From India to St. Louis, MO

I am an architect and environmental planner with three years of professional experience in India. I recently relocated to St. Louis, USA. I would like to know if I can work in US as well. For that do I need to register for NCARB (or any other for architecture as well as planning) in US? Also, my past professional experience involved research work on urban development studies (like climate change and cities, green building etc.) Are there any such organizations in St. Louis which undertake such researches?

It would be great if you could guide me on this.

Thank you and regards.

____________

To work in the U.S., you would need to confirm the labor laws; I am not an expert, but it is my understanding that you must either be a U.S. citizen or have a permit to work.

With respect to being an architect, I suggest you contact NCARB - http://www.ncarb.org - to learn more.  As you are an architect in India, you will need to follow the process of becoming an architect in the U.S.  Aside from NCARB, contact the state department of professional regulation in the state of Missouri to learn the requirements of the state.

As for your research, I am sorry I cannot be of direct help.  You may wish to contact the School of Architecture at Washington University.

Sorry I cannot be of more assistance.

Best.

Research Project - Architect

I am doing a research project on a environmental career that interests me for my Environmental AP class. The career I have chosen is something that I could possibly see myself doing in the future which would be architect. The whole point of this project is for me to interview a person with this career via email, phone or in person. I chose the option of email.  I was not quite sure which email to select on the website so my apologies if I happened to pick the wrong one. Below are questions that must be answered for my research project, please answer with as much detail as you can and thank you so much for taking the time to answer this. 

1. What do they do for community (the service provided)?

2. How do they provide their service?

3. What resources are used by them in providing the service?

4. Where do they work?

5. What time during the day do they work?

6. What other professions are they dependent upon for functioning of their profession (i.e. janitor, delivery person, secretary, and repair person)?

7. What special adaptions (skills, education, tools, behaviors) do they use or required to have? How do they acquire these adaptions?

8. What other professions do they compete with if any?

9. What other professions do they cooperate with if any?

10. What benefits (spiritual, emotional, and financial) do they get from their career?

11. Is this career adaptive? As the economic community and our society change will the career still be needed in the future?

12. Discuss how a career is like a niche in an ecosystem. 

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions and may you have a nice day.
_________________

I very much appreciate your contacting me to help you with your research project on an environmental career that interests you, but unfortunately, I am not an architect to directly address your questions.

To that end, I would suggest you contact the area chapter of the American Institute of Architect to talk firsthand with an architect.

However, you may wish to use the following resources to answer the questions you pose.

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Architects

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm

Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design - 2nd Edition
www.wiley.com/buy/9780470372104

Ginsberg, Beth. (2004). The ECO Guide to Careers that Make a Difference: Environmental Work for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: Island Press. ISBN 1-55963-967-9.

I do hope these resources are helpful in preparing for your project.  

Thanks and Best!

Ready to take ARE?

Dr. Architecture,

I have six years of working experience in an architecture office, AA degree of architecture from  community college, then went to a 5 yr. accredited architecture school but did not get the BS degree because I still have 2 G.E classes to full-fill. Now that i'm working full time and because of my financial reason I couldn't be able to go back to take the classes. Do my school credits and 6 years experience enough to qualify to take the exams?

_________

Depending on the jurisdiction, you need two tasks to be completed to be eligible for the ARE.  You should definitely consult NCARB - http://www.ncarb.org --

Basically, you need either the NAAB accredited degree or an education that meets the NCARB Education Standard.  Next, you need to have completed IDP Intern Development Program - the experience under the supervision of an architect.

From what you have shared, you appear to be short by two classes of your degree. With regards to your work experience, it is hard to say because you do not mention IDP.  If possible, contact NCARB or the IDP Educator Coordinator at your institution.

Best.

Accounting to Architecture

I am currently an undergrad accounting major at Temple University and will be graduating this spring. I stumbled upon your ARCHCareers blog after searching "master of architecture for non architects." 

While I've been on winter break, I've been thinking about my plans after graduation and what career or further education I want to pursue. While I enjoy accountancy, I have this nagging thought about not opening up and challenging myself to a discipline that I find more interesting and fulfilling. I originally planned to major in civil engineering and definitely thought about architecture as well, but I never gave myself a chance and went with accounting.

I saw on this post of yours that MArch programs accept applications from people who have an undergrad degree in another discipline. I have never taken any undergrad or high school architecture class and I don't have a portfolio. Ultimately, I have a few questions about all of this:

• If I am seriously interesting in an MArch degree, where should I start?
• Am I in over my head? Have you heard/seen similar stories of non-architects pursuing architecture this late?
• How did you know architecture was the right career for you?
• Is coming from an undergrad business background beneficial in pursuing an MArch degree?

