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School VS Work

jackbnimble819

I know that there are other postings about this stuff but I was hoping for some more help. I have my Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies from ASU. I am contemplating going back to school to get my masters or just working. I have looked all over the NCARB website about obtaining my license without my masters and from what I have figured out, it is possible in quite a few states (tell me if I'm wrong). Now my ultimate goal is to have my own firm/development company. I know school is a good option to get to this goal, I am just finding it hard to justify spending so much more money when I am already in debt. If I understand the NCARB website correctly, in many states I can get my license with about 5 years of work experience, so it would actually be quicker than school and the IDP process. And I think I could get reciprocity in other states.

Any help would be great. The NCARB stuff is confusing the hell out of me or maybe I'm just retard.

 
Jul 15, 09 8:42 pm
raj

from what i understand you can't get the reciprocity in other states.
i recommend to always work for a period of time to decide whether or not to go to grad school and what to study.

Jul 15, 09 11:17 pm  · 
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outthere

I dont know about reciprocity but in NY you need 5 yrs exp. with a BS degree and 3 years exp with a Masters so the time works out to be the same. With a Masters you can start testing right out of school. With a BS you need 2 years exp first.

I think the only reason you would need to go to grad school is to beef up your portfolio to go to a high design firm. It also gives you a little more credibility (i think) when it comes to getting clients.

I would look into reciprocity, this might be the only thing that would hinder you.

Jul 16, 09 8:16 am  · 
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lletdownl

This is definitely a legitamate thing to wander about, and dont worry, the NCARB shit confuses the hell out of even the most savvy arch. intern.

My one caveat would be this...

Though right now you might think, perhaps ill work for a few years then go back to school. The truth is this is much much harder to do than you think. Once you start working and drawing a salary, you obligations seem to pile on exponentially. Not just financial, but profesional. The longer you delay grad school after undergrad, the more difficult it will become to drop everything and go back.

My advice... go back to school as soon as possible... more than likely you will need that masters at some point. Not ever state allows accredidation without it, and youre needlessly limiting your options if you dont follow through. Get grad school out of the year now, you have the rest of your life to work, and trust me, school is way more fun that work...

Jul 16, 09 10:45 am  · 
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Chili Davis

To my knowledge, licensure requires (1) an NAAD Accredited Degree (2) completion of an internship process and (3) passing of the AREs. I think there is only about 1 state that accepts something other than IDP as internship. You will have difficulty getting an architectural license without going back to school because (A) a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies is not an NAABaccredited degree (B) you still need to complete an internship program as recognised by the state you plan to test in, and (C) you would still have to sit for an pass all sections of the ARE, which isn't allowed until the first two requirements have been met (except in some states, you may take portions of the ARE once enrolled in IDP). I'm no expert on the subject, so I could be wrong, but I believe this to be fact.

Jul 16, 09 2:39 pm  · 
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outthere

Chili its NAAB not NAAD ...and in most states this can be supplimented with work experience so jack check your state requirements before deciding

I do think working for a year or so will help you out with school ..but like letdown said anything longer than that your really risking never going back

Jul 16, 09 10:38 pm  · 
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Chili Davis

Only about 15 states will accept experience as an alternative to an NAAB accredited degree. Also, you will see that many will only accept IDP as the only form of internship.

http://www.ncarb.org/stateboards/MBRfaqinitial08.asp

Jul 17, 09 11:12 am  · 
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dsc_arch

If you are looking for devlopment go get a dual MARCH and MBA.

Kent State has one. One of my former interns, who wrestled with the same issues, is beginning there this fall.

BTW: IMHO a lot of good work experience on the project types you what to develop, as well as a lot of CCA gives you the requisite knowledge to pursue development. You can always hire an architect.

Sad but true, they are typically the least costly part of the development equation.

Jul 17, 09 11:34 am  · 
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