Becoming an Architect

Knowledge makes man expert, expertise makes wise, and creativity makes perfect. If you incorporate all you can become a good architect in any area of interest. Many of Architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, etc, have left us speechless. They were mere drawings, made into a reality of a rigid construction by architectural brains.

Architecture
It deals with designing and planning buildings. The first and foremost aspect of this profession is translating the ideas generated by the clients into a reality. It is making their dream come true. Apart from interior decoration and exterior designing, an architect must know rules and regulations for construction of a building. He must also plan out the plumbing needs, electrical supply, and many other aspects related to the site. All these must be made within the estimated budget of his client.

Architecture also requires manipulating the available space, volume, texture, light, shadow and other elements to achieve an aesthetic end. This aspect makes architects differ from engineers, who are concerned mainly with functionality and feasibility of the design. The duties of an Architect involve association of different fields than mere creative imagination and drawing those dreams on piece of paper. They have to be proficient in engineering, computer literacy, legal knowledge, building codes and some excellent communication.

Once the design is approved, local authorities must be approached to get permission for construction, identification of building contractors, preparing drawings, estimates, etc. an architect is supposed to visit the site regularly to inspect the progress of the work, no compromise on quality, and supervising the receipt of materials etc.

Additional skills like sketching, negotiating, and man management, being aware of environmental issues and social factors, good mathematical skills, knowledge of legal matters concerned with architectural profession, sharp mind and observing skills will definitely help in professional life. Knowledge of CAD makes designing very fast and enables architects to try innovative things.

There are numerous ways to become a licensed architect in the United States. While these diverse ways often confuse prospective students of architecture, it offers a plenty of options to entertain a range of personal requirements, likings and educational styles. The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) chalked down minimum conditions that all architecture programs must meet, but also allows them flexibility to structure their own programmes.

Today, there are more than 125 accredited architecture programs by NAAB in the United States. The students passing through these accredited programs automatically become members of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). ACSA has a periodic publication of a guide to all accredited programs. You can easily access this by asking it to local high school’s guidance center or you can even order it directly from the ACSA.

This publication can play a pivotal role in comparison of different architecture programs. Identify a list of those accredited programs that suit your interest and requirements, search for their web sites or give a call to request information. It will be in your best interest to find if an architecture program will be best fit for you if you can visit such establishments when classes are in session and speaking to current students can provide you much vital information.

Architectural Studies
There are many possible ways to complete an architectural education. Some Universities offer you a 4 + 2 program. 4 + 2 program means a 4-year undergraduate pre-professional program (Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies or BSAS) followed by a 2-year professional program (the Master of Architecture or M. Arch) A NAAB-accredited professional degree is required for licensure in most states. Students must apply and be admitted to the Master of Architecture program. You can enter the M. Arch program directly and you can take time off to work with an architect to gain some experience before returning for the studies of the professional degree.

Some Universities offer a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch). This is also a professional degree. B. Arch programs generally allow less time for liberal arts or general education courses in fields related to but outside of architecture. Few Universities like Illinois only offer 3- or 4-year graduate (M. Arch) programs in architecture. They also offer a small program for students to earn a graduate (M. Arch) degree in 3-4 years.

Internship Development Program
Some form of internship is needed for professional licensure as an architect. The Internship Development program requires these students to document their experiences in defined categories. The aspirant licensed professionals should earn 700 units, with each unit is abut 8 hours. The program can usually be accomplished in 3 years of full-time employment.

Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
All aspirant candidates must fulfill all the requirements of the Intern Development Program before applying for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE). Basically, ARE is a 9-part computer based exam. You can take each part of the exam separately; with each section lasting about 40 hours. Candidates have certain specific time to successfully pass all sections of the ARE to get a license. Off course, these requirements of eligibility may vary considerably from state to state.

Some Important instructions
1. If you want to go for Architectural career, then you may need to take extra course in Science or Maths. Check out your high school guidance counselor.
2. You should maintain your grades – at least B!
3. Be aware of the requirements for admission in advance, and choose a course wisely. It is in your best interest to apply in multiple schools which suits your preferred course pattern.
4. Try to get part time jobs at some architect’s office to get more experience. Don’t forget to master designing software like CAD.
5. It takes lots of continuous, rigorous efforts to get succeed in ARE. Don’t leave a stone unturned in its preparation!

Architecture is a profession requiring long and intensive preparation. After licensure, an architect’s or architectural engineer’s education continues: as technology continues to evolve and expand; as the needs and focus of society change; and as each new project is unique to a time and place. This ever-changing aspect of the profession contributes greatly to making an architectural career one that provides life-long creative challenges, great excitement, and personal reward.

Becoming a successful architect is not that easy. One needs to learn from whatever comes in his way. He needs to work as per the ever-changing societal demands. Non-stop learning process with work experience will definitely make a person good architect.