Thank you so much for reading this email. I truly appreciate the time you've given me to read and respond to my inquiries and curiosity during my period of uncertainty. I hope to hear from you soon and have a safe and happy new year! Take care.

Best,

____________

Congrats on finding my blog on becoming an architect.  Below are some thoughts to get you started should you decide to pursue it further.

Where to start - As you are attending Temple, start by visiting the architecture program on your own campus.  Formally meet with faculty and students -- shadow some classes and consider taking a drawing course to start.  You also live in Philly, a great city for architecture -- get outside (when warmer) and look at the architecture.  Consider attending a summer program to jumpstart your interest.

Head - You are now over your head.  In fact, more and more students are like you - starting college in another major and discovering architecture.  You are not late.  Philip Johnson, one of the most famous 20th c. architects did not become one until the age of 39.

Right Career - You may never know for sure, but it is more than a job - it is a career and lifestyle.  That is why you should talk with current students at Temple -- visit Penn.

Business Background - It can be, but ultimately, the portfolio and your academics are probably most beneficial.

Consider obtaining the book, Becoming an Architect, 2nd Ed.

Best.  Do contact me with further questions.

Portfolio - How to Prepare

Hello Dr. Architecture:

I had written to you a year ago regarding a career shift from civil engineering to architecture. Now, I have realized that both fields are always in close integration and I have started to love both equally. I have also been attending architecture classes during regular lunch breaks. I am planning to pursue a graduate degree in architecture and I have to prepare a portfolio. I am quite clueless as to what to include in my portfolio. I would be extremely grateful if you could give me project statements or design questions to work on. I need your guidance. 

Thank you very much
_____________

The best source for the answer to your question is the graduate programs to which you are applying.  First, check their website for requirements, etc.  If you need more details, contact them directly.

Another source is the book - Portfolio Design and the website by the same name - http://www.portfoliodesign.com both by Harold Linton.  Both the book and the website provides you some insight on the process of generating a portfolio.

As you shifting from CE to architecture, you would not be expected to include architectural work, but rather creative work of different media - drawing, painting, etc.

Best.

Networking - Architectural Visualization

Good morning Dr. Architecture.

I'm 34 years old. I have been one year living in Washington DC. I´m resident permanent.

I born in Peru, where I obtained a bachelor of architecture at "Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria". My specialty is architectural vizualization (3D images and animations). I start my new live in DC, but its difficult for me to connect with the profession, because I´m learning English language, and start to create a network in the profession.

I want learn new knowledge, continue my studies and obtain more experience in the profession. You could offer me a good advice, about where start my studies, and how start to work in an DC architecture office.

I appreciate your help.

_____________

Congrats on your pursuit of architecture and architectural visualization.

First, access to education in DC is plentiful.  There are a number of accredited architecture programs in DC - Catholic University of America, Howard University, University of Maryland, and VTech has a branch campus in Alexandria, VA known as the Washington-Alexandria Center.  All of these are good places to start with your network - attend lectures, connect with professors, etc.  For a list of the programs, visit http://www.naab.org --

As well, join the professional association - American Institute of Architects (AIA) with their local chapter - DC AIA (http://aiadc.com/).  As well, there are other institutions that may be helpful including the National Building Museum - (http://www.nbm.org).

I hope this provides you a start.  Best!

Dr. Architecture

Architecture - Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge

I came across your web site and I am not sure if you can help my son on the Architecture  Merit Badge.  The architect counselor has high expectation from my son (13.5 years old). He needs to submit Site plan, landscape plan, room plan and all drawn to scale.  To save time, I tried to find some free CAD software for my son. Will Google Sketchup work for this purpose? Any other easy to learn free CAD software? Is it better to draw the plans by hand?  

______________

From my review of the Architecture Merit Badge, it appears that drafting scaled drawings are just a part of obtaining the badge.  Regardless, I would suggest that doing it be hand may be easier than learning a free CAD software.  Of course, with hand drafting, you would need a drawing board, t-square, scale, triangle, and drafting pencils.

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/mb-ARCI.aspx

Measure a room such as one where you live or where your troop meets. Make an accurately scaled drawing of the room's floor plan showing walls, doors, closets, windows, and any built-in furniture or cabinets. Neatly label your drawing with the following: your name, the date, what room you drew, and the scale of the drawing. (Drawing scale: ¼ inch = 1 foot)

With that said, I will be honest - I am NOT an expert on software but from a simple Google search, found the following that might be helpful.  I do not offer an opinion on one over the other as some are Windows based while others are cross platform.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-cad-program.htm#progeCAD-Smart

http://cad.about.com/od/Personal_CAD/tp/Five-Top-Free-Cad-Packages.htm

Further, if your son is interested in architecture, I suggest he obtain Becoming an Architect, 2nd ed. (see attached).

