Becoming licensed across borders.

Dear Dr. Architect,

I came across your blog while researching M. Arch programs in US, UK and EU. I am currently a B.Arch. student from India and will receive my National Architecture license from the Council of Architecture, India soon after graduation.

I would like to work as an architect in the countries mentioned above and it would be really helpful if you could provide me some information on the licensing and education requirements for international graduates to find work there.  Also how long would it take before I can start work there? 

P.S : There are a number of ‘Star-architects’ who design projects across the globe. How do they get approved to work if they are licensed only in their native countries?  

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For information on licensing within the U.S., the best source is NCARB - National Council for Architectural Registration Boards - http://www.ncarb.org

As your degree is from India, you will need to follow EESA to have your education evaluated; of course, if you pursue the Master of Architecture (NAAB) accredited, you will meet the education standard.

EESA

http://www.ncarb.org/Certification-and-Reciprocity/EESA.aspx

As for U.K., I suggest you be in touch with RIBA.

RIBA 

http://www.architecture.com/EducationAndCareers/BecomingAnArchitect/Becominganarchitect.aspx#.UeFQsxYTHzI

As for the EU, I am not sure, but I am pretty sure that each country has its own requirements.

P.S. Question - Architects who are not licensed in a particular country or jurisdiction partner with a local architect of record who is licensed in the local jurisdiction.

Best.

Advice on studying architecture for international students

I have been following your blog hoping to find information on appropriate paths of study and I have a few questions regarding potential options, I would be very grateful for your response.

I am currently considering a career in Architecture and I am looking for courses in both the UK (of which I am a citizen) and the USA. I have  previously undertaken an exchange programme with The School of the Art Institute of Chicago as part of my degree and as a result of this would very much like to study in America again. Having graduated with a fine art degree in 2007, I have been working for artists, curators and galleries as well as working with a studio to organise and deliver projects. Whilst all of this has involved aspects of architecture I do not have any formal training in computer aided design/drafting.

I understand that there are three distinct routes involved in qualifying but I am unsure of which one would be ideal for someone like myself who has a degree already, should I be looking to start again as an undergraduate and search for B Arch programmes or would my fine art degree make me eligible for a M Arch programme? Are there also any preliminary courses that could be undertaken on a short term basis in order to become more familiar with the fundamental basics and computer software that in turn would help me in making a transition?

I am researching into various schools that have accredited programmes in architecture and I do not know which course is a realistic possibility as I would want to be able to practice as an architect at the end of study. So, again any advice that you can offer will be incredibly helpful.

Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

______

If your undergraduate degree in fine art is equivalent to a four year degree in the U.S., you would be eligible to apply to the Master of Architecture (3-4 years).  These 3-4 year degrees were developed for those that have an undergraduate degree in another discipline.

You will need to check specific programs as some have prerequisites; these might include calculus, physics, freehand drawing, or history of architecture courses.  What is more important at this point is the development of your portfolio -- as you have a fine art degree, that should not be an issue.  For that reason, there are no specific courses to take except for the prerequisites listed above.

As for searching for accredited programs, visit http://www.naab.org for a list of professional accredited Master of Architecture.  When searching for programs, you need to find those that list an undergraduate degree plus a certain number of credit hours as opposed to a pre-professional degree.

M. Arch (Undergraduate degree + 65 prerequisite credit hours + 54 graduate credit hours)

If your intent is to become licensed in the U.S., it is essential that you gain the accredited Master of Architecture; if you plan to return to the U.K., you would need to contact RIBA - Royal Institute of British Architects [http://www.architecture.com/]

Best!


Dr. Architecture 

RIBA to the US

I am writing to request some information regarding the route to becoming an architect in the USA. I am currently just finishing my RIBA part 1 in London England and considering the option of continuing my education in California with the intention of becoming AIA registered. Is this an option? Thank you for your time.

__________

First, congratulations on your decision to continue your education in California and to pursue licensure in the U.S.

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.

Dr. Architecture