional degree - Master of Architecture; this is NOT the NAAB accredited degree. Be sure to ask questions of the program if not clear.

Second, I would suggest you obtain your third letter of reference from a design faculty. While faculty who teach lecture or elective courses are fine, it is essential to have one, preferably two from design faculty. Graduate programs want to know you as a designer. I would even suggest a design faculty over a former employer.

Dr. Architecture

Thursday, September 11, 2008

High School Summer Architecture Programs

My daughter is interested in architecture and is entering high school next year. At what age do most of the students in your summer architecture program normally enroll (e.g. between freshman an sophomore year or sophomore and junior year, etc.)?

Thanks for letting me know.

Mother of high school student

You would need to check the age requirements with the programs, but most summer architecture programs are geared towards students entering their junior or senior year in high school. Some may allow students entering their sophomore year, but it will vary from school to school. I was involved with two summer programs and our requirement was always a minimum age of 16 because of liability issues.

Below is a website that lists all of the summer programs from summer 2008; we plan to update by late January for summer 2009. You may also visit the main website -- www.archcareers.org -- for a list of career days throughout the country in the fall.


If this coming summer is too early, check with other institutions in your area -- museums, AIA Chapters, schools, etc. For example, the National Building Museum hosts a summer "camp" targeted at children in grades 3-5 and programs for children age 12-18. Also, check your area for the ACE Mentor Program -- http://www.acementor.org/ -- this program is a mentor program that starts with students in high school.

For possible other ideas in your area, contact your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects or area architecture program.

Dr. Architecture

Monday, September 8, 2008

5 Year Master of Architecture - Confusing Degree

I am trying to wade thru all the wonderful information on architectural programs to help my daughter narrow down her search.

Frankly I am a bit confused by the degree programs. I see that many schools offer a 5 year B Arch professional degree for students entering college. However a few such as Tulane offer a 5 year M Arch degree for students in the same situation.

Father of high school student.
______

Question
Would Tulane's program be a more accelerated one, with a higher level of competence, than say a B Arch program at Cornell?

Answer
No -- You would need to carefully compare the two curricula and not just look at the degree title.

If you visit - www.naab.org -- you can search a list of all accredited programs by the type of degree. Many schools offer the BArch, but just as many offer the MArch.

A few years ago, NAAB, the accredited agency determined that they should not dictate the degree nomenclature, but rather leave that to the school. For this reason, many schools changed from a 5 year BArch to a 5 or 5+ year MArch. On the surface, they may be the same, but some schools now offer a degree (preprofessional) prior to the accredited degree. For example a 4 year BS in Architecture. This provides an opportunity for the student to leave after four years and also for the school not to admit the student for the graduate program.

Question
And one more question if I may: Do architecture firms regard students graduating with a B Arch 5 year degree similarly to another graduate with a 4 year undergrad degree and M Arch grad degree?

Answer
Ultimately, firms want to know what the graduate can do regardless of the degree however, the firm may have a preference based on the degree of the firm's principal. If I have a BArch, I may prefer a graduate with a BArch or vice versa.

Needless to say, it is confusing to understand it all.

Dr. Architecture

Friday, September 5, 2008

Career and College Expo - Fall 2008

Aside from actually visiting each architecture program, the most efficient way to learn about programs is to visit one of the annual events designed for prospective architecture students. Below are the names, dates, and locations; select the link for more details. For each, you will be able to visit between 25-35 programs and attend workshops as well.

As Dr. Architecture, I will be presenting on the topic of "Selecting an Architecture Program" at the Boston, MA and Washington, DC events.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Architecture.

Architecture College and Career Expo
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Campus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL

2008 BSA College and Career Fair in Architecture and Design
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

2008 Careers in Construction EXPO
November 21, 2008 - 9:00am-7:00pm
National Building Museum, Washington, DC

Forum 2008 College and Career Expo
December 30, 2008
AIAS Forum 2008 - Denver, CO

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

If you are a current architecture student, have you ever visited another architecture program? Have you ever visited another architecture program in another country?

I had the fortune of visiting Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile in Santiago, Chile.

The architecture program is located on its own campus (Lo Contador - left). From my two days meeting with administration, faculty, and students, I was most impressed with the program. It had tremendous resources (shop, library, and classrooms). In addition, there is a strong sense of collegiality amongst the faculty and students.

