Hey everyone, thanks for your time. Hopefully someone is knowledgeable about the liscensure process and can provide some guidance.
Background:
Seeking in the state of Maryland
24 years old
4 year B.S. Arch from an accredited university
55% completion of NCARB AXP hours from working for architecture firms
Currently working (started 4 months ago) for a real estate developer / design-build firm
I design tenant spaces, site improvements, details for renovation of our properties, and work with architects as a design manager for our larger projects - I technically draft drawings that are used for construction, but I am not sure if they are qualified as CD's in a traditional sense
I also project manage a majority of our construction projects from large to small - coordinating consultants, contacting material manufacturers for pricing, signing off on invoices and proposals, bidding out to subcontractors, answering RFI's from subs, and generally overseeing outsourced superintendents and supervising quality of construction
An architect we frequently employ for overflow design needs is willing to be my NCARB mentor/supervisor
Will the work I do, as its not for an architectural firm, be deemed acceptable for AXP hour requirements?
Will my proposed mentor, a licensed architect, be able to sign off on my hours if we are not working for the same entity?
Since I have a 4 year degree - B.S. Arch - will I still be able to complete the 4 year requirement of work equivalency in the state of Maryland - even though its not work equivalency for an architecture firm but rather a developer?
Thank you!
BulgarBlogger
Nov 20, 19 5:58 pm
BS in architecture is BS. You just threw your money out the window- and for what? Whatever... you live with the choices you make.
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 6:36 pm
Hope everything is ok with you, grumpy gills. The state of Maryland allows anyone with a 4 year pre professional degree, my Bullshit Arch as you mentioned, to gain licensure through work equivalency. So, once an individual completes AXP requirements, 4 years of professional work can satisfy not having an MArch and the 60,000 dollar price tag that comes with it. I love my job and can live without being licensed, but I DIDNT WANT MY DEGREE TO GO TO WASTE!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!
BulgarBlogger
Nov 20, 19 7:46 pm
You're a waste and an embarrassment to architecture.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 20, 19 7:46 pm
No respect
BulgarBlogger
Nov 20, 19 7:52 pm
It doesn't matter what the state allows or doesn't allow. The quality of how you think about architecture, as defined by the seriousness (or lack thereof in your case) by your educational program is indicative of how you would approach any design process/problem. You clearly went for a four ywar because you either had no clue what you wanted to do with your life or didn't your higher education applications seriously enough at to forsee that accredited professional programs not only provide better design training, but also allow the privilege of obtaining an NCARB certificate and getting licensed in multiple states. I feel sorry for the individuals/entities/institutions that sponsored your massive waste of time.
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 8:01 pm
Is this how you speak to people in the real world? I genuinely feel sorry for you and wonder why you’re so angry at the world. If a simple question can warrant this much anger I’m scared to find out how much an actual injustice affects your being. Godspeed you little ball of fragile anger. I make more money than you.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 20, 19 9:44 pm
"I make more money than you". And this is your true motivation. Nkt t
BulgarBlogger
Nov 20, 19 9:45 pm
Not to master a craft, but the reap the financial benefits from it. So no- its not the "simple question." I smelled your type a mile away.
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 10:19 pm
Stay miserable, my man. You can take your lofty ego and kick rocks. Thanks for all the help!!!
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 10:20 pm
You’re the equivalent of an architecture neckbeard lol
OddArchitect
Nov 21, 19 9:42 am
BB, back off. You're being a dick.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 10:02 am
Bite me. 4 years are bullshit.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 10:08 am
This guy wants the prestige of the title without being really interested in it and wants to just make money off of it. This is my (OUR) profession, and your lack of outrage that some four-year non-professional developer-type wants to rape it by simply getting the title is not respectable.
threeohdoor
Nov 21, 19 10:25 am
A 3 year M.Arch is somehow better? The profession is a sham but comments like yours above do absolutely nothing to improve the situation.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 10:27 am
No- I am against a 3-year M.Arch. I believe the only architecture degree that should be allowed is a continuous professional degree.
