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Thursday, March 24, 2016
Architecture Uncensored: The License Dilemma
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Friday, May 24, 2013
Getting Feet Wet in Architecture
Saturday, April 13, 2013
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
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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.
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Saturday, December 22, 2012
ARE Resources
I came across your blog while searching on information about prepping for ARE exam. Thanks for the blog, it definitely give me confidence to begin the ARE Exam.
I need some advise on finding the best ARE books to begin my study. They're a few choices of books
I found online, but not sure which one to choose from. What ARE prep books would you recommend?
_______________
As I have not personally taken the ARE, I am not in a position to recommend specific resources for taking the ARE, but there are plenty of resources --
ARE Resources (AIA) (see list below)
http://www.aia.org/
Study Resources for the ARE
http://academics.triton.edu/
Describes the NCARB organization, services, procedures, and examinations. Also outlines requirements for certification, IDP training requirements, and certification requirements for Canadian architects. View all free publications available from NCARB.
Study Guides for all Divisions and California Supplemental Exam
Author: William A. Amor, NCARB, AIA
Practice problems for ARE 4.0 divisions.
Flashcards for all ARE 3.1 multiple-choice divisions.
Author: National Academic & Licensing Study Aids, LLC. (NALSA)
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division and California Supplemental Exam: Workbook and Sample Exam Booklet
Author: Richard Chylinski, FAIA
Book series for all divisions of the ARE 4.0
Book series of Structural, Non-structural, Graphic topics include: Study guide, examples and solutions, practice exams
Author: Various practitioners, see Web site
Author: David Thaddeus, AIA
For each ARE 4.0 division: Study Guide, Online Supplement, Practice Vignette Books, Question & Answer Books, Flashcards
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division: Study Guide, Questions and Answers Handbook, Test Bank CD-ROM, Flash Cards, Online Interactive Review
For each ARE 3.1 graphic division: Study Guide, Practice Vignettes, Test Bank CD-Rom, Online Learning, Flash Cards
Author: Various practitioners and includes Architectural License Seminars (ALS) resources
(909) 336-1180
CDs and DVDs and books for all ARE study divisions
California supplemental exam information also included
Author: Michael P. Boardway, R.A
CSE study guide: “California Supplemental Exam ---An elemental understanding of the CSE---A synthesis of the California Architects Board recommended reference materials” Also a companion book contains a total of 10 sample exams and answers.
Author: Habib Sissoko, Licensed Architect
Home Study Course includes: Solutions Workbook, Mock Exams (pencil & paper version or computer version), NCARB Tutorial Solutions, Past Exams
Author: Norman K. Dorf, AIA
Richard Chylinski, FAIA
Bob J. Wise Jr., Robert Elfer, NCARB, AIA, Laura Serebin, AIA
Umber Kazmi, LEED AP
Michael P. Boardway, R.A.
(909) 336-1180
Marc Mitalski, PE, SE, Assoc. AIA
David Thaddeus, AIA, NCARB | UNC-Charlotte | (704) 687-4021
Wendell Edwards | CUNY-New York | (718) 260-5266
Mike Green, PE | Arkansas-based | (479) 443-4786
Bob Stephen and Barry Chin | California-based | (415) 681-6991
The AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) maintains a scholarship fund to remember their friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. The scholarship recipients receive a full set of Kaplan ARE Study Guides and funds to cover the cost of taking each section of the ARE once. Please note $400 is awarded up front and remainder is paid upon successful completion of the exam, and to receive balance of award, recipients must complete the ARE within 5 years of receiving the initial award and submit passing reports from each of the divisions of the exam to the AIA for verification of completion.
A scholarship fund called the Architect Registration Examination Financial Assistance Fund (AREFAF) was created by the Seventy-sixth Legislature of the state of Texas. This scholarship fund serves a public purpose of the state of Texas by promoting the professional needs of the state; increasing the number of highly trained and educated registered architects available to serve the residents of the state; improving the state's business environment and encouraging economic development; and identifying, recognizing, and supporting outstanding applicants who plan to pursue careers in architecture. The scholarship is a one-time reimbursement of $500 for taking the Architect Registration Examination. TBAE will award scholarships twice each year - December 31st and June 30th. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is two weeks prior to each award date.
