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Degrees and Schools
To become a licensed architect in most states, one must graduate from an architecture program accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). Students without prior college education typically attend a five-year architecture program. Graduate programs in architecture are available for students who already hold a bachelor's degree or who have attended a pre-professional architecture program. There are over 100 accredited schools of architecture in over 40 states.
Coursework
An architecture program will include coursework such as the following:
- building physics
- historical survey of architecture
- energy and environmental systems
- computer-aided design
- design theories and methods
- materials and methods of construction
- environmental design
- principles of professional practice
Online Classes and Programs
There are currently no NAAB accredited architecture programs offered entirely online although some programs do offer some courses online.
Employment Requirements
All states and the District of Columbia require architects become licensed before they can offer services as an architect. Since most states have licensing requirements that include a period of training in the field, recent graduates of an architecture program typically work in a paid internship under the supervision of a licensed architect. Licensing in most states requires completion of an NAAB accredited architecture program although a few states accept degrees from non-accredited programs. However, students should keep in mind their license will likely not be transferrable to another state.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
When choosing an architecture program, the following questions may be helpful:
- Electives - How many electives can the student take? Are the electives available of interest to the student?
- Internship Placement - Does the program provide help finding an paid internship placement after graduation? What types of internship placements have past students found?
- Prerequisites - For master's programs, has the student met the prerequisites? Can remaining prerequisites be taken at the same school? Does the student meet the GPA requirements?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB)?
- School ranking - How is the school ranked by various organizations such as the Design Futures Council and the Greenway Group? Will the school's ranking help or hinder the student when looking for a job after graduation?
Resources
National Architecture Accrediting Board - The NAAB accredits architecture programs. Most states require licensed architects to have graduated from a NAAB accredited program.
American Institute of Architects - The AIA represents and supports the architecture profession by providing advocacy, continuing education, online publications, contract documents, state and local chapters and market research.
American Institute of Architecture Students - The AIAS helps build interest and enrich the education experience of architecture and design students. They host conventions, publish student work, support community service and represent architecture students on policy issues.
The Design Futures Council - This organization is a think tank made up of leaders in the design and build industries that look for opportunities to advance innovation and shape the future of their industry.
Architects Job Description
Before any type of building can be constructed, a trained professional must conceptualize and plan the structure in detail so that the end result will be a safe and functional building that meets the needs of the client. Architects are responsible for creating detailed plans that can be used by builders to construct a building. Their role may encompass many other aspects of a construction project from site selection to quality control. They often work for architecture, engineering and construction companies, government agencies or are self-employed.
Architect's roles vary depending upon the employer and the project. Below is a list of responsibilities they may have:
- gather requirements from clients
- create conceptual drawings
- develop detailed blueprints
- present design to clients
- conduct feasibility and cost studies
- create building materials plan
- select contractors
- oversee construction
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