Going back to school need info

[bdaniels]

Hi. I have thought often about becomming an architect and I start taking classes in the fall. I have done all types of research to find out about different fields and trying to find out about different cert. and degrees needed but I am comming up short.

 

I would like to know if I want to have my own business and design my own houses and design remoldels what exactly would I be called and what degrees and such would I need. I love doing this kind of thing so It's not so much money motivated as I want to make sure I'm heading in the correct direction instead of say for instance taking PR classes thinking my job would be one thing only to find out it was a completely different field of study I thought I was headed for.

 

Thanks so much I have already got some great info from the other threads I have read.

 

BDaniels

[bdaniels]

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[John Dollus]

http://www.aia.org/nav_ep

This is a good place to start if you haven't been there already.

also another thread along the same lines here:

http://www.cgarchitect.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16444

[Paul Griger]

Check this out:

 

http://www.ncarb.org/stateboards/regboards.asp?Boardname=Texas

 

NCARB requirements broken down state by state. NCARB regulates architect licensing in most states, but for example here in WI I could get become an RA without ever setting foot in college. But then I couldn't become NCARB certified or practice in most other states.

 

TX has some info missing on this link unfortunately, so you may have to contact your state board for more info, or Goggle it.

 

Good luck!

 

EDIT:

 

And the AIAS has some good resources as well:

 

Q's to ask of colleges:

http://aias.org/news_detail.php?nid=32

 

Types of degrees:

http://aias.org/news_detail.php?nid=33

 

Cheers,

Paul

[Dan J]

Bridgette,

 

A few things you should do and think about-

1. search this site for several threads on this subject, they are insightful and will give you a good dose of opinion based on experience?

2. take a look at http://www.archinect.com/ for more info and threads

3. decide if you just want to design houses and small commercial or work on large complexed projects?

-If its the former you really don't need the Arch degree as many states allow you to do this without the Arch license. check out the NCARB and state requirment and this link http://www.aibd.org/

4. decide how many years of college, IDP, interning and Licensure testing you are willing to put up with and at what financial expense?

-You can do what you want to do by working for home builders and designers or you could get into a Arch firm with a drafting degree and work your way through to what ever path you excel at.

5. do you just want to produce 3d renderings or actually design, produce the DD's & CD's, research materials, codes, construction methods, costs, construct the project, manage the constructions process, be held liable for design flaws........?

6. decide how many years you are willing to work at a low wage before you are making what the auto mechanic is making. (just a perpetual joke)

7. if you aren't a stellar designer and don't have a strong sense for business, what are willing to do within the field?

 

Don't get me wrong, this is a great career. You have many opportunities and many areas to explore in this field.

I know many have told me much of the things I'm telling you and you really need to make sure you have explored all your options and avenues before venturing down this path.

 

Best of luck with your decision.