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 ?

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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.

Design Professions in Canada

I am graduated in Nuclear Physics in Iran. But I am  a Canadian citizen. I want to pursue my education in Canada . I am fond of interior design. I really like to design and make the inside of houses and restaurants and offices calmness ,beautiful ,interesting. I have searched for Interior Design as a master program , unfortunately I have not found any things. Is master of Landscape Architecture  suitable for me?  If yes , I do not take any architecture courses , I just make some handicrafts for designing  houses, can I apply for  Master of Landscape Architecture and  Architecture  at Canadian universities ?

 

And, does it have some smaller courses? I mean, I do not mind to study master of it , if there is any certificates, or courses which take less time ( about 6 months or so) and help me to find a good job.

 

Regards.

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First, my expertise is in becoming an architect in the U.S., not interior design nor landscape architecture in Canada.  With that said, check the following for CIDA accredited programs in Canada.  One institution, states that they have a Master of Interior Design.

http://www.accredit-id.org/accredited-programs

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Master of Interior Design (2005, 2011)

Below are accredited landscape architecture programs in Canada.

http://www.asla.org/contentdetail.aspx?id=21636

If you wish to pursue architecture, visit the following.

Accredited architecture programs in Canada

I would suggest you determine which of the design disciplines you wish to pursue and do so.  Best.

Architecture Schools in Canada

I am a recent Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering graduate, and am vigorously pursing a career in architecture, and in particular a M.Arch.  I am a Canadian, and have read your book, Becoming an Architect. I have a few inquires about architecture that I was hoping to get your response to.

1. Your book mentions to assess the importance of the reputation of the school.  I think that it depends on the employers, so my question is, from your experience, how important is the reputation of the school to an architectural firm?  For example, the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia M.Arch programs are the most competitive in Canada. Do architectural firms give more attention to students from competitive schools moreso than others (such as the University of Calgary's which is less competitive) ?

2. Does the CACB also conduct annual Architecture Program Reports that are accessible to the public?

3. Do you have a good resource for the job demand for architects in Canada?  Through rileyguide.com, I was able to link up with many sites pointing to American firms, and I see a demand for Building Integration Modelers, Health Care Facilities designers, and Project managers.  I can't seem to find a good resource for Canada.

4. Do you know if there is a resource/program for students to connect with architectural firms (preferably Canadian) to ask career questions & job shadow? 

I look forward to hearing from you!

_________ 

  

First, congratulations on your desire to pursue architecture.  Also, I appreciate your reading my book.

1. To truly gain the insight on this question, I would suggest you contact some firms; with that said, I would state that some firms may use the institution from which you graduate as an important criteria at the time of graduation, but after a few years, most will care more about what you can do as evidenced from your portfolio.

2. I do not know for sure, but I would imagine that the architecture programs in Canada are required to submit materials parallel to the APR as part of the accreditation process.  To know for sure, you should contact CACB.

http://www.cacb-ccca.ca/

3. I am not sure of the best resources, but did find the following:

http://www.architectstocanada.raic.org/Intro_E.html

http://www.archistaff.ca/index.cfm

http://www.archiz.com/dir-architect.html

http://www.archiplanet.org/wiki/Category:Architecture_Firms_in_Canada

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Architecture_firms_of_Canada

4. Unfortunately, I am not fully aware of resources but suggest you contact the following:

http://www.raic.org/index_e.htm

The RAIC does have a member directory that might be helpful in contacting architects.  I have found that most architects are willing to help.

Dr. Architecture