OddArchitect
Nov 21, 19 10:56 am
BB, sounds like you're upset with developers, not the path to alternative licenceture. Regardless I know quite a few architects who have a 4 year degree. They are all some of the best architects I know and have created great works. It's about the person, not necessarily the degree. Look up David Salmela.
threeohdoor
Nov 21, 19 11:16 am
Wait, what is a "Continuous Professional Degree"? Just HSW hours on blast or biennial board certifications? I haven't heard of that term before and a quick google points me only to CEUs.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 11:17 am
I am upset with the "loosy-goosy" nature of education. People don't study things to master them anymore.. they only go for something that they think will make them money.. The goal should always be to master something
first and have the money be a byproduct of that mastery.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 11:17 am
Read Robert Greene's book "Mastery"
threeohdoor
Nov 21, 19 11:33 am
Interesting take. However, who decides or defines "Mastery"? How does one become a master and what steps should he/she take? Even a master tradesman requires a broader basis of education in order to reach mastery - this basis of education is often "loosy goosy". And what's wrong with wanting to get paid before someone reaches "mastery"? I'll check out the book.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 12:16 pm
Mastery starts with a passion to want to fully absorb and immerse yourself in everything related to that craft that you wish to master. Starting to study something with a "loosy-goosy" attitude is actually a disgrace in my opinion- and then wanting that attitude to ultimately translate into a license?? I hope you understand that it is the attitude toward the discipline that I have a problem with...
OddArchitect
Nov 21, 19 12:39 pm
I'd think that if you didn't take your education and internship seriously you wouldn't be able to pass the ARE. As for education, what do you feel is a decent length and type of an accredited architectural program? Five year BA? Five year MA, Six year MA?
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 12:47 pm
Do it like they do it in Europe: make all decent architecture programs as competitive as Cooper Union and you study 6 years to obtain a Masters.
tduds
Nov 21, 19 1:08 pm
Chill out, Bubbles.
OddArchitect
Nov 21, 19 1:29 pm
BB, if we went with that type of education then you wouldn't be an architect.
Non Sequitur
Nov 21, 19 1:40 pm
BB, we're not that special and we're certainly not that important. The only education that counts is work experience, everything before that is just noise. Mastery and passion are nice to have but they are optional since if one looks at architecture as a profession (ie. a ways to make a salary). If someone can get there without paying heavy tuition costs, then that's even better. We don't need 6y of 80 hour weeks of studio work to be successful; let the real world sort out who can make it and who can't.
OddArchitect
Nov 21, 19 2:20 pm
/\ tduds, did you just call BB 'Bubbles'?
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 2:27 pm
Every time I see tduds, I think of tits
chi-arc
Nov 21, 19 2:37 pm
I truly feel sorry for you BB, you sound miserable. If you can pursue what you want without taking on more student debt, I suggest you do so. So no OP, you did not waste your money. You are just dealing without someone who career obviously hasn't turned out the way they thought it would.
threeohdoor
Nov 21, 19 4:00 pm
So I flipped through the book at lunch. I was surprised to learn the author is the same guy who wrote Art of Seduction. The work is trash and pop-psy designed to force a method of thinking on the unwise and willing. He's embrace of "Great Man History" is a sign of his weak theoretical foundation and his inability to incorporate nuance and subtlety into his arguments. Machiavelli he is not. I'd qualify his work as Ayn Rand adjacent, in that the chief audience seems to be the high school to college white guy who has yet to achieve a more well-rounded perspective on life and society.
As others have mentioned, it's ludicrous to think that someone who has no exposure or educational basis could "choose" to master in a discipline. If that were the case, then everyone would be a firefighter, astronaut, President, etc. "Loosy goosy" education is entirely required, in my opinion, before anyone can make a realistic assessment of their own abilities and desires.