If you ever have the chance, do visit the Escuela de Architectura at Universidad Catolica. For that matter, visit a school other than your own to gain perspective.

Dr. Architecture

Friday, August 22, 2008

Green Architecture Schools

Can you recommend any specific architecture programs for Green Architecture? Or are most schools incorporating it into their curriculum?


In one sense, most schools are developing courses in sustainability or determining ways that their degree programs can incorporate this hot topic, but the profession is quickly recognizing its importance. As a result, all programs must address it. However, if you search programs on -- http://www.archschools.org/ -- through the advanced method that allows you to select Environment/Sustainability, the result reveals 72 programs. You will need to establish a few other criteria to further narrow your search.

Schools to Research:
Arizona State University - School of Sustainability
Ball State University - College of Architecture and Planning

Resources:
Solar Decathalon
U.S. Green Building Council
Green Building Links
AIA Committee on the Environment

Dr. Architecture

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

English degree holder to pursue MArch

Dr. Architecture:

I have an interest in architecture however I have already graduated with a four year degree in Liberal Arts; specifically in English literature and a minor in history. I am wondering if I am able to attend a master's program in architecture instead of starting from the beginning. Thank you.


Absolutely! In the past 20 years, institutions have created Master of Architecture degree programs that are designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than architecture. You would be well-suited for pursuing this Master of Architecture.

Visit the following websites to determine which programs exist --

http://www.naab.org/

http://www.archschools.org/

Also, be aware that you may wish to consider taking an ART course at a area community college to help you produce work for a portfolio that most programs require when applying. In addition, many require prerequisites of calculus, physics, and freehand drawing.

Given your interest, consider obtaining Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design to learn more about the process of becoming an architect.

Dr. Architecture

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Collaterals

What are the collaterals?

The following five associations (AIA, AIAS, ACSA, NAAB, and NCARB) are commonly known as the collateral organizations and represent the primary players with the profession – architects, students, educators, the accrediting agency and the state registration boards.

All are sources of information on your path to becoming an architect. Check out their websites.

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 626-7300
www.aia.org

Comprised of over 58,000 architects in almost 300 local and state chapters, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the largest association for the architectural profession; its mission is to promote and advance the profession and the living standards of people through their built environment.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 626-7472
www.aias.org

The mission of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is to promote excellence in architectural education, training and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize architecture students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 785-2324
www.acsa-arch.org

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is the membership organization that represents the over 100 U.S. and Canadian schools offering accredited first-professional degree programs in architecture; its mission is to advance architectural education through support of member schools, their faculty and students.

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
1735 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006-5292
(202) 783-2007
www.naab.org

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. While graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not assure registration, the accrediting process is intended to verify that each accredited program substantially meets those standards that, as a whole, comprise an appropriate education for an architect.

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
1801 K St., Ste. 1100K
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 783-6500
www.ncarb.org

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the organization of the 55 states, territorial and district registration boards that license architects, and the preparer of the Architect Registration Examination and the certification process that facilities reciprocity of individual license between jurisdictions.

Dr. Architecture

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Degree Programs - Accredited

Below are the traditional professional degrees accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE (B. ARCH.)

The bachelor of architecture is an undergraduate five-year degree selected by students coming directly from high school. It is the oldest professional degree offered at the university level in the United States.

At most schools, enrolled students begin intensive architectural studies in the first semester and continue for the duration of the program. If you are highly confident in your choice of architecture as your academic major, pursuing a B.Arch. may be the ideal choice. If, however, you think you may not ultimately choose architecture, the five-year program is not forgiving, meaning that changing majors is difficult.

Recently, a handful of institutions began offering a five-year master of architecture. How are these degrees different than the traditional bachelor of architecture? Contact each institution and ask.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) AND MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. ARCH.)

Sometimes known as a 4 + 2, this path to the accredited degree involves first obtaining a pre-professional architecture bachelor of science (B.S.) degree followed by the professional master of architecture (M.Arch.). Pre-professional degrees are four-year degrees that prepare candidates for pursuing a professional degree. The amount of architectural work in the program varies from school to school and determines the length of time required to complete further professional architectural studies, the M. Arch.

