Getting Feet Wet in Architecture

I'm a 33 year old board-certified emergency physician in Philadelphia who's wondering what to do about an architecture bug that I have.  Designing the lighting scheme for our living room was nearly as exciting as the first time I scrubbed on open-heart surgery, and I am frequently surprised by how intuitive street directions and architectural drawings are to me.  

I've been reading Hal Box's "Think Like An Architect," and while I'm not ready to a career switch, I certainly don't want to end up 50 and thinking where life would have gone if I had actually taken an architecture class in college.

Assuming that money and academics aren't a limitation, any suggestions on how to get my feet wet, while holding down a flexible but still full-time job?

Many thanks for any insight you may have.

___________

Thanks for contacting me and congrats on your interest in architecture.  Given your architecture bug, there are many ways to become involved in the profession without becoming an architect.  

First, you are in a great architectural city - Philadelphia. Take full advantage of the resources and events that the city has to offer related to architecture.  Start with the AIA Philadelphia, the professional association of architects.  They sponsor architectural walking tours - besides taking them, inquire about becoming a docent to lead the tours.  Each year, they sponsor lectures to attend - as I am sure both Penn, Temple, Philadelphia U and Drexel do as well - the four architecture programs in Philly

http://aiaphiladelphia.org

http://philadelphiacfa.org/architectural-tours.php

http://philadelphiacfa.org/lecture-series.php

Aside from the AIA, here is an online guide to architecture of the city.

http://www.archdaily.com/121514/architecture-city-guide-philadelphia/

At minimum, read about architecture from books or online journals.  Consider taking a class in drawing or history from the architecture programs listed above.

As you are a healthcare professional, did you know that one can become a healthcare architect.  Perhaps, there is way to become involved and serve as a consultant for a firm that does healthcare work.

http://www.healtharchitects.org/ACHA/healthcare_architects.asp

As you can see, there are many ways to become involved -- also, if you decide to become an architect, consider obtaining Becoming an Architect 2nd ed. (Wiley 2010).

Online Architecture Programs

I care to find out if there is an online school of architecture available for an individual to enroll

Thank you.
___________

I am aware of a few architecture programs that are partial online but not exclusively.

Boston Architectural College

http://www.the-bac.edu/education-programs/school-of-architecture/master-of-architecture/distance-track/application-information

Lawrence Technological University

http://www.ltu.edu/architecture_and_design/marchonline.asp

Academy of Art University

http://online.academyart.edu/schools/architecture

I hope this helps!  If you learn of others, do let me know.

NAAB Candidate Program

If a school has a candidate accreditation will i be allowed to take the ARE exam if i graduate before the program reaches its full accreditation? 
_________________

To be eligible to take the ARE will depend on the state in which you are seeking licensure; you need more than just an accredited degree.

Typically, if an architecture program has been offered candidate status, the program is meeting the standards set by NAAB and is expected to obtain full accreditation when it graduates its first class.  Programs time their gaining accreditation to when the first class graduates.

However, as stated below - a graduate from a candidate program is considered to have met the NCARB Education Standards for purposes of meeting the Education standard.

Before attending a candidate program, I would ask questions related to their timeline on gaining accreditation.

http://www.ncarb.org/Studying-Architecture/Difference-Between-NAAB-Accredited-And-Non.aspx

In order to satisfy the education requirement for NCARB certification, you must hold a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited* by NAAB, a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited* by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), or a CACB-certified professional degree in architecture from a Canadian university.

NAAB is the only agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. Although graduation from a NAAB-accredited program does not guarantee registration, accreditation is intended to verify that accredited programs achieve education standards established by NAAB in collaboration with the four collateral organizations—theAmerican Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and NCARB.

* The program must have been accredited no more than two years after the graduation date.

Becoming an Architect

Hello, I am a High School student and I Just wanted to ask, what if I finished High School what College would I have to go in order to become an official architect and what will you have to do after you graduate from College? (whats the next step after College)
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I apologize for not replying any sooner.  

To learn the process of becoming an architect, review the full ARCHCareers.org website.  In its simplest form, you need to pursue a professional NAAB accredited degree (www.naab.org).  In addition, you will need to complete IDP - Intern Development Program (gaining experience) and take/pass the Architect Registration Examination.

That is the simple answer.  Best.

