If you have an interest in design and a flair for creativity, and you also love being able to build things, then an architectural career would be a good fit for you. This niche is a fast growing one today and with the right effort, you can build a very lucrative career here in no time at all. Whether you want to find employment in a big architect’s firm, or you intend to start you own firm, you should focus first on getting the right educational qualification that will give you a solid foundation. With an impressive academic grounding, you are already set to impress future clients and employers with your resume. Here is what you should be thinking about in terms of getting the right educational credentials for an architect’s job.
Which degree do you need?
A degree from a school accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) is your first steppingstone to your architect’s career. In some states it is not mandatory for you to get a degree from an NAAB accredited school, but it is still in your best interests to do so for the sheer reputation it carries. Before you enroll, talk to students who have completed their course here, learn about the course intensity and coverage and the quality of teaching and most importantly, about employment prospects.
A master’s degree that lets you hone your skills further in one specific area or overall will add an impressive clout to your resume. If you can afford the time and the money, do opt for a Masters. Typically, before you can do your masters, you will need to put in some time working and then show the experience before you can enroll in the Master’s program, especially if you plan to do an M. Arch degree.
Try to get your experience at a well reputed, large sized architect’s firm. For one, this adds the firm’s brand value to you resume. The other advantage is that larger firms get a better variety of projects so the exposure you gain is far more expansive.
The Architect Registration Exam
After the completion of the bachelor’s or master’s program, once you have your degree or masters, you should start working towards getting the license from the architectural review board. Usually you have to clear an Architectural Experience Program. Here you put in a duration of work under a licensed architect, which gives you some excellent exposure. The next step is the ARE (Architect Registration Exam) which is administered by the NCARB. Once you take this exam and pass it you can use these credentials all over the country.
With all of this done successfully, you are now ready to get your license from the architecture board. Look up the requirements to fulfill to get your license because every state may have slightly different rules with respect to this. Your local architecture board will be your best and most reliable source for this information.
If you are setting up your own firm
When you have the right academic credentials in hand and you are set to open your own firm, it is important to take the right steps to safeguard it should be your first priority. After all, your business represents a huge investment. Apart from taking out general insurance coverage to protect your business premises, you might also need an architect’s professional liability coverage to protect your business in the right way. This is also known as Errors and Omissions insurance.
This kind of insurance protect you in the case that you face a client lawsuit claiming damages for incomplete service, delays, erroneous service or any similar complaint, your business is protected from the financial impact of fighting a lawsuit. The architect’s liability insurance covers your court fees, attorney fees, all legal costs and damages, if you have to pay any. With this cover in place, you can fight a legal battle to protect your reputation without anxiety. Check this website to find out more about this professional liability insurance coverage.