Another viable option for this particular route is to begin your studies at a community college. Often, the first two years of a B.S. degree are predominately general education courses that can be taken at a community college. However, it is important to be in touch with the institution at which you plan to continue studies about what courses to take and when to apply. Depending on the institution, it may be worth transferring early rather than receiving an associate’s degree from the community college.

Note that if you graduate with the pre-professional degree, you may not be eligible to become licensed in most states. Therefore, if you desire to be a licensed architect, you should continue your studies in the professional M.Arch. degree program. There are a few states in which you can pursue licensure with a pre-professional undergraduate degree, but you would not be able to obtain the NCARB Certificate necessary for reciprocal licensure.

The professional M.Arch. is a graduate-level degree that typically lasts two years and offers a comprehensive professional education. The combination of the B.S. degree with the M.Arch. offers flexibility, as you may take any number of years off to gain experience between the two degrees. Plus, you may choose to attend a different institution for your graduate studies.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES (B.A./B.S.) IN FIELDS OTHER THAN ARCHITECTURE AND MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. ARCH.)

A master of architecture program is available for candidates with an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture. It offers a comprehensive professional education. Depending on the institution, this accredited M.Arch. will take between three and four years of study to complete. Some institutions require that calculus, physics, and freehand drawing be taken before admission. Depending on your particular educational background, you may need to fulfill these prerequisites.

Some of these programs have the student begin work in the summer before the first semester, while others require full-time study during a later summer semester. Be sure to explore the curricular differences among the programs you are considering.

DOCTOR OF ARCHITECTURE (D. ARCH.)

As a professional degree, the doctor of architecture (D.Arch.) is currently available only at the University of Hawaii. The program is seven years in length and is unique in that it allows the graduate to fulfill the education requirement for taking the licensing exam, whereas the post-professional doctoral degrees do not. As the D.Arch. is an accredited degree, you are encouraged to contact the University of Hawaii if you are interested in this route.

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Resources - Architecture Programs

The two best online resources for searching/researching architecture programs are the following --

www.naab.org - Maintained by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), their website links to the list of accredited programs. You can search by both geographic region and type of degree program (BArch, MArch). Once you choose a program, it provides the full contact information along with the URL of that particular school.

www.archschools.org - Launched in February 2008, this new website is maintained by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Parallel in content to Guide to Architecture Schools, the website provides the ability to search programs on a number of criteria. The program listings also provide narrative and enrollment statistics to learn more detail about each program. Some programs also have images posted.

Of course, the very best resource online is the actual program's website, but the two cited websites above will help you search the architecture programs.

Dr. Architecture

Thursday, May 29, 2008

ARCHCareers.org - Website

Below is the introduction to ARCHCareers.org website as listed.

Welcome to ARCHcareers.org, a gateway that will introduce you to the steps in becoming an architect. The “Three E’s” of architecture will be your guide. They are: Education, Experience and Examination. Whether you are a high school student, a parent, a university student or an intern, these are the three core principles of the architecture profession. You must satisfy all three parts to call yourself an "Architect." This Web site will give you an overview to the varied and diverse paths to a career in architecture and of the requirements for registration.

ARCHCareers first started back in 1999 when the Consortium for Design and Construction Careers received a grant from the AIA College of Fellows. It first started as part of Akropolis, a website that finally stopped supporting the technical aspects of the site. As a result, I ended up passing it to AIAS and the National Associates Committee of the AIA. To top it off, AIAS received a grant of $5,000 from the Graham Foundation in 2006 to relaunch ARCHCareers.org.

Now, we need to continue to grow the website based on feedback from its users. Have an idea, drop me a line.

Dr. Architecture

Sunday, May 25, 2008

As the author of Becoming an Architect (Wiley, 2006), I am taking the plunge of maintaining a new BLOG - ARCHCareers, to provide insight on the process of becoming an architect. As I write the second edition of the book, I will provide resources and address questions that come to me as Dr. Architecture via the website -- ARCHCareers.org --.

One recent new website, ARCHSchools.org worth visiting is an online version of the popular Guide to Architecture Schools publication published by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. Unlike the book version, this website provides the opportunity to search for architecture programs using different criteria. You must register with the website; also remember that the text provided is written by the individual schools.

As I am new to this blogging, be patient, but am open to ideas.