Michigan or UBC / US vs. Canada

I just graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and I am looking to pursue an MArch at either the University of Michigan or the University of British Columbia in Canada. I have been accepted to the University of Michigan and would begin in about a month. I have not yet applied to the UBC as I just stumbled across the programs and the school itself. 

I am beginning to think though, that applying to the UBC may be a better match for me. The discussions involving sustainability and the natural environment may be enhanced due to location. I have not applied to this school yet, so I may have to wait a year to attend this school. Unless I can somehow talk with an admissions representative on Monday (May 20th). 

Any recommendations on where to begin with this issue? 

Also I am curious of the differences in accreditation between the Canadian colleges and the US Universities. Would I be able to find work back in the US after completing my MArch in Canada? Or should I stick with University of Michigan for awhile and possibly transfer after completion of an application to the University of British Columbia. 

So many questions! Help ?

______________

First, congrats on your admission to Michigan.  

In all honesty, I am not fully aware of the program at UBC.  If you are able to still apply and be admitted for this coming fall, it may be worth the effort.  Ultimately, you have to make the decision as to which program is best for you.

Have you talked with Michigan about their commitment to your interests of sustainability?

What was your process in applying to graduate programs?  Did you only apply to Michigan?  Would it be worth to take a step back and apply again for F2014 to include UBC and other programs?  Perhaps or not?

In most cases, a CACB accredited program will meet the education standard as set by NCARB; in other words, a degree from UBC will allow you to become licensed in the U.S.

The education requirement is one of six requirements for NCARB certification outlined in theCertification Guidelines. In order to satisfy the education requirement, you must hold one of the following professional degrees:

• a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited* by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB),
• a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited* by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), or
• a CACB-certified professional degree in architecture from a Canadian university.

* The program must have been accredited no more than two years after the graduation date.

I would NOT start at Michigan and then switch to UBC.  Determine the criteria for which you wish to use to make this decision.  I recognize it is hard as you do not have a decision from UBC.

Call them on Monday and move forward.  Thanks and Best.

New York State - First Professional Degree.

I am an architectural designer with a 2-year M.Arch degree from the University of Michigan which is accredited by NAAB. I also have a 5-year B.Arch degree outside from America.

 

In order to become a licensed architect in New York, the State will give different credits to candidates with different educational background. For example, the state will give a maximum 9 credits to candidates with a First professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Please see here: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/arch/archlic.htm

I was wondering is my M.Arch degree a first professional degree which can be qualified for the NY 9 educational credits?

 

Thank you so much for your help.

_______

From my understanding of NAAB and the Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan, I would state that your degree from Michigan qualifies for Category A as listed below.

Category A:

First professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)

Maximum credit granted: 9 units

from NAAB website -- 

Accreditation Information

Degree	Master of Architecture
Track	M. Arch. (Pre-professional degree + 2 years)
Next Visit	2017
History	Accredited since 1970/71.

Paralegal to Architect

I am a paralegal with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

 

I’m looking at changing my career to becoming an architect, but I’m looking for some guidance and help.

 

Can you help me out?

 

Thank you so much and I truly appreciate any help that you can give me!

____________

I may certainly help out, but what specifically are seeking guidance on.

Do you have a college degree?  If so, you can begin a Master of Architecture degree (3+ years) at any one of a number of schools (http://www.naab.org).  As you are in Washington, DC, you may wish to visit either the University of Maryland or Catholic University.

If not, consider starting at Montgomery College as they have an associate's degree.

You may also wish to visit the National Building Museum for inspiration, a museum to celebrate the building arts.

Obtain Becoming an Architect, 2nd ed. to learn how to become an architect.

Best!  Be in touch with additional questions.

Architecture - Projections

Hello, I'm currently am a high school sophomore at Kennewick High and believe architecture is for me. However, I have done some research online and have come to the conclusion that architecture jobs will increase by about 20% by 2020? Is this true? What are the steps I need to take in order to follow my career in architecture? My school offers the International Baccalaureate program and I plan to receive a full diploma, if not certificate, do you think this will help me for the university or career path?
____________

You are correct!  The BLS projects a 24% growth in the profession between now and 2020.

Job Outlook

• Employment of architects is projected to grow 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Current demographic trends will result in a greater need for architects. Those who distinguish themselves with their creativity should have the best job opportunities.
• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm

Now, as a sophomore in high school, there are many things you can do to launch your career into architecture.  First, is to simply open your eyes and look at the built environment.  Pay attention to buildings in your neighborhood - the form, shape, dimensions, materials, etc.

