Boy Scouts of America Architecture Merit Badge

Are you a Boy Scout? If so, have you obtained your Architecture Merit Badge?

Regardless of whether you a boy scout or not, consider fulfilling the requirements of the BSA Architecture Merit Badge. To begin, review this particular Scoutmaster's blog on the topic.

ScoutMaster Blog: Merit Badge of the Week - Architecture

Below is the requirements for the badge --

Boy Scouts of America - Architecture Merit Badge

It is interesting to note that 2,104 scouts earned the Architecture Merit Badge during 2007. For the full list, visit the Merit Badge Fact Sheet.

Dr. Architecture

IDP Friendly Firms

I am a recent M.Arch graduate and I would like to inquire about a list of architectural firms in New York City that participate in the IDP program. If there is no official list, could you then please refer me to a couple of firms that have participated in the past? Or could you at least give me a hint where or how to find current job openings for entry-level positions at firms that are willing to participate in the IDP program?

__________

First, there is no such list of firms that participate in IDP for NYC or any other location in the country. IDP is a program for interns in the architectural profession not the firms. You should approach firms that you wish to work for and inquire how they support your professional growth in the profession including IDP. In theory, all firms could fit the bill but some firms are more supportive of interns and IDP than others.

Some AIA chapters have lists of "intern-friendly" firms.

AIA Massachusetts

AIA South Carolina

AIA Alabama

Granted, these firms are not in NYC, but the websites might provide ideas on what to look for in firms to which you apply for employment. Remember, your professional growth is your responsibility.

Dr. Architecture

Job Searching - A.R.C.H.I.T.E.C.T

I am a recent graduate from California Polytechnic State University and with a minor in sustainable environments. I worked at a firm in southern California for six months before resigning and moving to Chicago with my new wife. I have been looking for a job for two months here in Chicago and have had no luck with interviews. It is a hard market, and I do not have any contacts here in this city. I have been mostly looking online for jobs as I do not have any contacts in the city as of yet. Do you have any tips regarding job hunting, or other industry ideas that would be a good fit for an architecture degree?

I really appreciate any feedback.

Listed below is a portion on "job-searching" from my book, Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design. Review for some ideas.

From what you have shared, it would seem that you are not spending enough time. If you do not have a position at the present time, you should be spending 8 hours a day to secure one. Job searching is your job right now.

The most effective method is connections. You say you do not have any contacts; you need to find some. Join the AIA Chicago chapter and become involved with the associates. Attend lectures at the local schools IIT and UIC and connect with faculty. Knock on doors of firms directly to determine their hiring needs. You need to put yourself in connection with the architect professionals of Chicago. Research firms through AIA Chicago.

Contact Cal Poly Alumni Assn. to see if any alums are in the Chicago area. Do any of your faculty from school have colleagues in Chicago? Take a class to develop skills and make connections.

Also, polish your job search skills -- phone skills, cover letter writing, resume, firm research. Do not rely on online searching or emails. Make connections.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Dr. Architecture

A.R.C.H.I.T.E.C.T

By applying your talents as an architecture student towards gaining experience, you will be able to design your own career, rather than just letting it happen. You will want to be more creative in organizing your search for gaining and promoting yourself to prospective employers. While not guaranteed, the following hints, spelling out the word ARCHITECT, may assist you in gaining experience a little quicker.

Assessment
The first step in gaining experience involves assessing yourself. Assess what aspect of architecture inspires you: programming, design, interior architecture, construction management, etc.; what is it that you desire to do within an architecture firm and what are you able to offer a prospective employer. Ask yourself the question -- Why should this firm hire me? What would your answer be? Constantly evaluate your interests, abilities, and values and how they match those of your current or a prospective employer.

Research
Research is critical to the process. What positions within an architecture firm can best utilize your skills and knowledge? What employers have such positions? Do not limit your search to the architecture profession; the best employment opportunities for you may be with an interior design firm, a construction firm, or an engineering firm; again, be creative in your search.

Connections
To be successful, connections are crucial. Regardless of the career field, over 60% of all openings are obtained through networking. Consider adding five to ten names to your network monthly. One places to network is local AIA meetings where you can meet with architects of the local firms. Listen. Learn. Talk. Remember, every conversation is a possible lead. The more ears and eyes you have looking for you for the positions you want, the more likely something will materialize.

