How to Become an Architect

By: PPI

January 16, 2025

Architects are professionals who design buildings and other structures, ensuring they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They are responsible for creating spaces that meet the needs of the people who use them while also considering safety, sustainability, and compliance with building regulations. Architects take into account safety, usability, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and local zoning laws while developing designs for various types of structures, including residential, commercial, public buildings, and even specialized structures like hospitals and schools. Their work involves balancing creativity with technical expertise, making sure that the final design is not only visually appealing but also practical, durable, and conducive to the intended use of the space.

What does an architect do?

Architects do much more than design aesthetically pleasing buildings. They are involved in every phase of a building’s construction, from its conception to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. On any given day, an architect might meet with clients, prepare construction documents, or visit a worksite. An architect’s specific responsibilities change from project to project, but common duties include:

Building Concepts & Design: Developing building concepts and designs, including conceptual sketches, 3D models, and renderings to visualize the final product.
Detail Drawings & Plans: Preparing detailed drawings and plans using advanced software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, or another tool, ensuring that all technical specifications are included.
Collaboration: Collaborating with clients, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to incorporate feedback, ensure the design meets client needs, and maintain alignment with project goals.
Budget & Schedule Management: Managing budgets and schedules, including cost estimation, resource allocation, and timeline management to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensuring projects comply with building codes, zoning laws, safety regulations, and accessibility standards to guarantee the safety, legality, and quality of the final structure.

Skills Needed to Be an Architect

Architects wear a lot of hats in their day-to-day work, so the skills needed to be successful as an architect are diverse. Some key skills you need to work as an architect include:

Design Skills: Combine visual appeal with functionality to create beautiful and practical spaces.
Numerical Skills: Apply advanced math concepts, including geometry and physics, to ensure designs are safe and functional.
Problem-Solving Skills: Resolve design-related and legal issues effectively to keep projects on track.
Attention to Detail: Ensure every aspect of the design is accurate to avoid setbacks.
Communication Skills: Collaborate effectively with clients, engineers, contractors, and other professionals.
Teamwork Skills: Work well with others to bring projects to fruition, coordinating with various stakeholders.
Leadership Skills: Take ownership of projects and motivate teams to ensure successful execution.

How long does it take to become an architect?

How long it takes to become a licensed architect depends on various factors, including your location and which degree program you choose. Architecture degree programs can take five to more than seven years to complete. According to data from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the average licensure candidate who completed their final requirement in 2020 took 12.3 years.

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What degree do you need to become an architect?

To become a licensed architect, you need a professional degree accredited by the NAAB. You can earn a five-year undergraduate degree in architecture, the B.Arch, or after completing an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a master’s degree in architecture, the M.Arch. Some students choose to earn both the B.Arch and the M.Arch; however, this is not a requirement for licensure. If you have a four-year bachelor’s degree in architecture or another discipline, you can earn an M.Arch and qualify for architecture licensure.

What courses are needed to become an architect?

Becoming an architect requires extensive training and a broad range of coursework. Aspiring architects can begin practicing in high school by taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like calculus and physics, which help build a solid foundation for future architectural studies.

Undergraduate courses

During an undergraduate architecture program, students typically take courses in:

Architectural Design: Learning the principles of design and developing practical skills through studio work.
Freehand Drawing: Developing the ability to convey ideas visually, which is essential for communicating architectural concepts.
History of Architecture: Understanding architectural styles, influences, and historical context.
Environmental Systems: Learning how buildings interact with the environment, including topics like energy efficiency and sustainability.
Advanced Mathematics: Courses in calculus and physics to understand structural aspects of architecture.

Graduate courses

A postgraduate program in architecture, such as the M.Arch, builds on undergraduate courses, and may offer advanced training in:

Urban Design: Examining the planning and design of urban areas to create functional, sustainable communities.
Building Technology: Studying materials, construction methods, and new technologies to ensure structures are safe and innovative.
Professional Practice: Learning about project management, business practices, and the responsibilities of an architect.

These courses prepare students for the diverse challenges of architectural practice, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in their careers.

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Steps to become an architect

Becoming an architect requires dedication, creativity, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. From education to licensure, this guide provides a general roadmap for aspiring architects to navigate the path toward a successful career in architecture.

1. Earn a degree in architecture

The first step in becoming an architect is to obtain a professional degree from an accredited institution accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). There are a few different paths to becoming an architect, but the two listed below are the main ways:

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): This is a five-year undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge in architectural design, history, theory, and technology. It is one of the most common paths to becoming an architect.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch): The M.Arch is a graduate-level program for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. Depending on your background, the M.Arch program typically takes two to three years to complete and qualifies graduates for licensure.

2. Gain practical experience through the Architectural Experience Program

After earning your degree, the next step is to gain hands-on experience through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). The AXP, administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), ensures that aspiring architects develop the skills and competencies required for professional practice.

What is the AXP?

The AXP requires 3,740 hours of documented experience in six key areas:

Practice Management: Understanding the business side of architecture, including financial management and professional ethics.
Project Management: Learning to oversee projects, manage resources, and meet deadlines.
Programming & Analysis: Conducting site analyses and assessing client needs.
Project Planning & Design: Developing preliminary designs and coordinating with consultants.
Project Development & Documentation: Preparing construction documents and specifications.
Construction & Evaluation: Observing construction progress to ensure the design intent is met.

Finding internships & gaining experience

AXP experience must be gained under the supervision of a licensed architect. Many students secure internships with architecture firms during or after their studies, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities essential for their careers.

