Where to attend for school?

My son is getting ready to go to college.  His goal is to become an architect and he would like to work for a large firm.  He has applied to several universities and has been accepted to 3 so far.  He has been getting conflicting information about what employers might want regarding the type of degree.  He has been told that most firms would rather have someone with a 5 year professional degree rather than a 4 year pre-professional plus a 2 year masters.  

He has already been accepted to Penn State (but the cost is high) which has a 5 year program.  I has also been accepted to University of Arizona and Texas A&M (AZ offered him a $10,000 a year scholarship).  He is  waiting to hear from Syracuse, Drexel and Cooper Union (my top picks).  Drexel is a 6 year program which includes a 4 year apprenticeship.  He is a hard working straight A student and is very goal driven.  I know that no matter where he attends he'll do well, I just want to make sure he has options.

Can you give me some advice so I can pass that on to him?

______________

As for advice, I truly think a student should pick a school because of what the school/program has to offer not on what potential employers might want.

For education, there are two basic degree paths - 1) 5 year Bachelor of Architecture and 2) 4+2 year Master of Architecture.  The biggest advantage of the BArch is the time it takes to complete the degree - shortest.  For the MArch, it provides the student an opportunity to attend two programs (undergraduate and graduate) as well as take time between two degrees to work.

All of the schools you list except Texas A&M are 5 year BArch.  Thus, he seems to be leaning towards the BArch.  

One option is to contact employers in your area to see what they would prefer.  Most will tell you that it is not the degree that matters but what the graduate can do.  Which program will best prepare him for the profession.

Where are you in the country?  I would suggest you have attend the school/program that he feels is best for him and worry about the work after graduation for later.  Obviously, if possible have him obtain summer internships in a firm.

I hope this helps!

ARE Resources

Dear Dr. Architecture,

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/professionals/licensed/AIAS074829

Study Resources for the ARE
http://academics.triton.edu/faculty/fheitzman/idp-stud.htm

ARE REOURCES – as listed on AIA

Resources from the NCARB

Learn the latest information on the NCARB ARE Home Page. Begin the process by reviewing the materials the provided by NCARB, the developers of the exam:

Handbook for Interns and Architects
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.

Also available: ARE 4.0 Guidelines| NCARB Study Guides | NCARB ARE FAQ

You can register to take the ARE on the Prometric Web site.

ARE Study Guides

Several publishers and companies offer study materials. Please see their Web sites for more information. Check with your local AIA component to see if they lend ARE study materials. Also, enter the ARE Forum to get recommendations or buy secondhand books.

Amor Study Guides (3.1)
Study Guides for all Divisions and California Supplemental Exam
Author: William A. Amor, NCARB, AIA

Archiflash (3.1 & 4.0)
Practice problems for ARE 4.0 divisions.
Flashcards for all ARE 3.1 multiple-choice divisions.
Author: National Academic & Licensing Study Aids, LLC. (NALSA)

Architectural Licensing Exam Preparation (3.1)
For each ARE 3.1 multiple-choice division and California Supplemental Exam: Workbook and Sample Exam Booklet
Author: Richard Chylinski, FAIA

Architecture Exam Review (3.1 & 4.0)
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

Free lecture notes and structural tips
Author: David Thaddeus, AIA

Kaplan AEC Education (3.1 & 4.0)
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

MBA Architectural (3.1 & 4.0)
(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

Sissoko Design Office, Inc (California Supplemental Exam)
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

Workbook: Solutions: Understanding the Graphic Divisions of the Architect's Exam
Home Study Course includes: Solutions Workbook, Mock Exams (pencil & paper version or computer version), NCARB Tutorial Solutions, Past Exams
Author: Norman K. Dorf, AIA

ARE Seminar Instructors

Candidates should check with your local AIA component to see if they organize ARE seminars or look at the AIA national Events Calendar for already scheduled seminars. Seminars may also occur at the local, state, or regional level or through a school of architecture. Some of the seminar instructors also offer online seminars. Check their Web sites for more information.

