Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Architectural Design

In the field of architecture I am interested the most in architectural design and for a career would like to be a basic architect. I like the idea of planning and designing buildings that are structurally sound and that are energy efficient. I feel my creativity could help out in this career.

An architectural designer is an architect that is primarily involved in the design of buildings and/or urban landscapes. When creating a design, architectural designers must analyze the layout of the area and how the structure will fit into this design. Many architectural designers work in the design studios of architectural firms.

The first step in becoming an architect is taking a 5 year master's or bachelor's program at a college or university. An example of a university with an architecture program is Syracuse University, stand out the most for my interests. Other schools that I liked include the University of Maryland, Lehigh University, and Temple University. Although five years is not always required, it is recommended by most colleges and universities.

Just gaining a degree is not all though, the next step is completing a period of practical training or internship (usually for three years and a minimum of two). With an internship under your belt you then have to take the ARE (Architect Registration Examination) to gain a license. The ARE assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. After passing all divisions of the ARE the final step is applying to a firm where you will begin your career as an architect. So there is a total of around 8 years, if not more, of preparation before you can actually be an architect.

3 comments:

  1. I noticed that we both found that approximately eight years was the amount of schooling and experience needed to become a licenced architect; but I did not find, and it's a good thing to know, that taking the ARE is a required step to get a license.

    From what I found, it seems as though interning is a big part of becoming an architect, and is required for getting the license. I find having an internship would be very beneficial, because it is a first hand experience to see what the career is like. How do you feel about internships being a big part of the experience needed for the license?

    ReplyDelete
  2. At first glance this seems a little overwhelming, but remember when you have a job you are passionate about, it doesn't seem like work. I think it will be important to interview an architect to see how they felt the process was.

    I read a little about Syracuse from your link and their 5 year program covers 3 years of core subjects, a year abroad and a year of your thesis.

    By the time you leave, you will be ready. This week, lets look into this a little more. Syracuse had some great videos I think you should watch at:

    http://soa.syr.edu/index.php

    and they have a two part application process which I was surprised to see included art work:

    http://soa.syr.edu/index.php?p=barch_admissions

    Mrs. Kent

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree the architecture program at Syracuse will definately prepare me for a career in architecture. I really like the idea of a year abroad. I am alittle nervous about the portfolio that is required during applications. I researched some other architecture schools of my interest and this seemed to be a trend. I am not quite sure how to make a portfolio and what should be included in it. At Syracuse they said it should include 12-20 high-quality reproductions of my best and most recent art work. I am not sure how to organize this though.

    ReplyDelete