Start to draw and take art/drawing courses in high school - do not worry about CAD; that can come later.

Another option to explore is attending a high school summer program offered by an architecture program.  You might consider this coming summer, but definitely the summer after your junior year.  Attached is a list of programs.

Also, through your parents, contact and interview an architect.  Ask if you can shadow for the day to learn what an architect does.  Read architecture books or visit architecture websites to learn more.

Finally, do well in school as architecture is a demanding major is school.  Pursue a college prep schedule.

Best!

AIA/NCARB Survey

Below is the beginning part of an article recently posted on the AIA website concerning the 2012 AIA / NCARB website; it truly has great insight on the picture of current emerging professionals. If you are on the path to becoming an architect, consider reading -- AIA/NCARB Survey Shows Rosier Picture for Emerging Professionals More interns are employed and getting licensed than during the throes of the recession By Jennifer Riskus

In 2010, the AIA/NCARB Internship and Career Survey of emerging professionals took a snapshot of young designers during a time of intense economic contraction, when they were often the first to suffer. But in the two years since, emerging professionals have begun experiencing a rebound, with higher employment levels, more young designers getting licensed, and any remaining unemployment becoming, in most cases, mercifully short. The 2012 Internship and Career Survey, commissioned jointly by the AIA and NCARB, and conducted by The Rickinson Group, contains a wealth of information on the experiences of emerging professionals as they go through IDP, take the ARE, become licensed, and obtain their first jobs. This survey has been completed five times since 2003, most recently inthe fourth quarter of 2012.

Syracuse U or Ball State U

I am hoping you can provide some guidance to my daughter.  She is considering two very different schools and programs.  The largest difference is cost.  One, our state school, Ball State is a 4&2 program with the Master's program accredited.  The second is Syracuse, a 5 year B Arch program.  She feels like she fits in better at Syracuse, but the cost is 5x what the cost is for Ball State.  Knowing she wishes to eventually work and live on the East coast, she feels she stands a better chance of interning and working on the East coast if she attends school there.
 
As a parent, the cost difference is huge.  Knowing she will have significant debt following school at Syracuse, and virtually none at Ball State I am having a difficult time endorsing school out east.
 
It is our understanding a B Arch is equivalent to an M Arch in most circumstances.  Or are we in error, is the M Arch more financially rewarding?
 
Any advice would be appreciated.

____________

First, congrats on your daughter being admitted to Ball State and Syracuse University; that is truly great news and you should be proud.

Next, let me explain the differences in degrees -- both the five year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) and 4+2 Master of Architecture (MArch) are equivalent in one sense as they are both first professional degrees accredited by NAAB (http://www.naab.org). However, as you might imagine, the two degrees are quite different in how they teach architecture.

NAAB dictates the "what" is to be taught in architecture degress, but not the "how."  This is why it is extremely difficult to compare programs.

With that said, neither degree is necessarily better than the other - they are just different.  With my almost 20 years of experience, I would suggest you discuss which is a better fit for your daughter.  The BArch is best suited for individuals who have a STRONG desire to pursue architecture as you pursue studio immediately.  The 4+2 MArch is better for choice and option as you typically do not start studio until sophomore or junior year allowing you to pursue more liberal arts courses.  Plus, many graduates at the undergraduate level may pursue a different institution for the +2 or pursue another discipline.

She is probably right in that SU will have a better reputation for positions on the East Coast, but to what end - large debt.

May I offer the following --

1) As I shared, the 4+2 allows choice - she could attend Ball State at the undergraduate level, do extremely well and pursue SU for their Master of Architecture.  In this way, you save monies but she still graduates from SU.

2) Depending on Ball State, she could attend a community college for a year while living at home to save monies but to allow her to apply to other four year programs; in the region (Michigan, MiamiU, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Illinois, Wisconsin-Milwaukee).  From each of these she could pursue SU or any other graduate program as her pursuits might change through her studies.

With the details you have shared, option 1 above is probably the best choice for both of you.  Option 2 is a viable option depending on what other programs you considered this past year.  Regardless, have a conversation with SU about her chances for admission at the graduate level coming from Ball State or other undergraduate programs.

If you wish to contact me and discuss, we can do this - do let me know the decision.

Best.