Architectural Licensing Exam Preparation (3.1)
Richard Chylinski, FAIA

ARE Prep for Graphic Divisions (3.1 & 4.0)
Bob J. Wise Jr., Robert Elfer, NCARB, AIA, Laura Serebin, AIA

Funkaar Studios (3.1 & 4.0)
Umber Kazmi, LEED AP

Kaplan AEC Education (3.1 & 4.0)

MBA Architectural Seminars, Workshops, and Tutoring (3.1 & 4.0)
Michael P. Boardway, R.A.
(909) 336-1180

PREPA-R-E (3.1)
Marc Mitalski, PE, SE, Assoc. AIA

Seminars on General Structures and Lateral Forces Divisions (3.1 & 4.0)

David Thaddeus, AIA, NCARB | UNC-Charlotte | (704) 687-4021

Seminars on Mechanical and Electrical Systems Division
Wendell Edwards | CUNY-New York | (718) 260-5266

Mike Green, PE | Arkansas-based | (479) 443-4786

Seminars for Graphic Divisions
Bob Stephen and Barry Chin | California-based | (415) 681-6991

ARE Scholarships

Check with your local AIA component to see if they know of local scholarships opportunities. To suggest an addition to this list, please email emergingiprofessionals@aia.org.

Jason Pettigrew Scholarship
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.

Texas State Scholarship
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.

AIA Shreveport Grant for Interns/Edward Kemp Grant Fund
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.

Architects of Other Things

I could not resist including the attached series of images of architects of other things:

Architects of Other Things
http://architectsofotherthings.tumblr.com/

A list of previous architecture students who are not designing buildings.

Who knew that you could become a queen or rock star after pursuing architecture.

With appreciation to my colleague, David Zach, below is a Word Cloud of Other Things you can do/purse as an architect.

Becoming an Architect: What to do in High School

i'm going to high school next year, and i want to be an architect. Do you have any advice for me? Buildings to see, books to read, classes to take? Thanks so much!

___________

First, as you are just now about to enter high school, know that you are ahead of the game.  Many students do not discover their interest in architecture until well into high school or after.

Start by planning to attend one of many high school summer programs during your high school summers; for a list visit - www.archcareers.org.  These are great opportunities to help you learn more about the process and determine if becoming an architect is what you want to do.

Next, learn to draw by hand -- do not worry about drafting or CAD which is taught by most high schools.  Instead, take ART or creative courses - drawing, painting, ceramics, etc.  If your high school does not offer ART, simply buy a sketchbook and draw 30 minutes per day of everyday objects.  You are trying to connect your brain, eye, and hand.

Also, explore and see the built environment around you.  It is great to see the architecture around you but start with your own house.  Become a detective and learn the materials of a buildings -- why did the architect do what he/she did.

Contact local architects to possibly shadow for a day or so to learn more about the career. Visit architecture schools to consider but also to see what happens in college.

A last idea is to obtain a copy of Becoming an Architect, 2nd. Edition.  These ideas should get you started, but feel free to contact me again as you explore architecture.

Best.

Civil engineering and Architecture

I came across your blog today and decided to send you an e-mail in order to describe my situation and seek your guidance. I have been studying civil engineering for 5 years and I' m just about to get my degree, so I'm currenlty looking into postgrads in Europe. I find myself seeking an architectural extention to my studies, since I am quite creative and environmentally sensitive and have always been a great admirer of architecture. I came across sustainable design and it seems like the right thing for me, since it doesn' t require having necessarily majored in architecture. However, i realised that if i make the said choice, i would like to direct myself towards sustainable design and construction in third world countries. I was wondering what my options are as a career path and also whether i can actually do that as a combination of my major and the postgrad. Furthermore, I would appreciate it if you could point me towards other masters combining civil engineering and architecture. Please help me make the right choice! I am looking forward to receiving your reply and i thank you in advance for your time.

_______________

First, I must share that my expertise is in "becoming an architect" in the U.S. and not Europe, but I will share what I can.

Given that you are pursuing a degree in civil engineering (an unrelated degree), you would be eligible to apply to a Master of Architecture (3-4 years) in the U.S.  Visit - www.naab.org - for a list of accredited programs.

Also, with your interest in sustainability, you will find many programs have that emphasis but all must address it as it is a performance standard for accreditation.

In terms of third world countries, I would suggest the following: 

Architecture for Humanity - http://architectureforhumanity.org

Global Architecture Brigades - http://www.globalbrigades.org

Architects without Borders - http://www.architectswithoutborders.com

As for joint degrees for civil and architecture, I can only suggest the previous NAAB website and search for those that also have civil.  I am aware of on program at the University of Illinos.

Best.