Also, individuals have different goals in life and allocate their own resources accordingly. Architecture is not special. Medicine is not special. Business is not special. Law is not special. They CAN be, but as a baseline, they are not.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 4:26 pm
"Loosy Goosy" is the result of absent discipline and lack of focus. Look at all the olympic gymnasts or really talented pianists. Ask them at what age they started their training...
threeohdoor
Nov 21, 19 4:42 pm
I'd ask them when their parents started their training. I'd also all the not-quite olympian gymnasts how they are faring now...
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 4:49 pm
That's is such an ad hominem answer. Who cares when their parents started training?
BulgarBlogger
Nov 21, 19 5:07 pm
Rick- you are exactly right. Not my business. But it is also not my obligation to have respect for others' choices. Reacting to that is my right on a public forum.
tduds
Nov 21, 19 5:33 pm
It's not illegal to be an asshole but that doesn't make one any less of an asshole.
tduds
Nov 21, 19 7:31 pm
Yeah don't be a dick, Bubbles.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 22, 19 9:39 am
Non- "we aren't that special." You must design culturally or societally insignificant spaces that are neither memorable nor permanent. But whether or not the buildings/spaces you do design are significant or not, your entire outlook (or blueprint- pun intended) of how you think about the architectural profession is similar to that of a totally disempowered indidividual, similar to someone who doesn't vote and adopts the mentality- "why vote? I aint gonna determine who is president by myself." So no, its not about ego or feeling like we need to be treated like Gods, but if you really don't think that what you do IS that important, then I feel sorry for you; sorry because you've lost your spark, that something that makes you want to go to work every day beyond the mundane and material. Your passion about the essence of architecture is gone, and that is truly a miserable place to be in.
threeohdoor
Nov 22, 19 11:10 am
"culturally or societally insignificant spaces..." - You do luxury brownstones for rich people, right?
tduds
Nov 22, 19 12:00 pm
One can be passionate about architecture and also passionate about shutting down arrogant gatekeeping bullshit.
Non Sequitur
Nov 22, 19 12:13 pm
Bubbles, you are grossly incorrect about everything in your statement.
Non Sequitur
Nov 22, 19 1:26 pm
so are janitors and bus drivers too. So if every job is important, are no jobs important then?
tduds
Nov 22, 19 2:25 pm
Passion is not the same as importance. Passion, I'd argue, is a disregard of importance.
Non Sequitur
Nov 22, 19 2:43 pm
indelible? Really Ricky?
ArchNyen
Nov 22, 19 4:44 pm
best line so far on this comment trend is: you miserable "little ball of fragile anger"
Everyday Architect
Nov 22, 19 6:59 pm
Rick, let's play a game. You tell me a profession you think is unimportant, and I'll tell you how that profession can leave an indelible mark on someone. As NS said, we aren't that special, nor that important. We take ourselves way too seriously.
Non Sequitur
Nov 22, 19 7:13 pm
.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 22, 19 9:28 pm
Passion is about standards. The ARE is the technical standard the profession has adopted. The professional degree is the educational standard.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 22, 19 9:52 pm
Lol- Mies said
BulgarBlogger
Nov 22, 19 9:52 pm
"Architecture is the will of the epoch"; so you can master that...
tduds
Nov 20, 19 6:39 pm
This sounds like a question for NCARB / Maryland Board of Architects.
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 6:42 pm
I agree, and NCARB directs me to MBoA whenever I call. When I call MBoA they put me on hold then hang up on me. Thanks for the comment though.
atelier nobody
Nov 20, 19 7:51 pm
Does MBoA not have a web site?
