Someone interested in becoming an architect completes a 5 or 6 year college degree and then works under a licensed architect for at least 3 years to finish their internship.  Once these requirements are met, they take a 7-part state licensing exam and, only after passing this exam, can then call themselves an architect! They maintain this state license with continuing education requirements on a yearly basis throughout their career.


With all of this education, architects are trained to…

…be problem solvers:

• Architects create a balance between the owner’s wants and needs, the project budget, the site constraints and building/zoning code requirements
• They design flexibility into their projects by predicting how a building may be used in the future (ex. designing accessible bedroom and bath on the first floor of a two-story house for future use).
• Architects think in three-dimensions and bring a two-dimensional floor plan ‘to life’ by using height and volume to create spaces

…see the big picture (cost $$$):

• Architects prepare thorough drawings so that contractors can bid the project accurately and competitively
• A complete set of drawings will make construction go more smoothly, saving the client time and money
• By exploring design ideas and exhausting options on paper, it is much less expensive to make design changes to the drawings than to make design changes in the field

…make your life easier:

• Architects can help you decide whether remodeling or adding onto an existing building is more efficient and cost effective than building new
• They can work with contractors to help organize the construction schedule and keep everyone on track 
• Architects strive to create environments that enhance your lifestyle – your built environment should suit your way of life, not the other way around!