What Does It Take to Become an Architect?
- Emilie Anderson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 30
We live in a built environment
Buildings are so much a part of our everyday lives that we often don’t even notice or think about the process that went into creating them. That usually means the architects behind them did their job well, creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. But what does it take to become one of those architects? If you’re in junior high or high school and think architecture sounds exciting, here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: The Physical Steps (aka the 3 E's)
Architecture is a licensed profession that requires a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and successful completion of a series of examinations. These three essential elements are often referred to as the "3 E's":
Education: Earn a degree from an accredited architecture program.
Experience: Gain hands-on work under the supervision of a licensed architect.
Examination: Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
Education is the first step. A prospective architect must attend a university that offers an accredited degree recognized by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). Some students may pursue a 5-year Bachelors of Architecture (B.Arch), while others follow a path that includes a 4-year undergraduate degree in architecture followed by a 2-year Master's (M.Arch). Those switching from a non-architecture background may need to complete a 3 or 4 year Master's program.
Some programs offer flexibility, such as the 2+2+2 model: two years at a community college, two at a university, and two in graduate school. There are also online options and, in certain states, professional experience may substitute for formal education.
Experience comes next. Most of this is acquired by working at an architecture firm under a licensed professional. Students will participate in various stages of practice, from initial concept development to evaluating completed construction. Experience also involves learning project management, including billing, staffing, and budgets. Work must be paid and signed off by a licensed architect.
Additional experience can include:
Construction work
Collaboration with engineers in related disciplines
Mentored design competitions
Site visits with licensed architects
Examination is the final step. There are six licensing exams that cover the same range of topics included in the experience phase. Ideally, day-to-day work helps prepare candidates for these tests, but additional study is often needed. The exams ensure that architects have a broad and generalist knowledge of the profession—not just in areas of specialization.
Step 2: The Intangibles (Soft Skills + Mindset)
Aside from technical requirements, certain personality traits and skills help individuals thrive in architecture. A common question is: Do I have to be good at art or math? The short answer is no. While helpful, these skills can be learned over time, especially with the aid of modern tools and software.
Many architects report childhood interests in LEGOs, fort-building, and other creative activities. A deep curiosity about how things work and a passion for improving spaces are key signs of architectural potential.
Some qualities that may indicate you're a good fit for architecture:
Curiosity about structures and environments
Enjoyment of both creative and logical problem-solving
Passion for design and planning
There are also essential soft skills that every architect should develop:
Integrated Thinking: Architects synthesize information from many sources to make informed decisions. For example, they must balance structural integrity with visual appeal, owner preferences, code requirements, and cost.
Problem Solving: Architects often face challenges where clients' wishes don’t align with regulations. Creative thinking helps bridge these gaps, especially during renovations or expansions where surprises are common.
Architects are generalists who thrive by connecting ideas across multiple disciplines. They explore materials, understand engineering constraints, and design spaces that are both functional and inspiring.
Step 3: Take Action
If architecture sounds like a field you’d love, you can start taking steps right now to explore the profession and prepare for your future.
Find mentors: Reach out to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). These organizations often offer mentoring programs and events for students.
Join student groups: The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) welcomes both high school and college students. If your school doesn’t have a chapter, consider starting one.
Participate in camps or programs:
ACE Mentorship
Project Pipeline
Black Architects in the Making
These activities let you try your hand at architecture and meet professionals already working in the field. They also look impressive on college applications.
Final Thoughts
It’s never too early (or too late!) to get started. Whether you love to draw, build, solve problems, or help others, architecture offers a meaningful way to shape the world around you.
The path to becoming an architect isn’t simple, but it’s rewarding. It’s about more than exams or degrees—it’s about having a vision, solving problems, and improving communities. Stay curious, keep building, and find your own path into this incredible profession.
About Emilie Anderson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB
Emily Anderson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, is a practicing architect in the Central Florida Area. She earned her B.A. in architecture from Washington University in St Louis, and her M. Arch at the University of Florida Graduate School of Architecture, City-Lab Orlando. She was the first woman in Florida to complete the accelerated IPAL program, and her thesis work on trauma informed design for survivors of human trafficking won the Research of Societal Significance award.
Anderson has previously worked as the Outreach Manager for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), where she presented to students, licensure candidates, and licensing advisors across the country about the architectural licensure process. She has also previously served on the board for AIA Orlando as the Director of Emerging Professionals. Emily is passionate about helping students and licensure candidates complete the path to obtain the title of “architect.”