Networking
The most effective method to learn of opportunities is NETWORKING, but most people, especially students do not know what is networking. Simply put, it is informing others around you of your intent in gaining experiencing and asking if they may know of any leads for you. In a school setting, this may include classmates, professors, and staff. Another excellent idea related to networking is to approach guest lecturers or architects that may be on your juries. Ask them if they hire students for the summer or part-time positions. They may not always be to responsive so politely ask for a business card for you to follow-up.

Help
Help with your search can be gained from a variety of sources. A good place to start is the university career center; touching base with a career counselor can be a great place to begin as they can help you target your job search. Many AIA chapters post position on their website or allow you to post your resume. Public libraries are another valuable resources; they have a multitude of resources that may be helpful. As well, you should seek support from others, especially family and friends; talking to them can be a big boost to your job search.

Employment Listings
Undoubtedly, most programs in architecture have a job board or notebook that promotes employment opportunities within the region of the program or an online system of informing students. When seeking students to perform entry-level tasks, many firms will send a position announcement outlining the duties and responsibilities, qualifications, and contact information.

If you determine that you either need or want to work part-time while in school, use these postings as a first step to learn of opportunities, but do not stop there. Contact the local chapter of AIA to learn if they also accept listings from area firms. Some AIA chapters also collect resumes from individuals seeking employment and allow firms to review them.

Interim Positions
If you were unable to secure your ideal position for the summer or after graduation, consider an interim job. An interim job provides you with related experience, but is only a stopgap solution; you have no intention of staying on a permanent basis. Ideally, interim jobs allow you to continue your search, connect you with a wide variety of people for networking, and build upon your skills.

Tools
Critical to the job search process are your resume, portfolio, ability to write cover letters and to interview; they are very important tools to communicate your "self" to potential employers. Are your tools in top form? If not, practice your interviewing skills, rework your resume or have someone critique your portfolio.

Resume/Cover Letters - As with any discipline, having a resume is essential when conducting a search for experience. Just as critical is a well-crafted cover letter. While it is not the intent of this book to duplicate the rigors of resume writing or other aspects of the job search, what can be shared are insights to these necessary tools. For the resume, keep is simple and straightforward providing information from your background and experiences that demonstrate your abilities. Do not be afraid to include skills learned from studio or other classroom projects under a section entitled - course projects. If you have not worked formally in an architectural office, you can still promote your drawing, modeling or building, and design skills learned in studio.

Another idea for the resume is the inclusion of graphics! With the ease of scanning drawings and graphic publishing softwares, placing an image on your resume can be powerful; however, exercise caution as the image may make reading the resume more difficult. Rather than including graphics on your resume, you could create a one-page portfolio.

For most, cover letters are an afterthought, when in reality, cover letters serve as the introduction to you as the prospective employee. Most cover letters are typically three paragraphs: 1) introduces yourself and explains the purpose of the letter; 2) sells your skill set and makes the match for the employer; and 3) provides the terms of follow-up. Regardless of the letter, be sure to address the letter to an individual, not a "Dear Sir/Madam." If you do not know the name of the individual, take the time to contact the firm and ask. Be persistent if the firm is reluctant to provide this information.

Finally, remember, the purpose of the resume/cover letter is to obtain an interview!

Portfolio - Just as important as the resume and perhaps more important is your portfolio. As architecture is a visual based discipline, the portfolio provides a direct link for the employer to your skills as an architect. For this reason, you will want to provide images that demonstrate all of your architectural skills - drafting, model building, drawing, design, etc. As well, you want to provide some drawings from projects from the beginning of the design process to the end. In other words, do not only include finished ink on mylar drawings. These will allow the employer to see your thought process as it relates to a design problem.

"The portfolio is a creative act, showing your skills and imagination, but it is also an act of communication and a tool for self-promotion. Demonstrate originality and inventiveness, but also accept the restrictions and conventions of professionalism, and show that you can get your ideas across in terms that working architects and designers can understand." -- Harold Linton

Interviewing – Perhaps not thoughts as a tool, good interviewing skills can make the difference of being selected to receive an offer or not. Surprisingly, you should prepare for an interview by researching the firm, think what questions might be asked of you and what questions you might ask of the firm.

