A few days ago, while doing research about architecture school, I stumbled across a video titled “Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Architecture,” by Drew Paul Bell. In it, Bell explained that he personally did not feel the need to get a Master’s degree in Architecture because he already had a BArch. He explained that he would not see himself getting a Master’s degree unless he decided to go into a specific field of design, or if he wanted to learn more about construction management. It was reassuring to hear that he also went into architecture school not completely certain about whether it was the right field of study for him. He claimed that the best way to figure out if architecture is “right for you” is to “figure it out for real” by getting into architecture school and “trying it out.” However, what really stuck with me from this video was Bell’s emphasis on the importance of work experience. He claimed that at his firm, a candidate with a BArch and no internship/work experience is just as valuable as a candidate with an MArch and no internship/work experience. However, he claims that a candidate with an MArch and internship/work experience is much more valuable than a candidate with a BArch and internship/work experience. This, of course, is only Bell and his firm’s opinion. Though I already knew a bit about the significance of work experience, Bell really laid it out to me: a person with experience in a firm already knows terms and can ask critical questions, whereas a person without experience will enter the workforce much more unprepared. This video has tremendously inspired me and the actions I will make as a student in the next few years, especially once I have left undergrad and am on track to grad school.

I was then curious to learn about the process of licensure. I came across another video by Drew Paul Bell, titled “How to Become Licensed Architect.” There was an overwhelming amount of information in this video. The first step to becoming an architect, of course, is to attend a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited program. For me, this would be wherever I receive my Master’s degree, if I decide to pursue a career in architecture. Afterward, I learned that one must create an account on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) website and log 3,740 hours of work experience. One must complete 6 exams (may be more if you want to get licensed in certain states). What I was least aware of was that an architect can be licensed in multiple states. In some states, the process of becoming licensed is fairly simple. In others, it involves taking the time to meet additional requirements, such as taking an additional exam in California, or having extensive knowledge about wind loads in Florida. The NCARB website provides information on each state’s requirements. I find it important to know about the basics of the process of licensure as I go into college. Keeping this process in mind will help me know how to make decisions now that could help me in the future, such as figuring out the requirements of licensure in New York State, and doing my best to make sure I am on top of those requirements from the start.