Architect buffs will have heard of names like Frank Lloyd Wright, Antoni Gaudi, and Zaha Hadid.
Architects design all kinds of projects, from spectacular showstoppers to mundane warehouses.
To become an architect, you'll need education, training, and a license. Keep reading to learn more about how to become an architect.
What Does an Architect Do?
An architect is an industry professional who designs and plans buildings. They must do this in a way that meets their clients' needs, follows local regulations, and just makes sense logistically.
The job duties of an architect may include:
- creating scaled drawings, either by hand or through a computer program
- developing and managing client and contractor contracts
- managing the workers who prepare the drawings and documents
- meeting with clients to determine their vision and keep them updated
- offering preliminary estimates on construction costs and timelines
- overseeing the construction process
- preparing the building specifications
The specific job duties of an architect can depend on what type of projects the architect specializes in.
These specializations may include:
- historic preservation
- interior design
- landscape projects, like parks
- office spaces
- residential multi-family homes, like apartments
- residential single-family homes
- stores and warehouses
Architects typically work out of an office space, where they'll do most of their meetings and planning. However, they often visit the projects in person to monitor progress.
Most of the time, architects work standard full-time hours, but may put in overtime when working on a big project or when facing a deadline.
How to Become an Architect
To become an architect, you'll need a degree, an internship, and a license. We've broken down all the steps for you below.
Note that licensure requirements vary by state, so you'll need to check the specific requirements for your state. You can find information through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) website.
Step 1: Earn an Architecture Degree
Most architects hold at least a bachelor's degree in architecture. A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree, and architecture degrees are often five-year programs.
Many architects choose to continue on to earn their master's degree in architecture. These are two-year graduate degrees and may be required for licensure in some states.
Architecture degree programs typically cover topics like:
- architecture history and theory
- building systems
- computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
- construction methods
- design fundamentals
- environmental planning
- impact analysis
The majority of states require that architects be graduates of an architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). You can find a full list of accredited programs on the NAAB website.
In some states, a degree isn't required, so long as you spend a certain period of time in an internship program.
However, this can take several years, and it may be difficult to obtain an internship without first having an architecture degree.
Step 2: Complete an Architecture Internship
Following your degree program, you'll need to complete an architecture internship in order to obtain your architecture license.
These are typically three-year paid internships that give students hands-on experience in the field. An architectural intern may assist with:
- building models
- preparing architectural documents and drawings
- researching building codes
- writing specifications for building materials
Most students find internships through the NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP), formerly called the Intern Development Program.
These programs cover six key areas:
- construction and evaluation
- practice management
- programming and analysis
- project development and documentation
- project management
- project planning and design
You can find out more about these internship opportunities through the NCARB website.
Step 3: Pass the Architect Registration Examination
Before you can earn an architecture license, you'll need to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a standardized test from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
All states require applicants to pass the ARE before they can become licensed architects. You'll need to contact your state board for approval to test, as eligibility varies by state.
The ARE can be taken either through a PSI testing center or the PSI online proctoring platform. It covers the same six categories that NCARB internships cover, as listed above.
You'll receive your score a few business days after taking your exam. You're allowed to take the exam up to three times within a 12-month period.
Step 4: Obtain Your Architect License
Once you've passed the ARE, you'll likely be pretty set to obtain your architecture license. However, requirements vary between states, so you'll need to check with your state board.
Typically, licensure requires:
- earning an architecture degree, often from an NAAB-accredited program
- completing an architecture internship, usually from an NCARB internship program
- passing the ARE
Upon the completion of these steps, your state may grant you your license. However, most states require architects to complete continuing education to keep their licenses.
Step 5: Consider Additional Certification or Education
In many states, continuing education is required to renew your architecture license. Check with your state board to see what qualifies as continuing education.
Often, this includes:
- classes or courses
- conferences
- workshops
Some architects may decide to continue their education to earn a master's or doctoral degree in architecture. This can open up your career options into leadership or research positions.
Architects may also want to consider certification, such as that offered by NCARB. This certification proves you meet the standards to become a successful architect.
While not a requirement, certification has several benefits. It can offer resources and a community, help you get hired, and more.
Become an Architect
To become an architect, you'll typically need to earn an architecture degree, complete an architecture internship, and pass the architecture exam.
By following the steps above, you can be on your way to becoming an architect today.