Unpaid Architecture Internships Come Under Fire

Given that architectural graduates are required to work under the supervision of an architect as part of the process of becoming an architect, I thought you might be interested in this article on Architizer.

http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/65222/unpaid-architecture-internships-come-under-fire/#.ULjEZ4WK3R1

Image below via @EricGlatt, who is working to end “unpaid labor guised as internships”

Story by C. J. Hughes
Architecture firms have often relied on unpaid interns, even if some firms don’t exactly advertise the tradition. But after recent lawsuits brought by former interns in other industries, the custom is starting to come under fire in the design world.

...

Preprofessional vs. professional

Why would a student pursue a pre-professional program in architecture vs. a professional program? Is it for someone who's not sure if they want to pursue architecture? What kind of job would they get upon graduating? I realize they would need a Master's program after that to pursue a career in architecture.
_______________

First, let me put your question in another context.  Instead of asking preprofessional vs professional, a better question is professional vs. professional.

NAAB (accrediting board) accredits three degrees - 1) Bachelor of Architecture (5 years); 2) Master of Architecture (4+2/3 years); and the Doctor of Architecture (only at Hawaii).  So, students can choose from any of these three paths to a professional accredited degree.

Thus, students pursue the 4+2 preprofessional degree + the Master of Architecture because it provides a broader undergraduate education; it provides the opportunity to pursue studies at two institutions/programs - one for undergraduate and one for graduate -- as well, it allows the opportunity to take time off between the two degrees.  Finally, many of these 4+2 programs do not require studio in the first year allowing a student to ease into architecture compared to the five-year BArch.

Students with the four-year preprofessional Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies can secure any entry level position with an architecture firm; just because they do not have the professional degree, does not mean that they cannot contribute their skills to a firm or any employer.

Ironically, in the early 1980s, there were about 90 BArch degree and 50 MArch; not it is opposite with about 90 MArch degrees being offered and 50 BArchs.

I hope this helps.  Thanks!

What major if pursuing Varsity Sport

I am interested in studying to become an architect, but have an opportunity to play a varsity sport at a university that does not offer undergraduate architecture studies.  Is there an recommended major (Art, Environmental Studies, etc.) that has better placement for grad school Architecture programs?
_____________

The best major to pursue is the one that you will enjoy the most and succeed in as well as best allow you to pursue your varsity sport.  Certainly, related majors such as art or environmental studies might be considered the best but if either creates a challenge to succeed or pursue your sport, it may not be the best choice.

Certainly, if your intentions are to pursue architecture at the graduate level, you will want to take courses in art or related disciplines so you have materials for your portfolio.  Also, consider the graduate programs to which you might apply to see their requirements - calculus or architecture history.

Decisions on admission to graduate programs are not based on the major, but rather your academic record and portfolio.

Best.

Upcoming Career Days - Dallas, New York, Savannah

Between now and the end of the year, I will be attending a career days for aspiring architects and the annual AIAS Forum.  I will not be in NYC, but it is certainly worthy to attend.

If you live in these regions, feel free to attend.

2B an Architect

Dallas, TX
AIAS Dallas - Saturday, November 17
http://www.aiadallas.org/cde.cfm?event=395188

ARCHSchools Confidential

New York, NY
AIA NYC - Tuesday, November 27
http://cfa.aiany.org/index.php?section=calendar&evtid=5125

AIAS Forum - Sunday, December 30

Savannah, GA
http://www.aias.org/website/article.asp?id=2341

Questions

I’m interested in a career in architecture.  I have some questions for you.

 

What skills are people looking for in industry?

 

What are some ways to learn the basics?

 

What do you think I should do before I begin my first class in January? I’ll be starting out with drafting.

 

Thank You for your time

______________

Thanks for your questions.

A great overview of the profession is from the DOL Occupational Outlook Handbook.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm

As for skills employers, they are varied -- beyond the traditional skills of design, technical skills, etc., they also want communication, collaboration, and leadership.  A great way to see what they want is to read position descriptions.

To learn the basics, read and sketch.  Go to the library to read volumes on architecture and review websites on the topic.  Purchase a sketchbook and draw what you see which will extend to drawing what is in your imagination.

As odd as it sounds, I would not start out with drafting; drafting is not what architecture is.  Instead, take an art course/freehand drawing to get started.  Try out a 2D design course instead.  Contact an area architect to possibly shadow for the day to learn the profession.

Visit - www.archcareers.org - to learn more.