What does an Architect do, anyhow?

That was one of the questions I asked John when I first met him.  As a matter of background, I come from a family of business owners; I had graduated from the School of Management at a liberal arts college.  I knew engineers, but no architects.  I don't think John ever really answered my question.  Fast forward 29 years, and here I am sitting in an architect's office, sometimes still pondering, but mostly realizing it is not a simple answer. 

 

 

So, first, how does one even become an architect?   There is the educational component, a 5 year degree from an accredited university; there are 154 in the USA.  In addition to formal education, there is a formal internship, where you get your real world training.  Your real world training involves completing 5600 (yes, 5600!) documented hours of the Intern Development Program (IDP).  These hours must be fulfilled in 4 categories, with each category having its own subcategories.  The 4 main categories are Pre-Design requiring 260 hours, Design requiring 2600 hours, Project management requiring 720 hours, Practice Management requiring 160 hours and then an additional 1,860 hours in elective experience Categories.  All documented hours are mentored and approved by a licensed supervising architect.  Next comes one of the hardest parts, the architectural registration exams. Candidates must pass a series of 7 separate exams, totaling 40 hours, representing 555 multi-choice questions, and 11 vignettes.

Once your education, your 5600 hours of IDP, and your 7 exams are completed successfully, then you are ready to apply and pay for your architectural license. Now you can call yourself an architect, and start your required and ongoing continuing education!

And, what do they do?? The job is varied, and depends on the individual, as well as the firm's specialties.  Architecture can be described as the art, science, and business of building.  It can be referred to as the built environment for the accommodation of living organisms.  It is your place of business, home, or recreation.  It is the where you shop, dine and go for entertainment. Don't forget about schools, hospitals, factories & warehouses.  How about lifeguard towers on the beach or lighthouses?    Look around you – everything has been touched by an architect.

I would be remiss if I did not make a point to congratulate Sharlee Van Tine, one of our intern architects.  Sharlee has recently completed her 5600 hours of IDP.  She has a BFA in Interior Design from James Madison University, and a Masters Degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech.  She has also successfully completed 3 of her 7 registration exams. If you look at our New Year's Resolutions post, you may be able to pick out her goals.  Way to go, Sharlee!

-Lisa Lister