Experience
At this point in your career, you may feel as if you have little experience. This may be true, but recognize that, in many cases, employers are hiring your potential. If you do not have the experience needed, consider trying one of the following to obtain it: 1) part-time work, 2) volunteer work, 3) informal experiences, 4) temporary work.

Commitment
Searching for a position that provides you experience can be a full-time task. Although you are too busy with various school commitments, devote every possible minute to your search; doing so will payoff. In fact, if you have not already done so, start your search now! Do not wait until next week or next month.

Transition
Realize that you are going through a major life transition, that of entering the profession of architecture. In addition to your position, recognize that all aspects of your life will be affected. Summer vacations are a luxury of the past. Finally, there are financial adjustments as you begin to receive an annual salary and have new expenses.

It may be a tough market, therefore, be assertive, learn the search process, and do not be afraid of rejection. Searching for a position is a skill you will be using throughout your life.

A Final Thought
The answer, in a nutshell, is:
Thru your research
And then thru your contacts. -- Richard N. Bolles

Graduate Architecture Program

I have always been interested in architecture but it always took a back seat to my love and infatuation with graphic design.. I have a bachelor's in fine art for visual communications concentrating in graphic design.

Is it possible to return to school in a 2-3 year graduate program for architecture and still be able to be licensed and be able to practice as both an architect and designer.. possibly in a firm offering both services?

Yes, many institutions offer a Master of Architecture (3-4 years) for individuals that have a degree in another discipline. With your background in graphic design, you should be a perfect fit as you know the design process.

Visit - www.naab.org and www.archschools.org for a list of institutions that offer this particular graduate program.

Dr. Architecture

Community Service

I recently graduated with a B.S. in Architecture degree and wanted to explore organizations that would provide me the opportunity to volunteer through community services in architecture and / or construction. Do you know of any?
______________________

I applaud your desire to "give back" through service. These may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it should lead you in the right direction.

Look up the following books to give you some ideas and get you started:

Architecture for Humanity, (2006). Design Like You Give a Damn: Architectural Responses to Humanitarian Crises. New York, NY: Metroplis Books. ISBN – 1-933-04525-6

Bell, Bryan (2003). Good Deeds, Good Design: Community Service Through Architecture. Princeton: Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN: 1-5689-8391-3

Design Corps
http://www.designcorps.org/

Public Architecture
http://www.publicarchitecture.org

Architecture For Humanity
http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/

Architects, Designers, And Planners For Social Responsibility
http://www.adpsr.org/

Habitat For Humanity International
http://www.habitat.org/

Americorps
http://www.americorps.org/

Architects Without Borders
http://www.awb.iohome.net

Mad Housers Inc.
http://www.madhousers.org/

Association For Community Design
http://www.communitydesign.org

Peace Corps
http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Dr. Architecture

Fall 2008 Graduate Open Houses

For those of you seeking to apply to Graduate Programs in Architecture, consider attending the following Open Houses

Fall 2008 Graduate Open Houses (Partial List)

Friday, October 10
Illinois at Chicago, University of
www.uic.edu/depts/arch/

Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of
www.uwm.edu/sarup/

Friday, October 17
Maryland, University of
www.arch.umd.edu

Cincinnati, University of
www.daap.uc.edu/said/

Friday, October 24, 2008
North Carolina at Charlotte, University of
www.coa.uncc.edu

Michigan, University of
www.tcaup.umich.edu/arch

Monday, October 27
California At Los Angeles, University of
www.aud.ucla.edu

Pennsylvania, University Of
www.upenn.edu/gsfa/arch

Washington University
www.arch.wustl.edu/

Friday, October 31
Minnesota, University of
arch.cdes.umn.edu/

Monday, November 3
Cornell University
www.aap.cornell.edu/arch/

Princeton University
soa.princeton.edu/

Wednesday, November 5
Columbia University
www.arch.columbia.edu/

Thursday, November 6
Yale University
www.architecture.yale.edu

Friday, November 7
Harvard University
www.gsd.harvard.edu

Monday, November 10
Virginia, University Of
www.arch.virginia.edu/architecture/

Tulane University
architecture.tulane.edu/home/

Friday, November 14, 2008
North Carolina At Charlotte, University Of
www.coa.uncc.edu

Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lawrence Technological University
ltu.edu/architecture_and_design/index.asp

Dr. Architecture

I am currently a senior and will graduate next spring with a B.S. in Architecture from a public institution. I am in the midst of researching graduate programs in architecture.