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 8:04 pm
It does, and I’ve scoured the information. I wish it was more comprehensive and accessible. Maybe I’ll try and schedule a sit down with a leader there. Just figured I would ask here to see if anyone was in a similar situation.
placebeyondthesplines
Nov 21, 19 3:54 pm
only a building designer*
*not licensed anywhere, not educated in architecture, not qualified to comment
Flatfish
Nov 21, 19 4:04 pm
The OP isn't asking about the number of extra years needed to get licensed. He or she is asking specifically about whether the experience working on architecture-related work for a developer will count toward those extra years, since it's not in the office of an architect, but would be supervised by one who is not employed by that company. The answer to that is not in the state's web page. The footnote says, "80% of the required work experience may be completed as an employee of an organization other than the office of a licensed Architect if the work experience is directly related to architectural work and is completed under the direct supervision of a licensed Architect." That's just not specific enough to know whether the state considers this OP's work to be directly related enough, or if they consider an architect who doesn't work on the premises to be able to do "direct supervision" (some states do, and some don't.) The OP needs to get a ruling from the state board, about this specific personal situation. Nobody on this site is going to be able to say what the state will or won't approve in this case.
OddArchitect
Nov 24, 19 1:29 pm
BB, your trolling would be a lot better if it wasn't so transparent.
BulgarBlogger
Nov 24, 19 3:56 pm
Huh?
OddArchitect
Nov 25, 19 10:23 am
I'd hope you're a troll BB, if not your views on eugenics, the poor, education, and the profession of architecture make you just a horrible, miserable person.
Sounds like the MBoA needs to review your qualifications to date and tell you what else you need. That's their job. I would physically go to their office and make an appointment at a later time if they can't spare a few minutes then. Virtually all Maryland state government offices have an atrocious reputation for citizen service. Just be sure you are polite and keep your cool.
Reconvene_Reconnect_555
Nov 20, 19 8:29 pm
That’s what I’m starting to think as well. Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it.
Zbig
Nov 21, 19 11:29 am
MD BoA used to have a fantastically responsive employee until three or four years ago. I heard that he retired.
Menona
Nov 21, 19 1:55 pm
Isn't it in the best financial interests of the member architects of the MBoA, for there to be as few Registered Architects as possible? If they can put up a roadblock or two that will discourage others from getting registered, won't that ensure they have less competition?
Is this too cynical? Still waiting myself on a response from another state's BoA.
Non Sequitur
Nov 21, 19 2:00 pm
I am in favor of less roadblocks. More competition is good.
threeohdoor
Nov 22, 19 11:07 am
NS, I'm of two minds. I think all the reporting/hours/etc hoops that candidates need to jump through are bogus. I don't think they do a decent job of proving competency to the state or to clients. I think taking a page out of the legal industry might be interest...Just graduated? Great, now take the (State) Bar and you're good to go. Make the test actually difficult as opposed to the current AREs, where you get a pass if you answer 70% of questions correctly.
So basically, replace the many hurdles with just one high hurdle.
Non Sequitur
Nov 22, 19 11:57 am
^Interesting... but I am of the opposite opinion since I sincerely doubt that the average accredited program pumps out grads that can actually practice.
So for this to work, this bar test (national for me because... well, we're different up here), we would need more rigorous schooling and exams that are have a big chunk dedicated to CM, PA stuff. But I guess if someone took their schooling seriously and perhaps worked in an office part-time, they may be able to write the exams following their graduation. Most may not and will need to work until they feel competent enough. No minimum hours bullshit, just take the test(s) when you feel ready and see what happens. I'd like to see that.
Just give me a few pints of Guinness and I'll likely balkanize this even further.
tduds
Nov 22, 19 12:26 pm
"I sincerely doubt that the average accredited program pumps out grads that can actually practice." Agreed. & I include myself in this statement.
Architecture is inherently an apprentice / vocational learning process. Design programs don't teach the realities you need to know to be a competent PA (I'd argue they also shouldn't.. but that's a different thread). You really can only learn by doing, so some sort of proof-of-apprenticeship is still necessary for licensure.
I agree the current AXP/ARE model could use improvement, but I don't think eliminating the experience portion is a step in the right direction.
Hey everyone, thanks for your time. Hopefully someone is knowledgeable about the liscensure process and can provide some guidance.
