How to Become an Architect
The first step in how to become an architect is to find the right school that offers a challenging course that will award you a four-year degree in a related field. Is architecture right for you, though?
Most architects admit they are sticklers for detail, love the ancient masters and revere the contemporary giants. They also believe they can equally contribute to the shaping of our society’s buildings, monuments and history.
Do you have the vision, the drive, the desire and the talent to bring to life the next greatest architectural achievement?
Education
As noted above, the initial mark involved in how to become an architect is to enroll in an accredited offline or online college and earn your online degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture, for example. Expect to take a fair amount of math and art classes while pursuing your degree, but you also can look forward to studying and learning about use of space, physical stresses, color and texture, to name only a few sub-areas.
While attending one of the top online universities, consider the licensing requirement of a minimum of three years of training after graduation: If you gain practical experience while attending school, you may get part or all of that post-graduate training period waived.
Because how to become an architect involves more than just getting your degree, earn experience and often some money by working as an apprentice for an architectural firm part-time or during the summers and decrease the wait period for your license.
Successful architects, however, usually extend their education by seeking online masters degrees and sometimes even online PhDs in a related field.
Post-Graduation Requirements
As mentioned above, earning your bachelor’s degree is the real launching point in your career.
Once you have your degree, you will be required to have a minimum of three years of training that meets the national standards. If you have work experience that you can claim, and the experience is accepted, your three-year period may be reduced by the accepted number of months of experience—credit for work experience.
Once you have successfully completed an accredited internship or training program, you can apply for your architect’s license exam. You will need the knowledge you gain not only in school but on the job as well if you wish to pass the examination.
The Architect Registration Exam evaluates your knowledge on structure safety, design and functionality. Be prepared and pass it the first time you take it!
While undergoing your training period, consider it as the invaluable learning opportunity it is. Not only will you work closely with experienced architect, but you also have the chance to explore the type of architecture in which you would like to specialize: Churches, business developments, housing, bridges and many more are possible.
Choose your degree plan. Choose the best school you can. Study hard, learn well and gain practical experience as early as possible. It’s time to put the drafting board to good use: Start your architecture career off well now that you know how to become an architect.
