As a child did you ever find yourself building skyscrapers with Legos? Or constructing buildings with Lincoln Logs? Maybe you were fascinated with the way certain structures looked. Did you notice the originality of a specific building that stood out from the rest? Did you ever stop and wonder, who was the mastermind that dreamed this up? Who gets to decide what these buildings look like? The answer, as you probably know now, is an architect.
What is an architect?
An architect designs buildings and at times supervises the construction of those buildings. As an architect, the designs must balance competing needs for:
- functionality
- safety
- aesthetic value
- cost-efficiency
From initial client discussions to final delivery, an architect is involved in every phase of a project. Architects need knowledge of engineering along with solid communication, management and supervisory skills in order to do their job well.
How to become an architect and why NOW is the prime time
According to a recent article in the November 22, 2019 issue of Midland's Business Journal titled, "Shortage of architects makes for competitive job market," there is a slight shortage of experienced architects, creating a competitive job market, thanks to a strong economy. Schemmer's Dan Kerns, AIA, senior project architect and project manager, was featured in the article contributing his thoughts on the matter.
Dan Kerns, AIA
"If you're good and happy where you are, then you're likely highly compensated. Also, I think most firms with comparable employee numbers offer about the same level of benefits and salaries. That makes it harder for people to make a career change," said Kerns.
So what do you need in order to be considered for the job?
Dan notes, "At Schemmer, we look for good people that want to grow and be challenged as architects. We want creative problem solvers who strive to practice their craft at a high level. We also look for people that not only want to excel in their professional life, but they want to excel in their personal life. You need to balance work with life."
Nebraska’s basic steps for initial licensure as an architect are:
- graduation from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
- or meeting the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) education standard
- completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) or its equivalent as determined and verified by NCARB
"For education, you need an accredited architectural degree. In most cases, this is a master's degree. For the experience, there are specific rules and regulations on what type and how much experience is required. The experience has to be approved and signed off by a registered architect. For examination, aspiring architects would complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Once all three of those requirements are met, you can apply for architectural registration in your home state," said Kerns.
Establishing a record with NCARB after becoming registered in your home state would allow an architect to become registered in other states as well through a process called reciprocity.
"Reciprocity generally involves the transmission of your NCARB record to the state you're applying to so they can review it to make sure you meet their requirements," added Kerns. "Most states also require a separate application as well as a small test regarding the rules and regulations of practicing architecture in that state."
To read the entire article, please see the November 22, 2019 issue of the Midlands Business Journal. The article, titled "Shortage of architects makes for competitive job market," can be found on page 27.
Design with Purpose. Build with Confidence.
Schemmer is a full-service architecture, engineering and construction field services consultant. Providing responsible solutions for complex design and construction-related challenges.
Founded in 1959, we are grounded in our past but remain fully committed to the future. Located in three States and six offices throughout the Midwest, Schemmer is providing services to clients from coast-to-coast and border-to-border across the United States.
