Career Question

I just have a couple questions and this seemed like a good website to stumble upon.

About 5 years ago I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a Certificate in Residentail design adn planning -- I realized that this wasn't what I wanted to do with my life, however, I liked the general feild.

I've had jobs in kitchen design and currently I am working for a granite fabricator processsing drawings and problem solving. I enjoy CAD alot and would love to also venture into REVIT as well.

I am currently attending a local community college and continue a career in Architecture Drafting and Design. I love it so far but am still unsure where this will get me and what the next step will be.

I really think that I would love a career in Commercial Development creating and modeifing drawings if not working as a project manager. I, however, do not know what steps need to be made in order to get where I would like to be.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

______

My expertise is in the process of becoming an architect; I am not sure what you mean when you refer to a career in Commercial Development. You speak of "creating and modeling drawings." If you desire is to use these skills, you do not need to become an architect, but rather continue to develop those skills and market them to prospective employers. The fact that you know CAD and desire to learn REVIT will help as well.

As for the next step from your community college, you have to decide what you want. You may certainly enter the work force, but you could also choose to pursue additional education to either become an architect or other related disciplines.

I would suggest you be in touch with faculty and the career center of your community college to explore your options. I can only suggest you look long term.

Best. Feel free to contact me with further questions if desired.

Dr. Architecture

I have completed B.Arch (2004) and Masters in Urban Development and Planning (2007) from India. In total I have 2 years of experience in Architecture, but not in Urban Planning. Due to some personal reasons I have stopped working. Now I am in U.S.A on dependent Visa. I really wish to work again as I am passionate about Architecture. Can you please suggest me some short term courses to brush up my architectural skills . It would be a great help if guide me on some queries-

As I m a foreign Architect so is it mandatory to pass ARE and evaluate my education through EESA?

Can I work with Architectural firms without being registered in U.S.A. As I want to gain the experience in this field not practice by my own?

Do I need to work as an intern with architectural firms? As I don’t have work permit?

Can you suggest me about firms which provide services for both disciplines (Architecture and Urban Planning)? Where I can work as an Architect and Planner?
________

As your questions are very specific, I may not be the best person to address them, but I will do my best and possibly refer you to other resources.

 If your desire is to become a licensed architect in the U.S., I suggest you review the NCARB website -- All jurisdictions require an education, training, and exam requirement (www.ncarb.org). As a foreign architect, you may wish to learn more about the BEFA program -- http://www.ncarb.org/Getting-an-Initial-License/Foreign-Architects.aspx -- 



An individual may certainly work for an architecture firm without being licensed in the U.S., but please become knowledgeable on work permits given your visa status. I am not an expert of this and suggest you contact someone who is -- perhaps, the U.S. Government. 

The position you would work within a firm would be more dependent on your experience level than anything. You would NOT be able to be an architect as you are not licensed. Again, check out resources about work permits.



I do not recommend specific firms, but there are many resources that list firms. Most chapters of the American Institute of Architects have websites of firms.

Dr. Architecture

Too late to become an Architect

I have an undergraduate degree in art history. I went on to a masters in architecture program, where I did well. Unfortunately from a career standpoint, but fortunately from a personal standpoint, I left the program to marry someone whose job required somewhat frequent moves. I worked as a cartographic draftsperson (before computers) for a couple of years. When we relocated again, I worked for Lehman Brothers selling securities......unrelated field, but well-paying and fun in its own way. We ultimately settled down in a small city in upstate New York. Because I had young children and needed a career with lots of flexibility, and because I felt the need to have work that had some meaning, I became a social worker (MSW). I enjoy my work, but I have never lost my interest in architecture or design. I still sketch, have done some remodeling projects and find myself taking photos of buildings for no good reason. (Career-wise, it's quite a chequered past.)

I have no grandiose ideas about becoming an architect at this late date, but I'd like to get back into that world in some way. I have at least 16 more working years. My question to you is: what entry level position or what skill is most needed in an architectural design firm? I'm guessing CAD drawing, but I don't know. Are there other skills that are useful? Any thoughts or suggestions would be ever so appreciated.
____________

Your question is a first for me. I applaud your lasting passion in architecture despite your career journey.

