BA in Art History, wanting to be an architect

I am currently taking courses to receive my BA in Art History. I have always been interested in being an Architect and I am looking into further education after I graduate with my degree in order to become one. I have heard mixed opinions about Art History and Architecture mixing, but I was wondering if you could help me in telling me what my best option would be. Can I go on to an MArch with this 4-year BA under my belt? Or would I have to start from scratch?

The least amount of time it takes for me to receive the Architecture degree the better, but I don't know where to even start to look or what applies and what doesn't.

Thank you so much for your time, I hope this makes sense and that you can possibly help me out.
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To begin the process, visit the blog listed below which lists answers to questions from previous individuals who have contacted me and obtain Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

http://archcareers.blogspot.com/

Given your BA in Art History, you are eligible to begin the path of becoming an architect by pursuing the first professional degree, Master of Architecture (3-4 years). These degrees are targeted for individuals like you that have a degree in another discipline. There is no need to start from scratch.

To research programs, visit -- www.naab.org -- and -- www.archschools.org --. You may also wish to consider taking a freehand drawing course as you will need to prepare a portfolio for admission.

Depending on your desires, you may be too late for Fall 2010 but some programs may still accept applications for the fall; otherwise, take the year to visit programs and prepare your application for Fall 2011.

If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me. Best to you.

Dr. Architecture

Career Change

I presently have a BA and an Ma in Talmudical Law from an accredited college. I have been involved in many building and design projects (building design, renovation floor plans, furniture concepts, design and construction) in my neighborhood and religious community, and have experience in computer graphics, hand drawn art and hands on construction. I have an interest in pursuing a career in architecture in which I would be able to utilize my talents and experiences into a very rewarding future.

However as a family man and father of three, going through a full 5 years of full time college for a BARCH degree is both time consuming and financially not feasable. I was wondering if there was any fast track to being able touse my existing degrees and to minor in architecture. Also I was wondering how one could proceed with a BS in Architecture Sciences to achieving full licensure as an independent architect. Specifically, is there any way to achieve licensure as a certified architect through experience in the field such as working as an intern for a number of years. Is there any known architecture program designed for a working individual such as one with distance learning, online courses or night courses. I live in the central NJ region, within a reasonable distance to both Philadelphia and all 5 boroughs of NYC.
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Unfortunately, there is no present way to become an architect through experience alone. All states require education, experience, and exam (www.ncarb.org). More specifically, most states require you to obtain a professional NAAB (www.naab.org) degree in architecture, complete the Intern Development Program (IDP) and pass the Architect Registration Exam.

However, given you have a degree, you are eligible to apply to the Master of Architecture (3-4 years). For a list of programs visit -- www.naab.org and/or -- www.archschools.org.

There are a few states that allow one to pursue licensure with only a BS in Architecture, but it would require additional years of experience. NCARB (www.ncarb.org) has a website listing the state requirements for education and experience.

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Education Question

I have recently been searching both bachelor and masters of architecture programs and came across a blog of yours. After reading several posts I felt that your were certainly someone who could help answer some of my questions.

I am seriously interested in Architecture as a career, more specifically sustainable design in small construction. I am currently a Junior at Elon University in North Carolina and pursuing a bachelors in Environmental Studies. Unfortunately Elon does not offer an architecture degree, but being that environmental studies is also a strong interest, I feel it will work out for the best.

My question is what is the best path for me in the future, regarding additional education. Ideally I would have the least amount of additional education but not limit my career possibilities.

My girlfriend is currently selecting graduate schools for Marine Biology Ph.D. and I will likely end up living where ever she decides to go. FSU Tallahassee, NC State, or VIMS. I was wondering if I should be looking at obtaining a bachelors in architecture or a masters. After researching a few programs I've found that without a bachelors in architecture, a masters can take a substantial amount of time to complete.

Perhaps my true question is what differences in career options will I see between a bachelors in arch vs. a masters?

I truly appreciate any advice you can give me.
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Given that you are interested in environmental studies and you are close to graduation, I would advise you to complete your undergraduate degree at Elon University and pursue a professional NAAB accredited Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in another discipline. Certainly between now and graduation, you should consider pursuing an art course (freehand drawing) to develop materials for a portfolio; an additional option would be pursuing an Ind. Study with a faculty that is connected to architecture in some way at Elon. In this way, you start your studies and could obtain a letter of recommendation from your faculty.