Pass the Architect Registration Examination

The final step to earning licensure is passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), developed by NCARB. This multi-division exam tests your skills and knowledge of architecture. The current version of the exam is called ARE 5.0 and features six divisions. These divisions may be taken in any order but must be passed within five years to qualify for architecture licensure. Visit Kaplan’s ARE Exam Resource Center to learn about the ARE 5.0.

Apply to become a licensed architect

Once you have completed your education, gained practical experience, and passed the ARE, you can apply for a state license. Be sure to check your state’s licensing requirements to get the most current details and procedures. You’ll need to transmit your NCARB record, submit an application, and pay the required fees to the jurisdiction where you would like to be licensed. Learn more about the basic requirements:

Submit an Application: Complete the licensure application for your desired state.
Verify Experience: Ensure your AXP hours are documented and verified by NCARB.
Fulfill Additional Requirements: Some states may require additional exams or interviews. Double-check your state’s requirements.

After receiving your license, you can officially practice as an architect and start working independently or with a firm.

5. Earn an NCARB certification

While obtaining a state license allows you to practice within that jurisdiction, obtaining NCARB certification can make it easier to expand your practice to other states. The NCARB Certificate is a credential that facilitates reciprocity, enabling you to work across multiple jurisdictions. This is an optional credential that more than 45,000 architects have chosen to pursue.

Benefits of NCARB certification

Reciprocity: With reciprocal licensure, you can easily apply for licensure without additional exams in all 55 U.S. jurisdictions.
Professional Recognition: Demonstrates your competency and commitment to high standards.

Consider pursuing a master’s degree in architecture

If you’ve already earned your five-year B.Arch degree, you do not need to pursue a master’s in architecture to become a licensed architect. Most B.Arch graduates choose to enter the job market immediately after completing their undergraduate degree. However, earning a master’s degree in architecture (M.Arch) is a great choice for architects who want to work in a research or teaching capacity. Individuals looking to switch to a career in architecture can supplement their undergraduate education with a master’s in architecture. The M.Arch can take one to three years to complete, depending on the student’s undergraduate degree.

Do you need a degree to become an architect?

It is possible to become an architect without a formal degree in certain states. However, most U.S. states require a degree to become an architect. However, states like Hawaii, Colorado, and Washington allow individuals to become licensed architects through intensive work experience and by passing the required licensing exams.

The first step is to check your state’s licensing requirements to see if this is an option. If allowed, aspiring architects must complete the AXP, pass the ARE 5.0, and accumulate additional years of experience to meet licensing requirements. Despite these exceptions, earning a formal degree in architecture is highly recommended, as it not only accelerates the licensure process but also significantly improves job prospects and career growth opportunities.

How to become an architect without a degree

Another way to qualify for architectural licensure without a formal degree is by completing NCARB’s Education Alternative program. NCARB offers two options for candidates who have extensive experience in the field:

Two Times AXP: This pathway requires candidates to document double the hours required by the standard AXP, totaling 7,480 hours of work experience.
NCARB Certificate Portfolio: Candidates can submit a portfolio demonstrating their learning and experience in architecture. This portfolio serves as evidence that they have acquired the knowledge equivalent to a formal degree through hands-on experience.

These alternatives allow experienced individuals to fulfill the educational requirements for NCARB certification, making it possible to pursue licensure even without a traditional degree.

Architectural registration, licensure, and certification

Understanding the different credentials involved in architecture is essential for aspiring architects. Here is a simplified breakdown of architectural registration, licensure, and certification:

Architectural Registration: To qualify for architectural licensure, you must first pass the ARE, which is currently administered as ARE 5.0 by the NCARB.
Architectural Licensure: After passing the ARE and meeting all state-specific requirements, your state licensing board will grant you a license to practice architecture. Licensure is mandatory for working as an independent architect.
Architectural Certification: Certification is an additional, optional credential provided by NCARB once you have earned licensure. Obtaining NCARB certification helps you qualify for licensure in multiple states, making it easier to expand your practice and advance your career.

Architecture career outlook

The architecture field is expected to see an 8% job growth between 2023 and 2033, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Thus growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations, leading to approximately 9,900 job openings for architects each year over the decade. Despite moderate employment growth, architects continue to enjoy above-average job security. This stability, combined with the creative nature of the work, makes architecture an attractive career for individuals passionate about design and the built environment.

Architecture salary potential

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for architects in 2023 is $93,310. Architects salaries can vary widely depending on factors like location, education, and experience, with annual earnings ranging from $65,220 to $105,190. U.S. News & World Report lists California, Alabama, and New Jersey as the top-paying states for architects, offering competitive compensation for professionals in the field.

Different types of architect career options

There are various career paths within the field of architecture, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. Here are some of the primary types of architect careers you can explore:

Residential Architect: Specializes in designing and building homes, including single-family houses, townhomes, and apartment buildings. Residential architects work closely with clients to create personalized spaces, requiring strong communication and creative problem-solving skills.
Landscape Architect: Focuses on planning, designing, and managing outdoor public spaces like parks, campuses, and gardens. Landscape architects aim to create functional, aesthetically pleasing green spaces while promoting environmental conservation and restoration.
Commercial Architect: Designs larger commercial properties, including office buildings, schools, and skyscrapers. This career path requires an in-depth understanding of building codes, engineering, and project management, making it ideal for those who are business-savvy and tech-literate.
Interior Architect: Specializes in the art and science of designing indoor spaces, blending interior design skills with technical construction knowledge. Interior architects ensure that indoor environments are both visually appealing and safe, taking into account building codes and functional needs.
Green Design Architect: Advocates for sustainable building practices, focusing on reducing environmental impact through efficient design, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly materials. Green design architects work to create environmentally responsible structures, making this an ideal career for those passionate about sustainability.