First, why pass on the idea of becoming an architect. You have the accredited MArch; all you need know is to complete IDP (www.ncarb.org) and pass the ARE. Granted, it may be a tough road, but you have 16 years years.

As for positions or skills, do research on the discipline since your departure by reading blogs, architectural journals or attend lectures are area schools, etc. CAD may be OK, but BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the new CAD. Perhaps becoming a consultant on sustainable (become LEED AP) or another area of the discipline.

I would suggest you pursue skills for which you have a passion - photography, design, graphic design, etc. Do you wish to work for someone or yourself?

One resource to consider is "What Color is Your Parachute" by Richard Bolles.

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Career

I am interested in the field of architecture, but I have some pretty specific questions and am hoping that you can help me. Currently I am a 28-year-old administrative assistant. I fell into administrative positions out of college, but I have no desire to remain in this field, and I would really like to go back to school to pursue a career, rather than continuing to work jobs that provide no fulfillment for my talents or goals.

I did attend college right out of high school and received a BA in Music. My interests have always been in the arts – music, writing, art, etc. – but unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain a career in these fields, which is how I ended up in administrative positions. My goals used to involve being a songwriter and/or a recording artist, but I have decided to go in a new direction and pursue a lucrative career that involves creativity yet has a more direct career path. I have recently become interested in the field of architecture and have been reading more about it to see if it is something at which I think I could excel. I graduated with a 4.02 GPA in high school and summa cum laude from a private liberal arts university. I took math all through high school, including AP Calculus, and received A’s in all of my classes. I also took Physics in high school and received an A in that as well.

In addition to natural artistic ability, I also have very strong writing, communication, organizational, detail-oriented, and creative skills. From what I’ve read, I believe that my combination of left- and right-brain attributes would lend themselves well to a career in this field. The only problem is that I am not currently in the position to go back to school full-time. My husband and I both work full-time to pay the bills, and we are caught in a circular trap in which we cannot pursue new careers without money, and we will not have the money until we achieve success in our professional endeavors. From what I’ve read, I’ve been discouraged to see that it does not appear that I can start out by studying online, which I do understand, given the nature of architecture, but it is still disappointing and frustrating to not be able to pursue this career in the foreseeable future. My question, then, for you is this: is there any way to begin pursuing this career or to find out if I am well-suited to it without attending college full-time?

I thank you for your time and any advice or guidance that you can provide to me.
__________

Congrats on your interest in architecture! Given your academic background in music and academic performance, I am confident that you would be well-suited for the discipline. You would be eligible to apply to Master of Architecture degrees (3-4 years) for those with a background in a discipline other than architecture.

To learn more, fully visit - www.archcareers.org and obtain Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition, available from Amazon.com

As you state, there are NO online degree programs nor would you want them to be; architecture is NOT a discipline to be learned exclusively online. To research programs, visit -- www.naab.org and/or www.archschools.org --. Boston Architectural Center does offer a distance Master of Architecture but you must have the pre-professional BS degree plus you do spend 6-8 days per semester in Boston.

As for pursuing the career without begining an academic program, I would first start with the list of programs available from www.ARCHCareers.org -- while many of them are targeted for high school students, I am sure some do or would be willing to accept individuals with a college degree. Below are a few that I do know of that do --

Harvard
http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/professional/career_discovery/

Berkeley
http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/programs/summer

UCLA
http://www.summer.ucla.edu/institutes/Architecture/overview.htm

Los Angeles Institute Of Architecture And Design (more than a summer program)
http://www.laiad.com

As these programs develop materials for your portfolio, attending would improve your chances for admission. As well, you might be able to solicit a letter of recommendation from the faculty of the program. In addition, simply become engaged in the profession - read book, online magazines, attend lectures or view online, participate in a summer program or take a drawing/life drawing course. Find a mentor, talk with current students, etc.

Finally, I suggest you research the Society for Design Administration because of your administrative background. Obviously, you desire to leave administration, but perhaps an administrative position within a design firm is first good step

http://www.sdadmin.org/

I wish you the best

Dr. Architecture

Architecture Later in Life.

I have a question about pursuing architecture later in life.