In an endeavor to assist intern architects enrolled in IDP with the cost of exam fees for the Architectural Registration Exam, the AIA Shreveport Chapter has established an annual grant fund for newly licensed architects. Intern architects are eligible for a financial grant upon passing the exam and obtaining a Louisiana license. Ask a board member for further information in regards to this grant.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Architectural Research
Your comment will be greatly appreciated.
Your question is slightly out of my expertise, but I will offer what I can.
Even though you wish to pursue architectural research, it may still be worthwhile to pursue the Master of Architecture on your path. Also, as you have an additional year remaining, reach out to faculty to work with them on their research. Perhaps, you can do an independent study with one of your faculty to learn more about research.
You may also wish to see if there is a "research methods" course at UIC.
Finally, keep asking lots of questions of your peers and faculty about careers in architectural research. Connect with researchers on your campus in other disciplines. There is lot to learn.
AIA Research (includes copies of research journals)
http://www.aia.org/practicing/
ARCC - Architectural Reseach Center Consortium
http://www.arccweb.org/
I hope this gets you started.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
EESA - Foreign Architect
In the U.S., the architectural profession is represented by the following:
Each one has a role in the process of becoming an architect. As you are an architect in another country, I would suggest you work with NCARB to become licensed in the U.S. Review the following:
http://www.ncarb.org/en/
How long have you been an architect? Read the materials to learn more.
Best.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sustainable Architecture
One in particular deals with South Australia
Now, the question as to whether it is a good choice for securing a position in the U.S. In general, I would say yes, but I would suggest you research firms in which you are interested to see if their commitment to sustainable architecture makes your choice a good one.
Another resource to consider is the Committee on the Environment of the AIA (see below)
Ultimately, firms hire individuals for many different reasons - skills, experience, fit, etc. Is an expertise in sustainable architecture one of them?
Best!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
AIA/AAF Minority Disadvantaged Scholarship Program
Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and either:
- High school seniors entering a NAAB accredited professional program in architecture
- College freshmen attending a NAAB accredited professional program in architecture, or
- Technical school or community college students that have completed high school or its equivalent and intend to transfer to a NAAB accredited professional program
The 2012 application is now available. Application and supporting materials must be postmarked by March 16, 2012. We hope to notify all candidates by early June 2012. View the 2012 flyer.
Up to five scholarships between $3,000-$4,000 will be awarded in 2012. Scholarships may be renewed every year until the completion of the degree program.
If you have any questions, please contact: scholarships@aia.org
Friday, October 7, 2011
Mechanical Engineer to Architect
Given your previous education, you may pursue the accredited Master of Architecture (3-4 years) at over 60 institutions around the country. For the full list, visit -- NAAB - www.naab.org and ARCHSchools - www.archschools.org.
Unfortunately, there are no exclusively online degree programs in architecture for an individual that has a degree in another discipline. With your moving to Colorado the only program in the states is University of Colorado - Denver.
Now, given your discipline is mechanical engineering, you may be able to pursue a position within a AE / EA firm which would allow you to contribute (not as an architect).
I would begin the process of networking through the professional association - AIA - American Institute of Architects and contact a few firms for possible positions.
Best.
Friday, January 14, 2011
RIBA to the US
This route is definitely an option for you and completing your education will help immensely, but please note that unlike in the U.K., the AIA has nothing to do with the licensure of architects in the U.S. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization and provides benefits to its membership.
Instead, each state or jurisdiction awards licensure while the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) oversees the process at the national level.
Basically, the process is three steps - 1) Education, 2) Experience, and 3) Examination. For most states, you must gain a professional NAAB accredited degree (www.naab.org); you can pursue the Bachelor of Architecture or the Master of Architecture. Next, you must complete the Intern Development Program which is working for a licensed architect for about three years (http://www.ncarb.org/en/Experience-Through-Internships.aspx) and the final step is taking an passing the seven part Architect Registration Examination (ARE - http://www.ncarb.org/en/ARE.aspx).
