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Ulises
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What education do I need to be an a Architect?
Hi I’m a middle school student, and I live in Arizona and I would like to know how to get a job as an architect. What education do I need to be an architect how long will it take me in college/university to be an architect? What are good schools to go to for the career I want? How much will I make an hour? How much will I make a month? How much will I make a year.
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2 answers
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hello Ulises,
I encourage you to visit bls.gov for comprehensive information on future career prospects.
Becoming a licensed architect usually involves three pivotal steps: earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture, acquiring practical experience through a paid internship, and successfully passing the Architect Registration Examination.
Education
Architects generally require a bachelor's degree in architecture. This is often achieved through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program. Some further enhance their qualifications by pursuing a master’s degree in architecture, which could require an additional 1 to 5 years, depending on their prior education and training in architecture.
A standard bachelor’s degree program encompasses courses in architectural history and theory, building design with a focus on computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), structures, construction methods, professional practices, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts.
Approximately two-thirds of the states mandate that architects possess a degree in architecture from one of the over 120 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). You can find state licensing requirements at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
Training
All state architectural registration boards necessitate architecture graduates to undertake a comprehensive paid internship—usually lasting 3 years—prior to taking the Architect Registration Examination. Most fresh graduates fulfill their training period by working at architectural firms through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), a program managed by NCARB that guides students through the internship process. Some states permit part of the training to be conducted in the offices of employers in related careers, like engineers and general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period.
Interns in architectural firms may contribute to designing a segment of a project. They may assist in preparing architectural documents and drawings, constructing models, and drafting construction drawings on CADD. Interns may also delve into researching building codes and writing specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other related details. Licensed architects refine the documents that interns produce, finalize plans, and then sign and seal the documents.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states and the District of Columbia mandate architects to be licensed. Licensing prerequisites typically encompass completing a degree program in architecture, acquiring relevant experience through a paid internship, and successfully passing the Architect Registration Examination.
Most states also necessitate some form of continuing education to maintain a license. Continuing education requirements vary by state but generally involve additional education through workshops, university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.
Advancement
After accumulating years of work experience, some architects ascend to become architectural and engineering managers. These managers generally coordinate the activities of employees and may work on larger construction projects.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Architects need to comprehend the content of designs and the context in which they were created. For instance, architects need to understand the locations of mechanical systems and how those systems influence building operations.
Communication skills. Architects articulate their ideas, both verbally and in writing, to clients, other architects, and workers who assist in preparing drawings. Many also deliver presentations to elucidate their ideas and designs.
Creativity. Architects design the overall appearance of houses, buildings, and other structures. They must ensure that the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Organizational skills. Architects frequently manage contracts. Consequently, they must maintain records related to the specifics of a project, including total cost, materials used, and progress.
Technical skills. Architects need to utilize CADD technology to create plans as part of building information modeling (BIM).
I encourage you to visit bls.gov for comprehensive information on future career prospects.
Becoming a licensed architect usually involves three pivotal steps: earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture, acquiring practical experience through a paid internship, and successfully passing the Architect Registration Examination.
Education
Architects generally require a bachelor's degree in architecture. This is often achieved through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program. Some further enhance their qualifications by pursuing a master’s degree in architecture, which could require an additional 1 to 5 years, depending on their prior education and training in architecture.
A standard bachelor’s degree program encompasses courses in architectural history and theory, building design with a focus on computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), structures, construction methods, professional practices, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts.
Approximately two-thirds of the states mandate that architects possess a degree in architecture from one of the over 120 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). You can find state licensing requirements at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
Training
All state architectural registration boards necessitate architecture graduates to undertake a comprehensive paid internship—usually lasting 3 years—prior to taking the Architect Registration Examination. Most fresh graduates fulfill their training period by working at architectural firms through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), a program managed by NCARB that guides students through the internship process. Some states permit part of the training to be conducted in the offices of employers in related careers, like engineers and general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships while still in school can count some of that time toward the 3-year training period.
Interns in architectural firms may contribute to designing a segment of a project. They may assist in preparing architectural documents and drawings, constructing models, and drafting construction drawings on CADD. Interns may also delve into researching building codes and writing specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other related details. Licensed architects refine the documents that interns produce, finalize plans, and then sign and seal the documents.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states and the District of Columbia mandate architects to be licensed. Licensing prerequisites typically encompass completing a degree program in architecture, acquiring relevant experience through a paid internship, and successfully passing the Architect Registration Examination.
Most states also necessitate some form of continuing education to maintain a license. Continuing education requirements vary by state but generally involve additional education through workshops, university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.
Advancement
After accumulating years of work experience, some architects ascend to become architectural and engineering managers. These managers generally coordinate the activities of employees and may work on larger construction projects.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Architects need to comprehend the content of designs and the context in which they were created. For instance, architects need to understand the locations of mechanical systems and how those systems influence building operations.
Communication skills. Architects articulate their ideas, both verbally and in writing, to clients, other architects, and workers who assist in preparing drawings. Many also deliver presentations to elucidate their ideas and designs.
Creativity. Architects design the overall appearance of houses, buildings, and other structures. They must ensure that the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Organizational skills. Architects frequently manage contracts. Consequently, they must maintain records related to the specifics of a project, including total cost, materials used, and progress.
Technical skills. Architects need to utilize CADD technology to create plans as part of building information modeling (BIM).
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Ulises
Thiago Carmo
Business Development | MBA
38
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Thiago’s Answer
Hello Ulises,
Embarking on the path to becoming an architect is quite an exhilarating adventure! The first step is securing a bachelor's degree in architecture, which usually takes about 5 years. Following that, you have the choice to either further your studies with a master's degree or dive into the professional world to gather some hands-on experience, all depending on what your career aspirations are. In total, you're looking at about 6-7 years of academic commitment.
There are numerous reputable schools for architecture, including the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, among others scattered throughout the country. It's a good idea to do some research and find a school that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.
As for earnings, they can vary for architects. However, the median wage hovers around $40 per hour. This equates to roughly $6,800 monthly, and on an annual basis, you're looking at around $82,000. Remember, these earnings have the potential to grow as you gain more experience and delve into specific areas of architecture. It's a career that beautifully blends creativity with design, so if that's where your passion lies, it can be a truly rewarding choice!
Embarking on the path to becoming an architect is quite an exhilarating adventure! The first step is securing a bachelor's degree in architecture, which usually takes about 5 years. Following that, you have the choice to either further your studies with a master's degree or dive into the professional world to gather some hands-on experience, all depending on what your career aspirations are. In total, you're looking at about 6-7 years of academic commitment.
There are numerous reputable schools for architecture, including the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, among others scattered throughout the country. It's a good idea to do some research and find a school that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.
As for earnings, they can vary for architects. However, the median wage hovers around $40 per hour. This equates to roughly $6,800 monthly, and on an annual basis, you're looking at around $82,000. Remember, these earnings have the potential to grow as you gain more experience and delve into specific areas of architecture. It's a career that beautifully blends creativity with design, so if that's where your passion lies, it can be a truly rewarding choice!