I got my interior design (specializing in urban environments) from an Australian university about a decade ago. Since then, I have been working in my home country (east asia) as an interior designer in multiple firms where I worked closely with architects and designers alike. I would like to pivot my career to the architectural realm. I really feel confident that I have the skills to do so.
Thing is, I now have a green card (through lottery :)) and want to immigrate to the US too. I have close to 0 idea how the architecture industry works in US; but from the little i gathered, we need to pass the Board exam, and to be eligible for the exam I need an accredited degree in architecture.
I have looked into online architectural programs such as Arizona, Lawrence Technological University, etc. These are pretty expensive and will take 3 years.
My 1st question: will such an online degree be worth it; as in, is a degree from an architectural program the ONLY way for me to become an architect? If I can self study and pass the Board exam, will it be just as eligible for jobs? I do want to emphasize that I feel confident I could grow into an architect role from my current education+experience combined, but worry that nobody will give me the opportunity without the credentials.
2nd question: Some of these programs have an accelerated path for those with a BS in architecture. Is there a possibility for me to make a plea that with an Interior design degree + 10 years of (close to) architectural experience, please place me on the accelerated program? Or is that a no-no?
3rd question: Should I get an architectural degree from my home country before immigrating?
Any further guidance would be appreciated! Thank you!
atelier nobody
Apr 16, 24 2:02 pm
The best path, if you can afford it, would be to get an M.Arch from an accredited university in the US. I don't know if different programs will treat your foreign undergrad differently or not.
Generally the all online degrees aren't as well regarded as traditional degrees, but I don't think that would really hurt you, since employers will be looking MUCH more at your experience than at the prestige of the school.
Richard Balkins
Apr 30, 24 3:09 pm
Ultimately, if it is NAAB accredited, you are on licensure track for architectural licensing and that ultimately matter but yes, there are those who are in my opinion, too concerned about alma mater matching their own and certain name prestige and such.
Wilma Buttfit
Apr 16, 24 3:51 pm
NCARB or National Association of Architectural Registration Boards is the source for licensing information. This board represents the 54 jurisdictions which are the 50 states plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Most of these jurisdictions require an NAAB-accredited degree but you can get licensed in some states without the degree. More documented experience hours are needed in those states. California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Arizona are some of those states. There’s others. You can look at this tool on NCARB’s website for guidance. https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensing-requirements-tool Since each jurisdiction has its own licensing board, it’s advisable to look beyond this tool to the state board to verify as NCARB’s tool may be inaccurate. You still have to pass the exams. Note that you don’t have to be licensed to work in an architect’s office and interior designers work in architecture firms.
atelier nobody
Apr 16, 24 6:40 pm
Don't fully trust NCARB's page of States' requirements (I've found it about 80%-90% correct) - if a State you're interested in, look at that State's own web site to confirm whatever you see on NCARB.
Richard Balkins
Apr 30, 24 3:05 pm
Sometimes states may have amendments of laws and rules & NCARB hasn't caught up with or that there may be more nuance factors and options that NCARB just doesn't cover in detail. NCARB is a quick & dirty source of information for multiple boards. The ONLY official source of information for licensure IS the individual jurisdictions' board in charge of architectural registration/licensure. It is the only way for full and accurate information.
JLC-1
Apr 16, 24 3:53 pm
You can send this same questions to the programs you have been looking at. For immigration purposes would be best if you start with a M.Arch. but quickly get employed and make yourself needed, so somebody can sponsor your work visa. After that it's easy. To validate your degree you need EESA, which will tell you if you can take the "board" exams.(it's ARE here), very remote chance of being adequate.
luvu
Apr 17, 24 4:38 am
the OP obtained a Permanent resident visa which allow they to live and work …permanently. No sponsor is required
Richard Balkins
Apr 30, 24 3:12 pm
Also depends on the state where the OP intends to obtain initial licensure. Some states have alternate paths and options for taking the ARE without one having to complete AXP and NAAB degree but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have significant background in architecture or building design and largely familiar with codes, laws, and customary norms of professional practice in the United States. This takes time.
federernadal
Apr 30, 24 11:11 am
If I move to a state that allows me to sit for the ncarb Are exam without an accredited degree (via my experience), and I pass the exam, can I work as an architect?
Thanks!
Non Sequitur
Apr 30, 24 12:15 pm
unlikely. Foreign Interior design exp is not typically recognized as comparable to foreign arch exp so you'll have a big hill to climb to demonstrate it is valid. Please note that "working as an architect" is a bit of a weird way to look at it since nothing is stopping you from working in an architecture office as either a designer or tech, or arch intern, or whatever "title" is in fashion for non-licensed professional roles.
Chad Miller
Apr 30, 24 1:30 pm
Ask NCARB and the state(s) you want to practice in.
