Too late to become an architect

I hope you find time to respond to my question on pursuing this career. I have been working as an Energy Advisor for close to 10 years now since this is what I studied in university up to Graduate level.
I have had this passion for Architecture for years but this was suppressed early on since I was required to study and excel in a science career. I realize that I must change career and pursue my dream. I'm now 41 . Is it too late to pursue my career? I'm Kenyan living in Kenya but wish to pursue the program in a school in the US. At this age will I have the stamina to take the classes and exams? My last question is if I have to start at entry level after studies. My plan would be to get some practical experience in the US then return to Kenya to start a practice.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
__________

In my opinion, it is NOT too late to study architecture.  Philip Johnson, one of the greatest architects in the 20th c. did not become an architect until the age of 39.

You will need to decide if you have the stamina to take the classes and exams. 

Given your previous education, it would take 3-4 years to complete a graduate degree in architecture.  For the U.S., you would need approximately 2-3 years of professional experience before you are eligible to take the A.R.E.  Thus, it would take a minimum of 6-8 years before you were an architect.

Remember, my expertise is in becoming an architect in the U.S., not Kenya.

Best.

Dr. Architecture

Questions on pursuing Master of Architecture

Hello sir , I am from India. I have read your suggestions  in architecture  career thought to contact you personally to learn  more. I have  completed my bachelor of engineering (chemical engineering) in India in 2012. Now I am 27. I want to pursue master of architecture because I would like to learn and I want to make my career in this.  Can you please tell me what is the  process to get an admission in the school? Will I be a licensed architect after completing Master program? What is portfolio designing? I have no basics in architecture. Will that become a problem?
_________

Thanks for contacting me and your question.

First, I must share that my expertise is in the process of becoming an architect in the U.S. 

To learn the process of admission, I will suggest you review the websites of graduate programs in architecture and consider contacting them directly for more details.

A great website to review graduate programs in the U.S. and Canada is -- http://studyarchitecture.com/

In its simplest terms, you will need to submit the following (may vary by program).

Statement of Purpose

Portfolio

Transcripts

Three letters of recommendation

GRE (if required)

TOEFL (for international applicants)

In the U.S. the licensure of architects is maintained by the individuals states/jurisdictions; for most states, an individual seeking licensure must meet the requirements of 1) education, 2) experience (AXP), and 3) examination (ARE).  Thus, you are NOT a licensed architect upon completion of your graduate program.

As for portfolio design, again, contact the graduate programs for insights.  Plus, you may wish to review the following website.

http://portfoliodesign.com/

Remember, your portfolio does NOT need to be architecturally focused as your background is NOT in architecture.  It needs to be more about creativity -- artwork.

Thanks! 

Dr. Architecture