Background:
Will the work I do, as its not for an architectural firm, be deemed acceptable for AXP hour requirements?
Will my proposed mentor, a licensed architect, be able to sign off on my hours if we are not working for the same entity?
Since I have a 4 year degree - B.S. Arch - will I still be able to complete the 4 year requirement of work equivalency in the state of Maryland - even though its not work equivalency for an architecture firm but rather a developer?
Thank you!
BS in architecture is BS. You just threw your money out the window- and for what? Whatever... you live with the choices you make.
Hope everything is ok with you, grumpy gills. The state of Maryland allows anyone with a 4 year pre professional degree, my Bullshit Arch as you mentioned, to gain licensure through work equivalency. So, once an individual completes AXP requirements, 4 years of professional work can satisfy not having an MArch and the 60,000 dollar price tag that comes with it. I love my job and can live without being licensed, but I DIDNT WANT MY DEGREE TO GO TO WASTE!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!
You're a waste and an embarrassment to architecture.
No respect
It doesn't matter what the state allows or doesn't allow. The quality of how you think about architecture, as defined by the seriousness (or lack thereof in your case) by your educational program is indicative of how you would approach any design process/problem. You clearly went for a four ywar because you either had no clue what you wanted to do with your life or didn't your higher education applications seriously enough at to forsee that accredited professional programs not only provide better design training, but also allow the privilege of obtaining an NCARB certificate and getting licensed in multiple states. I feel sorry for the individuals/entities/institutions that sponsored your massive waste of time.
Is this how you speak to people in the real world? I genuinely feel sorry for you and wonder why you’re so angry at the world. If a simple question can warrant this much anger I’m scared to find out how much an actual injustice affects your being. Godspeed you little ball of fragile anger. I make more money than you.
"I make more money than you". And this is your true motivation. Nkt t
Not to master a craft, but the reap the financial benefits from it. So no- its not the "simple question." I smelled your type a mile away.
Stay miserable, my man. You can take your lofty ego and kick rocks. Thanks for all the help!!!
You’re the equivalent of an architecture neckbeard lol
BB, back off. You're being a dick.
Bite me. 4 years are bullshit.
This guy wants the prestige of the title without being really interested in it and wants to just make money off of it. This is my (OUR) profession, and your lack of outrage that some four-year non-professional developer-type wants to rape it by simply getting the title is not respectable.
A 3 year M.Arch is somehow better? The profession is a sham but comments like yours above do absolutely nothing to improve the situation.
No- I am against a 3-year M.Arch. I believe the only architecture degree that should be allowed is a continuous professional degree.
BB, sounds like you're upset with developers, not the path to alternative licenceture. Regardless I know quite a few architects who have a 4 year degree. They are all some of the best architects I know and have created great works. It's about the person, not necessarily the degree. Look up David Salmela.
Wait, what is a "Continuous Professional Degree"? Just HSW hours on blast or biennial board certifications? I haven't heard of that term before and a quick google points me only to CEUs.
I am upset with the "loosy-goosy" nature of education. People don't study things to master them anymore.. they only go for something that they think will make them money.. The goal should always be to master something first and have the money be a byproduct of that mastery.
Read Robert Greene's book "Mastery"
Interesting take. However, who decides or defines "Mastery"? How does one become a master and what steps should he/she take? Even a master tradesman requires a broader basis of education in order to reach mastery - this basis of education is often "loosy goosy". And what's wrong with wanting to get paid before someone reaches "mastery"? I'll check out the book.
Mastery starts with a passion to want to fully absorb and immerse yourself in everything related to that craft that you wish to master. Starting to study something with a "loosy-goosy" attitude is actually a disgrace in my opinion- and then wanting that attitude to ultimately translate into a license?? I hope you understand that it is the attitude toward the discipline that I have a problem with...
