Archinect - Features

Let's Talk About Architectural Licensure

2024-05-14T14:51:00-04:00

Welcome to Archinect In-Depth: Licensure. Over the coming weeks, Archinect will explore the journey undertaken by those in the United States seeking to practice as a licensed architect, including reflections on the history of licensure, comparisons to other countries, the cost and length of time taken to complete licensure, demographic inequalities within the process, and a series of possible futures.

Understanding a City’s Image: Exploring New York Through the Spatial Experiences and Perceptions of Its Users

2023-03-31T12:45:00-04:00

For our latest installment of the Thesis Review series, we connected with New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) M.Arch graduate Jay Patel to discuss his project, Urbanary — Enjoy the City While Moving.

Patel explained that his work reflects the perception of urban spaces. He uses the city of New York as a reference to investigate "how a human-oriented city image is formed with people’s perceptions to design and define future cities and spaces." Patel's thesis project aims to explore a concept that "emphasizes how each urban location has a distinctive character that has been shaped by human interaction."

In our interview, he discussed his motivations for exploring the topic of architectural perception, urban usability, how Kevin Lynch's work influenced his research approach, and he shared his own path toward licensure in both India and the U.S.

'As a Black Architecture Firm, We Cannot Ignore the Fact That We Are Rare': A Conversation with Think Wilder Architecture

2023-02-24T08:15:00-05:00

Architecture licensure and running a practice are topics widely discussed on Archinect. While everyone's path is different the experiences of firm leaders, regardless of their firm size, offer a look into the realities of being an architect, leader, and entrepreneur.

"Having my own practice has allowed me to use the business as a platform to create more than just architecture. I think architects have skill sets that transcend architecture." These are the words of Stephen Wilder, Principal of Think Wilder Architecture. The Howard University and Carnegie Mellon University graduate runs a New Jersey/New York-based architecture practice that's keen on balancing work expectations while showcasing the value architects provide to their communities.

For our latest installment of Archinect's Studio Snapshots, we chat with Wilder on his path to architecture, the obstacles of licensure, challenging the industry's work culture, and how he defines the role of an architect.

Architectural Licensure at a Crossroads: An Interview with NCARB President Robert M. Calvani and President-Elect Alfred Vidaurri

2020-08-05T13:07:00-04:00

With growing criticism over how lengthy, expensive, and exclusive getting licensed can be, and a rising cohort of unlicensed practicing designers reshaping what it means to work in architecture, architectural licensure finds itself in a moment of relative crisis. Will the long-standing arrangement of education, apprenticeship, and rigorous examination continue or will new titles and firm structures usher in a post-licensure era?

To add to the conversation surrounding these licensure issues, Archinect recently connected with Robert M. Calvani, FAIA, NCARB and Alfred Vidaurri Jr., FAIA, NCARB, AICP, the 2020 President and 2021 President-Elect, respectively, of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the independent organization that coordinates and supports licensure in the United States.

Archinect caught up with Calvani and Vidaurri to discuss their plans for the next two years, how NCARB is aiming to support diversity initiatives, and how the profession might mov...

Mónica Ponce de León on the Future of Architectural Licensure

2020-06-29T16:31:00-04:00

As schools of architecture around the country continue to focus on how they can make architecture more diverse and equitable, Princeton University School of Architecture Dean Mónica Ponce de León is on a mission to rethink the nature of architectural licensure as it exists in the United States.

Following the dean's recent statement in support of radically rethinking licensure, Archinect recently connected with Ponce de León to discuss the significant barriers to access created by licensure as currently designed, her efforts to bring diversity to the faculty and student populations at Princeton School of Architecture, and how licensure might change moving forward.

“To be or not to be” A Licensed Architect

2019-05-01T12:03:00-04:00

Herein lies a dilemma many face in architecture. Should one obtain a license or pursue something otherwise. It doesn’t seem like the professional path is so cut and dry anymore. At least this is true for the one wrestling with this question. Coincidentally, it is a dichotomy that is usually accompanied by a desire to pursue something alternative — even unorthodox. The question you’re asking is, “Is it okay for me to go this other way?” Isn’t it? You know that the tried and true path is to get your license, but yet you still yearn for something a little contrarian. So, how do you make a decision?