Licensed architects are professionals who design buildings and cityscapes to make real the unique visions of their clients.
Whether you are interested in becoming a Licensed Architect in Seattle or elsewhere, there are several paths to licensure.
All routes require three components: education, experience and examination. To learn more about these requirements, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
Education Requirements
If you have a creative flair and enjoy designing homes, buildings, landscapes and more, you may be interested in becoming a licensed architect. But you should be aware that this career path requires years of education and a licensing exam.
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited program. Most states require an internship and then a licensing examination.
A licensed architect can work at an architectural firm or independently, depending on their needs and skills. An architect’s job is to make design and construction plans that meet a client’s budget and expectations.
Communication and creativity are also important skills to possess. Because architects often collaborate with other professionals, they must be able to communicate their ideas in written and oral presentations.
Analytical skills are needed to understand building structures, their components and how they affect the environment. They also need to be able to calculate and predict labor costs, materials, and other factors that affect the overall budget for a project.
All states and territories require new architecture graduates to complete a paid internship before they can take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Many states offer an option called the Architectural Experience Program, which was developed by NCARB and is required by most U.S. licensing boards.
Experience Requirements
A licensed architect is a professional who designs buildings and cityscapes that make the world more beautiful and sustainable. There are many paths to licensure, but the three major components are education, experience and examinations.
The educational requirement is typically a master’s degree in architecture, earned through an accredited program. The architectural experience requirement, governed by the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), requires that you complete a minimum of five years of supervised work under the supervision of a licensed architect.
Licensure is a rigorous process. Generally, candidates for licensure must pass the Architect Registration Examination(r) or a location-specific supplemental exam. The timeline can be long, but with careful planning and dedication to study, it can be achieved.
Firm Assistance: Some firms may offer support for young professionals to pursue licensure, such as reimbursement for ARE fees or continuing education stipends. This can save you thousands of dollars in study costs and provide valuable resources to assist with your exams.
To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete a number of continuing education courses that are relevant to the architectural profession. Typically, you’ll need to earn 30 professional development hours during each two-year period of licensure. These hours can be obtained through self-study or through attending educational programs and conferences.
Licensing Requirements
Architects are licensed professionals with specialized skills who design buildings and cityscapes to make real the unique visions of their clients and communities. In order to call yourself an architect, you must satisfy three components on your path to licensure: Education, Experience and Examination.
The first component, Education, involves completing a professional degree and/or certificate program. You’ll need to apply for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate Record, which demonstrates that you satisfy the NCARB’s educational standards.
For the second component, Experience, you’ll need to have a supervised internship under a licensed architect for at least two years before getting your license. During this time, you’ll need to log 5,600 hours of supervised work in areas such as construction documents, design, construction observation, structure and design development.
This is important because it ensures that you’re getting experience in all aspects of architecture, rather than being pigeonholed into one specific area. Having this experience also makes it more likely that you’ll pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and earn your license.
A license to practice as an architect gives you independence and trust. It shows that you’ve completed the necessary training and passed the exam, and that your firm or clients can depend on your expertise to protect their health, safety and welfare.