I am 25 and I have an undergraduate degree in Anthropology. I've never taken any design courses in school and my math background is weak.

I have become interested in architecture since building wooden boats with my father. I found the process of drafting boat plans eminently satisfying and I have found the math less intimidating than I ever thought. So, I want to evaluate my prospects in design fields.

I was hoping you might be able to share with me some advice. I understand many NAAB schools offer three year MArchs to people with non-architectural degrees but I still lack the basic pre-reqs like physics: mechanics or calculus. Do any schools offer a one year 'make up' program or provisional acceptance? Or would I have to start at square one with a five year undergraduate degree? Am I hopelessly behind?
_________

Congrats on your interest in pursuing the career of architect. You are NOT behind!

As you note, you are well-suited to pursue the accredited Master of Architecture at any number of architecture programs given your previous degree in anthropology.

You are correct in that most graduate programs do require calculus, physics and some may require a freehand drawing. If you do not have these, you will need to complete prior to enrollment. The most effective way to fulfill these requirements is to attend an area community college.

To learn more about the entire process, visit http://archcareers.blogspot.com/; to learn about programs, visit www.naab.org and/or www.archschools.org. Finally, obtain Becoming an Architect, 2nd edition available from Amazon.

As well, I am available for consulting via phone. Do let me know and I wish you the best.

Dr. Architecture

Becoming an Architect

I am hoping you can give me some advice, I have worked as a Quantity Surveyor/Cost Manager in the UK for the last 5 years, I also have studied and attained an MA(Hons) in Business and Management and an MSc in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.

I am very interested in living in the USA and also I am considering a career change to architecture.

I was hoping you might be able to advise me on the best route to studying and becoming an Architect in USA and likely timescales given my experience and existing qualifications in Construction.

Another point to mention is that I am considering part-time studying as an option to allow me to maintain an income during my studies.

Thanks in advance for your help.
_________

The process of becoming an architect requires three accomplishments - 1) education, 2) experience, and 3) examination. To best learn this process, I refer you to ARCHCareers.org and the book, Becoming an Architect, 2nd Edition.

Because of your previous degrees, you may pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years). Upon graduation, you would need to work for an architect for approximately three (3) years through Intern Development Program (IDP). Once you have met the education and experience requirements, you may take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

The time it will take may vary, but should be about 7-9 years.

Finally, you may find it difficult to study part-time as most architecture programs require full-time study. To research programs, visit either -- www.naab.org or www.archschools.org --.

Dr. Architecture

Political Science to Architecture

I am about to embark on my 4th and final year as a political science major at the University of Arizona. After much reflection, I am at a crossroads. While I have an interest in political science, I have a passion for construction, design, and architecture. Growing up, I have fond memories of my twin brother and I helping my father navigate through countless construction projects; house renovations, house reconstruction (after a fire) office building improvements and construction. Looking back on all of this, I find myself questioning whether to finish off my political science degree or to try and get into an architecture program. I was wondering if you could send me some information regarding the process and prospect of starting an architectural course of study now, and where it might take me in the future.

Cheers,
_________

As you are very close to graduation, your best approach to becoming an architect is to complete your undergraduate degree and pursue the Master of Architecture (3-4 years) that many institutions offer for those individuals with a degree in another discipline. If you try to transfer to an architecture program, it will actually take you longer.

Of course, you should begin to research architecture programs now -- via two sites -- www.naab.org or www.archschools.org --.

As all programs will require a portfolio, you would be encouraged to take an art course (freehand drawing, life drawing) to generate materials for your portfolio.

Also, a great resource is Becoming an Architect, 2nd edition available from Amazon.com. As well, I encourage you to review my blog as it includes questions from other individuals.

http://archcareers.blogspot.com/

Architect in the United States

Hello Dr. Architecture,

I came across your very helpful blog while going through all the architectural forums and must be very honest when i say it was very encouraging. I'm in a bit of a predicament and would really benefit from some ideas. I completed my B.Arch in India where I am from in the year 2006. I promptly got into practice with architectural firms and did various kinds of projects . in total I have almost 2-1/2 to 3 years of experience. I came to the U.S.A with my husband last august and would really wish to do some work now. I don't hold a work permit and wouldn't mind a voluntary job.