Bench
Apr 30, 24 2:53 pm
I believe that is the case. Certain states will allow for sitting the NCARB without a professional degree. I have colleagues who are registered architects in their specific state, but would not be eligible for reciprocity, etc. in other states that do not allow for that situation. Best to call NCARB directly or check the handy map tool they have on their website.
Richard Balkins
Apr 30, 24 3:14 pm
N.S., the OP is referring to the U.S.
Richard Balkins
Apr 30, 24 3:19 pm
Most states with experience path to licensure requires you to get work experience under an architect which also includes AXP. Those states also tend to be more willing to hire someone without a degree. If you are not in such a state, they may find it difficult. If you can get into a state where you can take the ARE concurrent with working for an architect, the combined experience and passing the ARE would help if you need a job working for another architect even if you have not completed an NAAB accredited degree or completed all of the years of experience under the particular state's experience-only or hybrid-education/experience based alternative path to licensure. You may get a little bit of credit for the foreign interior design education in some states.
Richard Balkins
Apr 30, 24 3:21 pm
Reciprocity can be a challenge when licensed under an alternative path to licensure as Bench said. Contact NCARB but also contact the specific boards regarding reciprocity. Sometimes, you may have to get NCARB Certificate and then pursue reciprocity. It is a a more complicated path for multi-state licensure.
Jay1122
May 1, 24 12:16 pm
For someone with 10 years experience. I would suggest you to come to US first, try to land a job in architecture office using your existing education and work experience. You can always work as a designer without the license. Spend some time to get familiar with the architectural work and setting in the US. NY has alternative path to get license for you to gain the "Architect" title. Honestly, I don't think getting a Master degree is worth it at this point of life unless you are planning to get licensed and open your own firm and need to seal drawings across many states.
Richard Balkins
May 1, 24 12:58 pm
Sometimes, as an alternative, you may possibly work on completing just the 4 year BA/BS in Architecture (maybe you might get some advanced placement) incrementally and do 2X AXP so you could get an NCARB Certificate. That *may* be an option. The question boils down to whether reciprocity will be important to you or not. If you go to New York or California, then you can have a successful career in the U.S. without necessarily leaving the state because California (for example) is a large state with two to three metropolitan areas. One major area is the LA area. Then you have the Bay area. Then you also have the San Diego area. So you have three fairly concentrated zones for getting jobs. Then of course there are another area or two in the valley (Sacramento and Fresno). So there is options. New York not as big but has its own options. Likely if you meet NY's experience path to licensure, you might be able to get licensed in California without NCARB certificate. You might use in that case, licensure in-state via California's alternative path and submit copies of your records and your AXP and work hours stuff and the ARE exams (get that done first). You would then just need to complete CSE. Opportunities can be interesting if you are licensed in NY and California (two major populated states and major economic areas of the U.S.) There may be a few other states where you could further get licensed without the NCARB Certificate but that's stuff we know today but don't know if be available as they are in 10-20 years as the laws and rules do change over time. I can't speak to the future that far ahead. Jay1122 has a good point and NY is an option to consider.
Hi everyone!
I got my interior design (specializing in urban environments) from an Australian university about a decade ago. Since then, I have been working in my home country (east asia) as an interior designer in multiple firms where I worked closely with architects and designers alike. I would like to pivot my career to the architectural realm. I really feel confident that I have the skills to do so.
Thing is, I now have a green card (through lottery :)) and want to immigrate to the US too. I have close to 0 idea how the architecture industry works in US; but from the little i gathered, we need to pass the Board exam, and to be eligible for the exam I need an accredited degree in architecture.
I have looked into online architectural programs such as Arizona, Lawrence Technological University, etc. These are pretty expensive and will take 3 years.
My 1st question: will such an online degree be worth it; as in, is a degree from an architectural program the ONLY way for me to become an architect? If I can self study and pass the Board exam, will it be just as eligible for jobs? I do want to emphasize that I feel confident I could grow into an architect role from my current education+experience combined, but worry that nobody will give me the opportunity without the credentials.
2nd question: Some of these programs have an accelerated path for those with a BS in architecture. Is there a possibility for me to make a plea that with an Interior design degree + 10 years of (close to) architectural experience, please place me on the accelerated program? Or is that a no-no?
3rd question: Should I get an architectural degree from my home country before immigrating?
Any further guidance would be appreciated! Thank you!
The best path, if you can afford it, would be to get an M.Arch from an accredited university in the US. I don't know if different programs will treat your foreign undergrad differently or not.
Generally the all online degrees aren't as well regarded as traditional degrees, but I don't think that would really hurt you, since employers will be looking MUCH more at your experience than at the prestige of the school.
Ultimately, if it is NAAB accredited, you are on licensure track for architectural licensing and that ultimately matter but yes, there are those who are in my opinion, too concerned about alma mater matching their own and certain name prestige and such.