If you still have a desire to still return to U.K., you may wish to consider University of Maryland as they had been RIBA validated; I am not sure if they still are (www.arch.umd.edu).
I wish you the best and feel free to send more questions.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
_______
Whether you are able to secure an employer will be based on factors you can control and many your cannot. As you may be aware, the market for architects is tight right now making your search much more difficult.
Regardless, you are wishing to stay in healthcare? If so, the AIA has a Knowledge Community aimed at Healthcare Architecture that may be of interest.
The Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) improves the quality of healthcare through design by developing, documenting, and disseminating knowledge; educating healthcare architects and other related constituencies; advancing the practice of healthcare architecture; improving the design of health care environments; affiliating and advocating with others that share our vision and promoting research.
As for other resources, contact the AIA NYC -- http://main.aiany.org/ -- Your best source of securing leads is networking. Of course, it is more difficult to do so from long distance. Will you be visiting NYC anytime soon. Under AIA New York, there is a firm directory allowing your to search for appropriate firms. This is NOT all firms in NYC, but it is a great start.
Another sources for positions is the National AIA -- http://careercenter.aia.org/jobs/ -- It is a national database so you must search; when I search under New York, 12 positions returned.
Best in your search!
Dr. Architecture
Monday, November 22, 2010
Seeking Employment - Frustration
________
Certainly, the profession of architecture has suffered greatly during this economic time, but I would disagree with your statement -- "one of the worst degree ..." I would say the exact opposite.
Someone who has a degree in architecture is probably best equipped for job searching because of a degree in architecture is the best liberal arts degree -- it teaches one to problem solve creatively. Granted, you have been unable to secure employment but perhaps you need to broaden your search and truly analyze the skills you can offer a prospective employer.
I understand that such an approach may postpone your officially becoming an architect but did you know that you can still gain some experience in IDP although not employed.
First, one resource to read is What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles (http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/). It is a book to do, not just read. Also, become connected with the AIA in California; depending on when you graduated, you may still be eligible for free membership (http://www.aia.org/about/memberservices/AIAS077102). More specifically, connect with other emerging professionals through programs offered by the AIA. Some chapters have networking programs and support groups for those seeking employment.
Network! Volunteer! Spend eight hours a day seeking! As mentioned before, expand your employer base; what skills do you have to offer a prospective employer and who are those employers that can use your set of skills.
Do not give up! The profession of architecture will need you when the economy recovers.
Dr. Architecture
Monday, March 22, 2010
Seeking Employment Prior to MArch
I stumbled upon your blog, and subsequently purchased the 2nd edition of Becoming an Architect, which I've found to be very helpful. I graduated with a BA in English in 2007, and I’m hoping to go back to school to earn a MArch starting in summer 2011. The upcoming year will give me ample time to research schools, take the GRE, prepare a portfolio, and submit applications, but I’m also looking for a job. I’m currently filling a full time interim position through the end of July, but I have no interest in becoming a permanent hire. Assuming I get accepted to a MArch program, I would be facing about 10 months of “down time” between the end of my current position and the start of school in the summer. I’m wondering if there’s any chance of finding immediate employment in an architecture-related field (not as an architect, of course, but something that would allow me to network and learn more about the field). Do you think there's any chance of this happening? Is it even worth the effort?
Thanks in advance for your help!
_______
As you must know, the economy has hit the architecture profession very hard. Because of this, many firm are not currently hiring; however, if your desire is to network and learn more about the field, there are ways to do this without seeking employment. Of course, you can certainly attempt to gain a position.
To network, visit architecture lectures at area architecture schools or other cultural institutions. Even consider joining the AIA (American Institute of Architects) to start networking and learning the profession. To learn more, read the literature, consider attending a summer program, and possibly take a course as a non-degree student.
I hope this is helpful. Thanks!
Dr. Architecture
Thursday, September 11, 2008
High School Summer Architecture Programs
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