Pursuing the MArch will be the shortest path given your current education status. If you pursued a BArch, you would be retreating and the degree would probably take five years. A MArch would take between 3-4 years depending on the program. Both degree will allow you to become an architect.

As for potential programs, visit the following -- www.naab.org -- and -- www.archschools.org -- Both have search engines to locate architecture programs by location.

Dr. Architecture

Becoming LEED GA?

I'm an undergraduate Architecture student at the University of Cincinnati and I will be working over the summer at an architecture firm.

I would like to become LEED GA certified. What should my first steps be towards earning LEED GA certification? Do you have any tips as I prepare for a LEED GA exam?
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According to the GBCI website, the following description and website should answer all of your questions.

LEED Green Associate

For professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice, GBCI has created the LEED Green Associate credential, which denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations.

http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=83

Dr. Architecture

Coming to the U.S.

I appreciate your efforts to guide those who want to become an architect. I am have a M.Architecture, a registered architect and a faculty member here in Iran. It's my pleasure if can get your help determing the best way to continue my practice and academic career in US.

I had worked as a design assistant and architectural programmer in our own firm for 5 years before joining to a larger well-known firm 5 years ago. My spouse is majoring Interior Design in Chicago and we are planning to live and work in US; so that I am considering various options and provisions such as getting professional license, continuing my education in NAAB accredited programs, PhD, etc… .

So considering these facts:

1. I already hold M.Arch and I am interested and talented in both practical and academic areas

2. As far as I heard, it would be difficult for a new-comer architect to adapt profession without getting a professional degree within the US.

3. For teaching in a university, you need to have a PhD in Architecture or a reliable practical record in architectural profession.

As far as I experienced these two are not in separate directions: academy and profession,

But If I apply for a PhD program would it be difficult to find a job in an architecture firm? Will I be considered overqualified for architecture job positions? I am between sixes and sevens in choosing between M.Arch and PhD. Can you help me to choose?

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If you desire is to be a licensed architect in the U. S., I suggest you contact NCARB - www.ncarb.org. As you have a professional degree, there is no need to obtain a NAAB accredited degree in the U.S. Instead, you can have your education evaluated by EESA (https://www.eesa-naab.org/) against the NCARB Education Standard to meet the education requirement.

In terms of teaching within an accredited program in the U.S., it is not necessary to have a Ph.D. unless you are seeking an Architectural History teaching position. Most programs allow candidates with a Master of Architecture to be considered. Visit the following for possible positions -- https://www.acsa-arch.org/faculty/joblistings.aspx --.

As far as having a Ph.D. and applying to a firm, I do not have any great insight, but most firms hire based on skill sets not necessarily on education. I do not think you would be overqualified just because of your degree. However, you would be best to discuss with those in firms who do hiring.

I hope this is helpful! You may certainly email again if you have any additional questions.

Graduate Admissions

I am so confused where to start as I make this transition. Would a B.S. in biology help in any way for admissions into a graduate program for architecture? What do I need to apply and what is the portfolio made up of? How can I prepare a competitive resume in the next year, since I have probably missed the application deadlines for 2010. Do you think I can get into a program such as Princeton?

I would appreciate your advice! Thanks again for your help.
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In applying to a graduate Master of Architecture, what is important in possessing an undergraduate degree regardless of the major; thus, your B. S. in Biology is sufficient in applying.

Most graduate programs require the following but check with each program for specific requirements:

Application
Statement of Purpose
Portfolio
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
GRE - www.gre.org
Transcript(s)

For what to include in your portfolio, contact each program to which you are applying, but you will want to include creative work - drawing, artwork, painting, etc. Do not worry about if the work is architectural. Consider taking a freehand drawing course at an area community college to build your portfolio. Another source is www.portfoliodesign.com --.

As for your likely admission to Princeton, you will need to contact them directly. I am not in a position to comment.

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Career

I always wanted to be an architect, since I was 10/12 year old. I recently bought your book "Becoming an Architect", which is helping me a lot. But I still have some concerns about the path that I need to take to become an architect. I hope that I'm not bothering you with so many questions but I hope that you can help me.