I'd think that if you didn't take your education and internship seriously you wouldn't be able to pass the ARE. As for education, what do you feel is a decent length and type of an accredited architectural program? Five year BA? Five year MA, Six year MA?
Do it like they do it in Europe: make all decent architecture programs as competitive as Cooper Union and you study 6 years to obtain a Masters.
Chill out, Bubbles.
BB, if we went with that type of education then you wouldn't be an architect.
BB, we're not that special and we're certainly not that important. The only education that counts is work experience, everything before that is just noise. Mastery and passion are nice to have but they are optional since if one looks at architecture as a profession (ie. a ways to make a salary). If someone can get there without paying heavy tuition costs, then that's even better. We don't need 6y of 80 hour weeks of studio work to be successful; let the real world sort out who can make it and who can't.
/\ tduds, did you just call BB 'Bubbles'?
Every time I see tduds, I think of tits
I truly feel sorry for you BB, you sound miserable. If you can pursue what you want without taking on more student debt, I suggest you do so. So no OP, you did not waste your money. You are just dealing without someone who career obviously hasn't turned out the way they thought it would.
So I flipped through the book at lunch. I was surprised to learn the author is the same guy who wrote Art of Seduction. The work is trash and pop-psy designed to force a method of thinking on the unwise and willing. He's embrace of "Great Man History" is a sign of his weak theoretical foundation and his inability to incorporate nuance and subtlety into his arguments. Machiavelli he is not. I'd qualify his work as Ayn Rand adjacent, in that the chief audience seems to be the high school to college white guy who has yet to achieve a more well-rounded perspective on life and society.
As others have mentioned, it's ludicrous to think that someone who has no exposure or educational basis could "choose" to master in a discipline. If that were the case, then everyone would be a firefighter, astronaut, President, etc. "Loosy goosy" education is entirely required, in my opinion, before anyone can make a realistic assessment of their own abilities and desires.
Also, individuals have different goals in life and allocate their own resources accordingly. Architecture is not special. Medicine is not special. Business is not special. Law is not special. They CAN be, but as a baseline, they are not.
"Loosy Goosy" is the result of absent discipline and lack of focus. Look at all the olympic gymnasts or really talented pianists. Ask them at what age they started their training...
I'd ask them when their parents started their training. I'd also all the not-quite olympian gymnasts how they are faring now...
That's is such an ad hominem answer. Who cares when their parents started training?
Rick- you are exactly right. Not my business. But it is also not my obligation to have respect for others' choices. Reacting to that is my right on a public forum.
It's not illegal to be an asshole but that doesn't make one any less of an asshole.
Yeah don't be a dick, Bubbles.
Non- "we aren't that special." You must design culturally or societally insignificant spaces that are neither memorable nor permanent. But whether or not the buildings/spaces you do design are significant or not, your entire outlook (or blueprint- pun intended) of how you think about the architectural profession is similar to that of a totally disempowered indidividual, similar to someone who doesn't vote and adopts the mentality- "why vote? I aint gonna determine who is president by myself." So no, its not about ego or feeling like we need to be treated like Gods, but if you really don't think that what you do IS that important, then I feel sorry for you; sorry because you've lost your spark, that something that makes you want to go to work every day beyond the mundane and material. Your passion about the essence of architecture is gone, and that is truly a miserable place to be in.
"culturally or societally insignificant spaces..." - You do luxury brownstones for rich people, right?
One can be passionate about architecture and also passionate about shutting down arrogant gatekeeping bullshit.
Bubbles, you are grossly incorrect about everything in your statement.
so are janitors and bus drivers too. So if every job is important, are no jobs important then?
Passion is not the same as importance. Passion, I'd argue, is a disregard of importance.
indelible? Really Ricky?
best line so far on this comment trend is: you miserable "little ball of fragile anger"
Rick, let's play a game. You tell me a profession you think is unimportant, and I'll tell you how that profession can leave an indelible mark on someone. As NS said, we aren't that special, nor that important. We take ourselves way too seriously.
