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Become an Architect

Are you interested in architecture? As professionals who love our careers, we are happy to explain the process of becoming an architect, talk about the profession, and share some resources and opportunities for students of all ages.  Read on to get started!

How do I become an architect?

Licensure Requirements

Architectural licensure in New York State is through The New York State Education Department (“SED”) Office of the Professions (“OP”). 

To legally call yourself an architect and stamp your own drawings, you must earn an architectural license. These are given by jurisdiction (usually, by states) and only allow you to practice in that jurisdiction. Reciprocity is possible, but you must meet the criteria of the jurisdiction.

In most jurisdictions, licensure is achieved through
education, examination, and experience.  In most jurisdictions, students must earn a NAAB accredited degree (either B.Arch or M.Arch), which generally takes 5-8 years depending on your particular path. (More on NAAB in the Education section.)

In New York State, it is possible to earn an initial license via a few different paths. In addition to being 21 years old and passing the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), you can either:
      a) Attain a bachelors or higher degree from a program deemed satisfactory by the state board and complete approved practical architectural working experience to total 8 years, or
     b) Complete a total of 12 years of approved practical architectural working experience - this can be combined with education in that each year of a college program completed equals 2 years of experience.

It should be noted that a NYS license earned without a NAAB accredited degree may not be reciprocated by jurisdictions that require such a degree.


The path to architecture described here is generalized. Always refer to the requirements of the jurisdiction where you are seeking licensure for current, complete requirements. New York State requirements are found on The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website

Education

You might consider an architecture program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). 
Many states (though not NY) require a NAAB accredited degree in order to become licensed in that state.
We have many choices within a 5 hour radius. Visit the NAAB site for a list of all accredited programs. Programs are reviewed and reaccredited on a cyclical basis.

NAAB Accredited
Schools by Proximity
RIT
University at Buffalo, SUNY
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
Syracuse University
Cornell University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Kent State University

Experience

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) administers the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), which is a framework to gain real world, comprehensive architectural experience. The program requires experience hours in different facets of architecture including design, project management, construction, and more. It is intended to be a tool to ensure that architectural candidates earn experience in all facets of the profession. 

It is up to each jurisdiction if they require or accept the AXP® for licensure requirement. Different jurisdictions have different eligibilities for beginning to earn experience (concurrent with education, after graduation, etc.)  The New York State board must approve all experience, and might not accept experience hours that the AXP® would. Its eligibility to start requirements vary as well. Refer to The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website for detailed information about New York State's experience requirements.

"The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is a nonprofit organization made up of the architectural licensing boards of 55 U.S. states and territories. While each jurisdiction is responsible for regulating the practice of architecture within its borders, NCARB develops and administers national programs for candidates pursuing architectural licensure and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate."

Examination

NCARB develops The Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), which is a series of examinations that test the comprehensive knowledge of licensure candidates. 

Architectural examinations have changed radically in their existence. The original examination was a multi-day event with paper and pencil offered only once or twice a year. It has recently evolved from a series of nine exams on computer to six.

There are currently six examinations which align with the six categories in the AXP®.  The examinations are taken at a testing center and can be taken individually and at the candidate's discretion.

It is up to each jurisdiction if they require or accept the ARE® for licensure requirement. Different jurisdictions have different eligibilities for beginning to take the exam. The New York State does require that candidates pass the ARE®. Eligibility to start taking the exam varies as well in NY, though some education or experience must first be satisfied. Refer to The New York State Education Department Office of the Professions website for detailed information about New York State's examination requirements.

Resources

Architecture Programs - Admission Requirements

Architecture programs will generally require a high school transcript meeting college prep requirements, a statement or essay regarding objectives, letters of recommendation, a resume/curriculum vitae and a portfolio. Below are quick links to admission requirements for the closest programs to Rochester.

AIA Rochester has two accredited architecture programs in its jurisdiction:
Rochester Institute of Technology (M.Arch)

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (B. Arch)

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (M.Arch)
     Admission  Portfolio Requirements

University at Buffalo, SUNY (M.Arch)
     Admission (Portfolio information on page)
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
     Admission Portfolio Requirements
Syracuse University
     Admission Portfolio Requirements
Cornell University
     Admission Portfolio Requirements
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
     Admission Portfolio Requirements
Pennsylvania State University
     Admission Portfolio Requirements
Carnegie Mellon University
     Admission Portfolio Requirements
Kent State University
     Admission Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio

General requirements for high school students applying to college. (Will we offer something for high school students?)

Scholarship Opportunities

There are scholarship opportunities available for students interested in studying architecture. A partial list is below.  We hope to add to this list - please notify us about additional opportunities!

AIA Rochester Scholarship Program
AIA Rochester partners with the Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF), the Family of Myron Starks, Women in Architecture, and AIA Naitonal to award scholarhsips to high school seniors and continuing university students pursuing architecture at the university level. Information regarding the Scholarship Program will be available in February of each year. 

RAF Scholarship
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ACE Scholarship
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CSI Scholarship
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Pella Scholarship
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Shadowing and Internship Opportunities

There are scholarship opportunities available for students interested in studying architecture. A partial list is below.  We hope to add to this list - please notify us about additional opportunities!

Local Programs

There are local programs of interest for students K-12 interested in architecture!  Please notify us about additional opportunities to share!

Girls in Architecture

Presented by: AIA Rochester's Women in Architecture Committee

Available to: Girls K-8; exact ages to be specified per individual program

When: TBD

Local architects and designers who are women mentor girls in the community who are interested in architecture in this one day program.

Explorers Post in Architecture

Presented by: AIA Rochester in partnership with LaBella Associates, Passero Associates ETC

Available to: High School Students interested in architecture

When: One evening a week for six weeks starting after Spring Break. Registration available in early spring.

Local architects and designers who are women mentor girls in the community who are interested in architecture in this one day program.

Presented by: Coalition that includes Builders Exchange, Livingston Associates, Genesee County BEA, & others

Available to: Students ages 12-15

When: Weekly format in July and August

Camp Hard Hat teaches the fundamentals of construction design, project safety and proper use of tools while creating something for the community! All camps are taught by certified instructors. Max of 30 students per camp.

Presented by: RMSC Museum & Science Center

Available to: Students ages 6-8

When: Weekly format June - August

We have the blueprints and measurements to design a one-of-a-kind experience. In Architects & Engineers, campers will learn how the two professions work together to create dynamic structures. Explore some local designs, then create your own!

Presented by: Rochester chapter of the ACE Mentor Program (industry professional volunteers)

Available to: High School Students interested in architecture, engineering, and construction

When: One evening per week throughout the fall semester

High school students in the Rochester area can now benefit from a nationwide program designed to introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry.

Presented by: Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF)

Available to: Currently, students attending Rochester Prep High School

When: Taught twice per week throughout the school year.

RAF has launched a pilot program to expand career opportunities for young people from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative brings an introduction to the field of architecture into the midst of the school day at the High School level. This has been enabled by a partnership with Rochester Prep High School, where the course is taught twice a week throughout the school year.

LaBella Program
Details for that program

CPL Program
The Center, Edison Tech...

Resources

There are countless resources available to explore the profession on your own. Below are some examples!

Explore Architecture Career Guide

Presented by: AIA Kansas City

We are excited to bring this Explore Architecture guide to you. We hope you learn more about the profession and what exactly it is that we do. Use this guide as a tool to work with your teachers and parents to challenge your creativity and develop your interests. Now, go get started on designing your future!

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