I have a bachelor degree in Economics that I was awarded in my country Brazil. Even though I am 41 years old, I really want to pursue this career. I now live in New York City and I'm thinking of applying to The City College of New York. I am just not sure if I should apply for the Bachelor's degree or for the Master degree program. I think I can learn more if I pursue the bachelor's degree, but it will take longer and my classmates would be much younger than me, which could be a little uncomfortable to me. On the other hand, if I pursue for the master's degree, I'm worried that it can be difficult because I have a very different degree (Economics). What's your opinion? Do you think I should start with a Associate degree in Interior Design (2 years) and then go to the Master Architecture (3 years)? Or should I go straight to the Masters degree? If the MArch is the best, should I take freehand drawing (or technical drawing) and math (or physics) classes prior to starting the Master?

Finally, although I'm a legal U.S. resident, do I have to take the TOEFL anyway, as English is not my first language?

_________

Given that you have an undergraduate degree, albeit in Economics, you should consider pursuing the Master of Architecture (3-4 years). These particular degrees are targeted and designed for individuals with degrees in other disciplines. Most of all, simply make sure the degree is accredited by NAAB; this will ensure that you can later obtain licensure.

As for courses prior, consult the architecture program. Many do require freehand drawing in addition to either or both calculus and physics. The freehand drawing course will assist you in creating materials for your portfolio.

As for the TOEFL, again, check with the institution. Most will require candidates to take the TOEFL if their undergraduate degree is from a foreign country.

Dr. Architecture

Degree/Career Path in Architecture

Hi Dr. Architecture,

I have a question about becoming a licence architect. I went online to archcareers.org but I couldn't find any guide or answer about my career path. I'm planning to go back to school and finish my undergraduate program in architecture at Academy of Arts University. The question is what is my path to follow if I have a BFA in Architecture?
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First, to become an architect, you need to accomplish three tasks 1) obtain a professional accredited degree in architecture, 2) complete the requirements of Intern Development Program (IDP), and 3) pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

As you have a BFA in Architecture, you are eligible to pursue a Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than architecture. Resources to review include the following:

www.naab.org -- list of accredited programs in the U.S.

www.archschools.org -- guide to architecture programs with more details than the website listed above.

Dr. Architecture

Career Switch

I am considering changing my career track from medicine/lab research to architecture. So far, I have my bs in biology and I'm doing a lab research internship for 1-2 years. I was planning on attending medical school thereafter, but I'm still wavering.

I've always wanted to try studying architecture because I love designing,and I'm very good a math ( physics, calculus) and communicating. However, Im not the best artist. Do you think I could still pursue it if I lack this skill right now? Do you think such a radical change is wise at this point? Would it be an easy switch?

I would appreciate your advice.
_________

Given your interest, you should begin to explore the discipline of architecture further. Ask your family and friends if they know an architect that you could meet with to discuss their career. You could possibly shadow the architect to learn firsthand the career of an architect.

As you learn more, you may discover that you do not need to be a perfect artist, but you do need to learn how to communicate your ideas to your clients. Architecture is about being creative and problem-solving. Besides, drawing, etc. are skills that you will learn in an architecture program. Another preparation task is to take a freehand drawing course at an area community college as you will need to submit a portfolio when you apply to graduate programs.

Also, there are a few summer programs for individuals like you to help you transition --

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/professional/career_discovery/

June 14 – July 23, 2010

California at Los Angeles, University of

http://www.summer.ucla.edu/institutes/Architecture/overview.htm

June 21 – July 30, 2010

Archeworks
http://www.archeworks.org/

LA Institute of Architecture and Design
http://www.laiad.com/

Dr. Architecture

Summer Programs

Hi, I am looking for a summer program for my son, who will have just finished 10th grade here in Berlin, Germany. Ideal would be a two to three week residential program in August. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
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I am truly not in a position to specifically recommend a program, but ARCHCareers.org does include a list of all of the programs offered at the following website. The list currently provides the summer 2009 program dates but will be updated with the summer 2010 dates by the end of January.

Please note that although the list provides 2009 dates, the website addresses should provide much of the details that you might need to make a selection. Please note that you will find most of the programs during June and July. Very few of them are during August as programs prepare for the new academic year.

http://archcareers.org/summerprograms.html

Dr. Architecture