My situation is that I lost my laptop with all my past work experience in the airport (last august) . It would not be possible for me to show any previous work. Also its been more than a year since I practiced any architectural work .

It would be great if you could tell me what my options could be.

-would be better if i took up a course in architecture - for six months just to brush up my skills, or any other suggestions to courses would be great .

- or if I did voluntary work for architectural firms , if so could you please tell me what I need to read up on, software to be learnt before I could apply for a job.

It would also be nice if you could tell me what I could read to know about architecture in general in the U.S.A

Any suggestions or recommendations from you would be really great. i don't want to give up on this profession for i have worked hard to earn it.

I really appreciate the time spent on reading my long email and would be grateful for your help.
_____________

First, you should NOT work as a volunteer; it is not legal from the perspective of the firm. Given that you lost your laptop, you should be spending time to recreate or create work to show potential firms. You could certainly take a course or simply use a competition brief to show your talents.

To become immersed in the discipline, read the following magazines among others -

http://www.architectmagazine.com/
http://archrecord.construction.com/

As for software, review position descriptions for ideas; also, network and connect with other architects in your region via the AIA - American Institute of Architects - www.aia.org

Dr. Architecture

Advice for education after a BArch degree.

Hi Dr. Architecture:

I am hopeful you can give me some advice and direction. I am in my 5th year of my bachelors program of architecture. In reviewing my future I am considering more education before practicing architecture. My consideration is based on a couple of factors, the current state of affairs in the U.S. today making it extremely tough for the college grads to locate job offers, and my desire to enahnce my skills from other B of A graduates through additional skills. Through my B of A program I beleive that I have developed some good foundation to my design skills but I am not sure a Master program in architecture will completely benefit me if it continues to focus on design. Say for example in the future my desire is to have my own development firm, would it not benefit me to have an engineering degree or possibly a degree in structural engineering. My bottom line question is what kind of further education can compliment my B of A degree and then prepare me to compete more advantangeously in the job market and my future as an architect. I am in my 20's now and I want to address my educational requirements right now for proper preparation of my career vs trying to tackle a lot of education after entering in a career direction. Any direction or advice would be great. Thanks.
_________

First, congrats on approaching the graduation of your Bachelor of Architecture. Next, I applaud your interest in continuing your studies.

However, while I applaud your desire, I question your considerations. In my humble opinion, you do not continue your education because you are not able to secure employment or simply want to enhance your skills.

From your statement, it appears that you wish to pursue further education but you are not sure of which discipline to pursue. With this perspective, why continue your studies. I would argue that you "begin with the end in mind" first; determine which discipline you wish to pursue and then pursue graduate studies.

What would happen if you chose structural engineering for your studies and later found out that you had no desire to pursue it as a career.

Education (Graduate Programs) will always be there. I would suggest you strongly consider entering the workforce, albeit difficult, to help you learn to which discipline you wish to pursue. It is admirable to "address your educational requirements right now" but why do it now if you are not sure of the disipline.

Of course start your career/graduate studies research now. Talk to people, read, research programs -- petersons.com -- etc.

Just my thoughts. I hope this helps!

Dr. Architecture

Online Architecture Courses

I am really interested in becoming an architect. I use to go college and started taking some classes but mostly got my Gen Ed done and ended up joining the army. I will be deploying in aug for a year. My question is while I'm deployed do you know of any schools that I can take online that will help me get closer to becoming an architect? And if so would it be harder to get a job with an online degree since there's no studio time? If you can help me with this I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
__________

Given the nature of the discipline of architecture, there are limited opportunities to take courses online. The Boston Architectural College does offers a Distance MArch, but an individual must have a preprofessional degree (B.S. in Architecture or equivalent).

Below are some resources to consider that may be helpful, but use caution; my listing of these does not indicate endorsement.

MIT
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Architecture/index.htm

Academy of Art University
http://online.academyart.edu/architecture.html

Online
http://www.architectureschools.com/guidance/online-architecture-education.html

Architecture Courses
http://www.architecturecourses.org/

Best - Dr. Architecture