NCARB or National Association of Architectural Registration Boards is the source for licensing information. This board represents the 54 jurisdictions which are the 50 states plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Most of these jurisdictions require an NAAB-accredited degree but you can get licensed in some states without the degree. More documented experience hours are needed in those states. California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Arizona are some of those states. There’s others. You can look at this tool on NCARB’s website for guidance. https://www.ncarb.org/get-licensed/licensing-requirements-tool Since each jurisdiction has its own licensing board, it’s advisable to look beyond this tool to the state board to verify as NCARB’s tool may be inaccurate. You still have to pass the exams. Note that you don’t have to be licensed to work in an architect’s office and interior designers work in architecture firms.
Don't fully trust NCARB's page of States' requirements (I've found it about 80%-90% correct) - if a State you're interested in, look at that State's own web site to confirm whatever you see on NCARB.
Sometimes states may have amendments of laws and rules & NCARB hasn't caught up with or that there may be more nuance factors and options that NCARB just doesn't cover in detail. NCARB is a quick & dirty source of information for multiple boards. The ONLY official source of information for licensure IS the individual jurisdictions' board in charge of architectural registration/licensure. It is the only way for full and accurate information.
You can send this same questions to the programs you have been looking at. For immigration purposes would be best if you start with a M.Arch. but quickly get employed and make yourself needed, so somebody can sponsor your work visa. After that it's easy. To validate your degree you need EESA, which will tell you if you can take the "board" exams.(it's ARE here), very remote chance of being adequate.
the OP obtained a Permanent resident visa which allow they to live and work …permanently. No sponsor is required
Also depends on the state where the OP intends to obtain initial licensure. Some states have alternate paths and options for taking the ARE without one having to complete AXP and NAAB degree but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have significant background in architecture or building design and largely familiar with codes, laws, and customary norms of professional practice in the United States. This takes time.
If I move to a state that allows me to sit for the ncarb Are exam without an accredited degree (via my experience), and I pass the exam, can I work as an architect?
Thanks!
unlikely. Foreign Interior design exp is not typically recognized as comparable to foreign arch exp so you'll have a big hill to climb to demonstrate it is valid. Please note that "working as an architect" is a bit of a weird way to look at it since nothing is stopping you from working in an architecture office as either a designer or tech, or arch intern, or whatever "title" is in fashion for non-licensed professional roles.
Ask NCARB and the state(s) you want to practice in.
I believe that is the case. Certain states will allow for sitting the NCARB without a professional degree. I have colleagues who are registered architects in their specific state, but would not be eligible for reciprocity, etc. in other states that do not allow for that situation. Best to call NCARB directly or check the handy map tool they have on their website.
N.S., the OP is referring to the U.S.
Most states with experience path to licensure requires you to get work experience under an architect which also includes AXP. Those states also tend to be more willing to hire someone without a degree. If you are not in such a state, they may find it difficult. If you can get into a state where you can take the ARE concurrent with working for an architect, the combined experience and passing the ARE would help if you need a job working for another architect even if you have not completed an NAAB accredited degree or completed all of the years of experience under the particular state's experience-only or hybrid-education/experience based alternative path to licensure. You may get a little bit of credit for the foreign interior design education in some states.
Reciprocity can be a challenge when licensed under an alternative path to licensure as Bench said. Contact NCARB but also contact the specific boards regarding reciprocity. Sometimes, you may have to get NCARB Certificate and then pursue reciprocity. It is a a more complicated path for multi-state licensure.
For someone with 10 years experience. I would suggest you to come to US first, try to land a job in architecture office using your existing education and work experience. You can always work as a designer without the license. Spend some time to get familiar with the architectural work and setting in the US. NY has alternative path to get license for you to gain the "Architect" title. Honestly, I don't think getting a Master degree is worth it at this point of life unless you are planning to get licensed and open your own firm and need to seal drawings across many states.
Sometimes, as an alternative, you may possibly work on completing just the 4 year BA/BS in Architecture (maybe you might get some advanced placement) incrementally and do 2X AXP so you could get an NCARB Certificate. That *may* be an option. The question boils down to whether reciprocity will be important to you or not. If you go to New York or California, then you can have a successful career in the U.S. without necessarily leaving the state because California (for example) is a large state with two to three metropolitan areas. One major area is the LA area. Then you have the Bay area. Then you also have the San Diego area. So you have three fairly concentrated zones for getting jobs. Then of course there are another area or two in the valley (Sacramento and Fresno). So there is options. New York not as big but has its own options. Likely if you meet NY's experience path to licensure, you might be able to get licensed in California without NCARB certificate. You might use in that case, licensure in-state via California's alternative path and submit copies of your records and your AXP and work hours stuff and the ARE exams (get that done first). You would then just need to complete CSE. Opportunities can be interesting if you are licensed in NY and California (two major populated states and major economic areas of the U.S.) There may be a few other states where you could further get licensed without the NCARB Certificate but that's stuff we know today but don't know if be available as they are in 10-20 years as the laws and rules do change over time. I can't speak to the future that far ahead. Jay1122 has a good point and NY is an option to consider.