Can you explain to me the difference between a Masters of Science in Architecture and a Masters of Architecture?

Also, most schools require 3 letters of reference; I have asked a history of architecture professor to be one and my boss from work to be another. Who do you think I should ask to serve as the third? Thanks!

B.S. in Architecture Senior

First, as a soon-to-be graduate of a preprofessional program, you will want to research architecture programs that offer the NAAB Master of Architecture, sometimes referred to as a professional degree.

The Master of Science is not a professional degree and would not allow you to pursue licensure; they are often referred to as post-professional degrees. If interested in a specific topic, you may wish to pursue this degree after receiving your Master of Architecture. Caution: approximately one-third of the architecture programs title their post-professional degree - Master of Architecture; this is NOT the NAAB accredited degree. Be sure to ask questions of the program if not clear.

Second, I would suggest you obtain your third letter of reference from a design faculty. While faculty who teach lecture or elective courses are fine, it is essential to have one, preferably two from design faculty. Graduate programs want to know you as a designer. I would even suggest a design faculty over a former employer.

Dr. Architecture

High School Summer Architecture Programs

My daughter is interested in architecture and is entering high school next year. At what age do most of the students in your summer architecture program normally enroll (e.g. between freshman an sophomore year or sophomore and junior year, etc.)?

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.

http://www.archcareers.org/collegeprep.html

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

5 Year Master of Architecture - Confusing Degree

I am trying to wade thru all the wonderful information on architectural programs to help my daughter narrow down her search.

Frankly I am a bit confused by the degree programs. I see that many schools offer a 5 year B Arch professional degree for students entering college. However a few such as Tulane offer a 5 year M Arch degree for students in the same situation.

Father of high school student.

______

Question
Would Tulane's program be a more accelerated one, with a higher level of competence, than say a B Arch program at Cornell?

Answer
No -- You would need to carefully compare the two curricula and not just look at the degree title.

If you visit - www.naab.org -- you can search a list of all accredited programs by the type of degree. Many schools offer the BArch, but just as many offer the MArch.

A few years ago, NAAB, the accredited agency determined that they should not dictate the degree nomenclature, but rather leave that to the school. For this reason, many schools changed from a 5 year BArch to a 5 or 5+ year MArch. On the surface, they may be the same, but some schools now offer a degree (preprofessional) prior to the accredited degree. For example a 4 year BS in Architecture. This provides an opportunity for the student to leave after four years and also for the school not to admit the student for the graduate program.

Question
And one more question if I may: Do architecture firms regard students graduating with a B Arch 5 year degree similarly to another graduate with a 4 year undergrad degree and M Arch grad degree?

Answer
Ultimately, firms want to know what the graduate can do regardless of the degree however, the firm may have a preference based on the degree of the firm's principal. If I have a BArch, I may prefer a graduate with a BArch or vice versa.

Needless to say, it is confusing to understand it all.

Dr. Architecture

Career and College Expo - Fall 2008

Aside from actually visiting each architecture program, the most efficient way to learn about programs is to visit one of the annual events designed for prospective architecture students. Below are the names, dates, and locations; select the link for more details. For each, you will be able to visit between 25-35 programs and attend workshops as well.

As Dr. Architecture, I will be presenting on the topic of "Selecting an Architecture Program" at the Boston, MA and Washington, DC events.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Architecture.

Architecture College and Career Expo
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Campus of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL

2008 BSA College and Career Fair in Architecture and Design
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

2008 Careers in Construction EXPO
November 21, 2008 - 9:00am-7:00pm
National Building Museum, Washington, DC

Forum 2008 College and Career Expo
December 30, 2008
AIAS Forum 2008 - Denver, CO

Dr. Architecture