As well, visit the website - http://www.archcareers.org --

Best!

Recommendations for a School.

Which schools would you recommend a high school student apply to when considering architecture as a career?
______________

Unfortunately, I do not recommend architecture programs.  Ultimately, it is up to you to research the programs against what is important to you to determine the best fit.

Below are two resources for you to review --

NAAB - http://www.naab.org - list of accredited programs

ARCHSchools.org - http://www.archschools.org - list of accredited programs with ability to search.

Aside from these online resources, inquire with each program and ask for names of either current students or recent graduates for insight on the program.

Best!

Selecting an Architecture Program

My daughter is a high school junior with career plans to become a licensed, certified Architect. As we have been visiting colleges, it looks like there are many different programs, but not all meet the requirements to allow her to take the necessary tests. Either that , or some take much longer than others to reach their endpoint, or get there in very different ways.  At some of the places we visited, we have not been convinced that even after completing their 5 or 6 years of training that Julia's requirements to move forward in the certification process would be met.

How do we evaluate programs to be sure we are in the right place? Is there a list of acceptable accredited programs we should work from? Any guidance you can provide will be very valuable as we try to find the most effective program somewhere in the mid-Atlantic, New England,  or East Coast area for her to be in for the next 5 or 6 years. Thank you.
___________

First, I will suggest you obtain the book, Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition as it outlines the entire process from high school to licensure.  With that said, I will provide answers to your questions.  We may also wish to touch base via the phone.

To become an architect in most states, an individual must have the following: 1) accredited professional degree by NAAB, 2) completion of IDP - Intern Development Program, and 3) pass the ARE - Architect Registration Exam.

As for degrees, NAAB accredits the following: 1) BArch - five year program, 2) MArch - typically 2-3 years following a BSAS pre-professional degree, 2b) MArch - typically 3-4 years following a BA/BS in a field other than architecture, and 4) DArch - only available from Hawaii.

What you have visited may be pre-professional degrees that require further education with the MArch.

To see the list of accredited programs, visit the NAAB website - http://www.naab.org. Another sources isARCHSchools.org - it requires a login, but is free.

To evaluate programs, I strongly encourage her to visit the programs and have a list of needs. 

Also, I would strongly encourage her to attend a summer program to experience it firsthand prior to college.  Attached is the preliminary list for Summer 2014.  The final list is available in late January.

Do let me know if you have any additional questions.  Best.

Architect to What?

I have enjoyed reading your blog over the years. I am wondering if you can help with my career predicament. What can I do with a B.Arch degree besides 'straight' architecture -- what graduate programs or careers would I be fit to undertake? Can you help with ideas?

Here is my background. I became a licensed architect in California. I graduated from Cal Poly SLO and then worked at a school design firm, then a residential firm. During my time at the school firm, I initially drafted CDs, and then later became a Project Manager doing construction admin work. I excelled at the management side of things, but felt I wasn't doing anything artistic. I turned to graphic design and web design as a career and left the profession. I have since been working in web design, but sometimes feel I am selling myself short in terms of the broad knowledge base I acquired through my architectural training (math, engineering, environmental control systems, design). I love learning and would like to do more academics if possible, but feel I need to be committed to a particular career/job title end goal. I have not worked in an architecture office for seven years, so feel like it is an impossibility to go back.

I appreciate any advice you may have -- if you have time! I realize you likely get many inquires. :-)

_____________

I am very pleased that you have enjoyed the blog for the past few years.

I appreciate your question as I have been spending time writing on the issue.  Below are a few articles that I have authored on the topic on what I call Architecture and Beyond.

All I can suggest is that you pursue your passion.  As you have discovered, an architectural education is a tremendous foundation for any number of career fields.  Of course, it is not easy to determine the best path.

Spend time assessing what you like -- interests, skills, etc.  Make the match between what you like and what is out there in terms of employment -- What is your timeline?

Keep searching and pursue it with a passion.  It will be hard to get back into architecture, but if you want it, go for it.

http://www.architectsuccess.com/2012/04/01/architecture-and-beyond-opportunities-abound-by-lee-w-waldrep-ph-d/

http://dhbusinessledger.com/main.asp?SectionID=35&subsectionID=101&articleID=8361

Best.