Become an Architect
Children 2-10
Encourage playing with things like building blocks, LEGOs, and even drawing or "designing" their dream house. Recommended activities include art and STEM related lessons in and out of school.
Youth 11-14
Engage in activities like architecture camps, practice drawing, and begin reading books about architecture.
Young Adults 15-17
Take course work that prepares you for college, Pre-Algebra and/or Algebra, art classes that include skills like sketching, painting, photography, etc.
College & Beyond
Before you can call yourself an architect, you have to earn a license by completing your state’s specific requirements (Web). Each of the 55 U.S. licensing boards sets requirements for licensure in their jurisdiction, but they all include 3 core components: Education, Experience, and Examination.
Looking for a Speaker?
Would you like an architect to speak to your class, after school program, career fair, or similar? Reach out to us at aiamiddlega@gmail.com with the potential date, time, location, and audience.
#1 EDUCATION: Pick A School
ln the United States you should pursue a degree from an architecture program which is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) (Web) in order to meet the educational qualifications necessary to take the Architectural Registration Exam or “ARE.”
YWCA Building: Designed by Julia Morgan, FAIA in 1927.
In Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Architecture (Web) has an accredited Doctor of Architecture degree program.
The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) (Web) is the official voice of students to the educational system and the profession of architecture and design. The national office is co-located in Washington DC in the headquarters of the AIA. Go to the AIAS Hawaii website (Web) for more information on our local Chapter, membership and student resources.
Study Architecture to Make an Impact - Student Resources and Schools from ACSA. Explore StudyArchitecture.com to find a wealth of resources, including where to learn, what to know, and the latest news in the global architecture community.
#3 EXAMINATION: Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE®) http://www.ncarb.org/ARE.aspx assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. The ARE is the only examination prepared by NCARB and has been adopted for use by all 54 U.S. member boards and the Canadian provincial architectural associations as the registration examination required of all candidates for architectural registration.
Board of Water Supply Administration Building: Designed by Hart Wood, FAIA in 1958.
Click here to learn how to begin https://www.ncarb.org/pass-the-are/start the examination process! Learn more about meeting your jurisdiction’s requirements, scheduling a division, and important ARE policies to know before you start.
What is ARE 5.0?, ARE® 5.0 features six divisions organized around the progression of a typical architecture project.
* Practice Management
* Project Management
* Programming & Analysis
* Project Planning & Design
* Project Development & Documentation
* Construction & Evaluation
The divisions can be taken in any order and include a combination of multiple-choice, check-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, and drag-and-place questions, as well as case studies.
community.
#2 EXPERIENCE: Architectural Experience Program (AXP)
The Architectural Experience Program (AXP) https://www.ncarb.org/gain-axp-experience is a comprehensive program that contributes to the development of competent architects who can provide exemplary architectural services. The National Council for Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is responsible for establishing, interpreting and enforcing the AXP and architectural training requirements. The objective of the AXP is to prepare intern architects for competent practice. You can start earning AXP® experience https://www.ncarb.org/gain-axp-experience/start-axp after you graduate from high school (or the established equivalent).
You’ll need three things before you start:
1. An experience opportunity that qualifies for AXP credit
2. An NCARB Record
3. A supervisor or mentor
The AIA National website
https://www.aia.org/careercenter/emerging-professionals also offers a number of resource highlights and information to assist AIA Associate members and interns in their continuing education.
NCARB Contact: Email the NCARB at
customerservice@ncarb.org or call the NCARB Customer Service at (202) 879-0520.
James Harrison Residence: Designed by Alfred Preis, FAIA in 1961.
Transcript Information
Continuing education credit can be earned for any AIA CEU accredited course. Interns may earn AXP Supplemental Experience hours by completing approved AIA Continuing Education programs. One AIA CEU/LU is equal to one AXP experience hour. When submitting to NCARB, LU's must be documented on the intern's AIA Transcript.
Funding for the AIA Honolulu Scholarship Program comes from the Chapter's general funds and from the Hawaii Architectural Foundation. As a local Chapter, AIA Honolulu applies to receive additional grant support from AIA National to supplement our locally contributed funds.
AIA National desires to support local and state Components and/or their affiliated foundations to provide and develop scholarship programs. For more information on the AIA Component Matching Grant Program, click here (Web).