How to Become an Architect
As with any occupation or career field, the first step in how to become an architect is to thoroughly understand what the functions, responsibilities and obligations are. But let me assure you that it is well worth the preparation and schooling to be able to work in one of the most lucrative and fulfilling careers available.
What Is It Like to Be an Architect?
An architect confers with clients, contractors and officials regarding the design, construction and renovation of buildings to meet both client and ordinance specifications. An architect must communicate well, interpret customer’s needs and wants into visual form and build the structure to those requirements while using materials and methods that meet at least minimal building standards and comply with restrictions.
Complying with building codes, for example, would entail not using asbestos as an insulating material. Complying with zoning restrictions might entail avoiding designing and building a parking garage in a single-family residential zone. Architects must obtain degrees in the applicable fields, undergo an internship and pass licensing and credentialing examinations.
What Kind of Schooling Do I Need to Become an Architect?
The next phase in how to become an architect is obtaining your foundational education. Drafting, art, computer-aided design (CAD) and construction principles are excellent building blocks for this field. If you can obtain those platform courses while in high school, you are ahead of the game.
Your undergraduate degree should be in architecture from one of the top online universities or even campus-based schools in the nation. Most architecture degree programs are five years in length, but you may be able to complete the coursework early if you apply yourself or if you have either prior experience or some of the courses required included in another degree you already possess. Your undergraduate courses may include statistics, advanced CAD and an abundance of drafting courses. You will become knowledgeable in specifications, strengths and weaknesses of materials, physics and a myriad of related subjects.
The offline or online school you choose must be accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, but since there are at least 117 schools with that accreditation, you should have no problem finding one that suits you. After you obtain your professional degree, your next phase in how to become an architect involves gaining the required work experience for your licensing exam.
Many states have their own standards, so be sure to investigate those, but some duration of internship is required in all of them. The standard duration is three years during which you will work under a licensed architect, learning the ‘ins and outs’ of the profession. You may be creating conceptual first drafts on projects, revising blueprints or working with contractors in on-going projects. Many new professionals consider enrolling in an online college program that would grant an online masters degree to expand their expertise and credibility in the open market. Some take advantage of distance education opportunities and take courses in business management if they have aspirations of becoming self-employed one day.
The final phase involves passing your state licensing exam. By the time you obtain your architecture degree and have a solid working history, passing your state exam should be no problem. Once you pass that exam, remember any continuing education requirements, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You will have completed every step in how to become an architect, and your career has begun!