.
Passion is about standards. The ARE is the technical standard the profession has adopted. The professional degree is the educational standard.
Lol- Mies said
"Architecture is the will of the epoch"; so you can master that...
This sounds like a question for NCARB / Maryland Board of Architects.
I agree, and NCARB directs me to MBoA whenever I call. When I call MBoA they put me on hold then hang up on me. Thanks for the comment though.
Does MBoA not have a web site?
It does, and I’ve scoured the information. I wish it was more comprehensive and accessible. Maybe I’ll try and schedule a sit down with a leader there. Just figured I would ask here to see if anyone was in a similar situation.
only a building designer*
*not licensed anywhere, not educated in architecture, not qualified to comment
The OP isn't asking about the number of extra years needed to get licensed. He or she is asking specifically about whether the experience working on architecture-related work for a developer will count toward those extra years, since it's not in the office of an architect, but would be supervised by one who is not employed by that company. The answer to that is not in the state's web page. The footnote says, "80% of the required work experience may be completed as an employee of an organization other than the office of a licensed Architect if the work experience is directly related to architectural work and is completed under the direct supervision of a licensed Architect." That's just not specific enough to know whether the state considers this OP's work to be directly related enough, or if they consider an architect who doesn't work on the premises to be able to do "direct supervision" (some states do, and some don't.) The OP needs to get a ruling from the state board, about this specific personal situation. Nobody on this site is going to be able to say what the state will or won't approve in this case.
BB, your trolling would be a lot better if it wasn't so transparent.
Huh?
I'd hope you're a troll BB, if not your views on eugenics, the poor, education, and the profession of architecture make you just a horrible, miserable person.
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/web...
Sounds like the MBoA needs to review your qualifications to date and tell you what else you need. That's their job. I would physically go to their office and make an appointment at a later time if they can't spare a few minutes then. Virtually all Maryland state government offices have an atrocious reputation for citizen service. Just be sure you are polite and keep your cool.
That’s what I’m starting to think as well. Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it.
MD BoA used to have a fantastically responsive employee until three or four years ago. I heard that he retired.
Isn't it in the best financial interests of the member architects of the MBoA, for there to be as few Registered Architects as possible? If they can put up a roadblock or two that will discourage others from getting registered, won't that ensure they have less competition?
Is this too cynical? Still waiting myself on a response from another state's BoA.
I am in favor of less roadblocks. More competition is good.
NS, I'm of two minds. I think all the reporting/hours/etc hoops that candidates need to jump through are bogus. I don't think they do a decent job of proving competency to the state or to clients. I think taking a page out of the legal industry might be interest...Just graduated? Great, now take the (State) Bar and you're good to go. Make the test actually difficult as opposed to the current AREs, where you get a pass if you answer 70% of questions correctly.
So basically, replace the many hurdles with just one high hurdle.
^Interesting... but I am of the opposite opinion since I sincerely doubt that the average accredited program pumps out grads that can actually practice.
So for this to work, this bar test (national for me because... well, we're different up here), we would need more rigorous schooling and exams that are have a big chunk dedicated to CM, PA stuff. But I guess if someone took their schooling seriously and perhaps worked in an office part-time, they may be able to write the exams following their graduation. Most may not and will need to work until they feel competent enough. No minimum hours bullshit, just take the test(s) when you feel ready and see what happens. I'd like to see that.
Just give me a few pints of Guinness and I'll likely balkanize this even further.
"I sincerely doubt that the average accredited program pumps out grads that can actually practice." Agreed. & I include myself in this statement.
Architecture is inherently an apprentice / vocational learning process. Design programs don't teach the realities you need to know to be a competent PA (I'd argue they also shouldn't.. but that's a different thread). You really can only learn by doing, so some sort of proof-of-apprenticeship is still necessary for licensure.
I agree the current AXP/ARE model could use improvement, but I don't think eliminating the experience portion is a step in the right direction.