Happy 2022!
January 2, 2022Archi-Vacation: South Lake Tahoe
March 6, 2022
Image taken from "The Visual Dictionary of Architecture" published by AVA Publishing SA 2008.
Defining who an Architect is and what we do is not so cut and dry. The image to the left describes a generalized definition of what a typical Architect does, but in reality there are so many different types of Architects, and some are more specialized than others.
In this blog, I want to provide my take on who we are and what we do as a profession. But first, I’d would like to describe what it takes to become a Licensed Architect.
Did you know that in the United States, only those who are licensed in a state can be called Architects or Registered Architects?
Each state in the United States has their own requirements for licensure. To make it a bit easier I will describe the NYS standard path. For more information on other states and details you can look at the States Department of Professions or on the NCARB website, which manages the candidates records towards licensure and much more.
The standard path to become an Architect in New York State is to obtain an Accredited 5-year Bachelor’s Degree or an Accredited Master’s Degree. Once the educational requisites are met, the candidate needs to complete the required hours of work experience post graduating, in NY it is 3 years worth of work experience in an Architecture firm. Furthermore, it is required to take the Architecture Registration Exams. One must complete their degree and apply to be accepted to take these exams. Currently, there are 6 exams that are divided into various categories of topics Architects should be well versed in and each exam is about 3.5-5.5 hours. Learn more about our processes and what does it take to start a project.
Once, the candidate completes all these requirements and completes the proper paperwork, their application is reviewed to be registered. One can have licenses in multiple states but do note that some other states do require additional items such as extra exams based on the location they are in. For example, in California one would need to take an exam on designing for earthquakes. All in all, the shortest path to becoming a Registered Architect is about 8 years. On average, it takes someone 13 years or even more. If you are looking to hire an Architect and want to confirm that they are licensed, you can search the Department of Professions and look up their name up, just as you can with other Professions.
Now that we have a base on what it takes to become an Architect, let’s discuss who we are. Well, in short Architects are creative problem solvers who protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. We are knowers of all and masters of none, in most cases. As an Architect, one can take various paths. We can do specialize in a type of building; such as, residential, commercial, institutional, healthcare, etc. Or even specialize in a component within the field; such as, code analyzers, facade designers, Specification writers, Interior Architecture, etc. All in all, Architects start with a broad knowledge of design and construction, and through time our focuses are shaped based on our past work experiences and passions. Architects are professionals just like doctors and lawyers, and though their are people out there who don’t think some construction projects need an Architect’s input, they very often wrong. There are far more projects that do require an Architect’s design and oversight that what most think.
What do we do that requires us then? Well, Architects can/should be involved from the conception of design to the conclusion of the construction. Architects are trained to understand space and programming. We can be a key advisor on what spaces are needed for the intended design. We then take this program and produce schematic designs showing the flow of spaces and how they will work together while being in compliance to codes.
Once the schematic design is selected, we go further in detail and develop the design to include more information and details on how it should be constructed. Including selection of materials. In many cases, we coordinate with consultants like Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and/or Plumbing Engineers to create a cohesive design. From there, we develop sets of Construction Documents that describe to the Building Department what is to be built. The set also provides the details required to price the project and show the Contractors on how to build it, especially if the project is a custom design.
Sometimes an Architect’s job ends here, but ideally they would be also hired to work with an expeditor to file the project or they file it themselves. Also, Architects can take part of reviewing the bid’s from the Contractors. Once construction begins, Architects also provide construction administration services to over see the construction of the project to make sure the drawings are followed, codes are met, correct materials are being purchased and installed, and answer any questions during the construction process.
I hope the information I have provided above has brought some light to those not within the profession and that more people understand the value of hiring an Architect. My advice is that most construction work requires some form of service from a Licensed Architect and any client should at least contact one to get some clarity of what may be required to proceed with the project they wish to complete.
If you’re in Long Island or even New York State, please feel free to contact me with questions and/or information on the project you wish to conduct. If you’re out of state, I am happy to answer questions.
Comment below if you found this valuable and/or let me know what other information you would like to know about.
Keep Growing,
Katherine Serrano Sosa
