Lee W. Waldrep gave a presentation on becoming an architect. He discussed that architects must complete education, experience, and licensing to practice independently. Education involves a professional degree from an accredited program. Experience requires an internship with training in various areas like design, construction documents, and management. One must then pass the Architect Registration Exam to obtain licensure. The presentation provided resources for learning about architecture as a career.

1. Plan, Section, and Elevation
Phelps High School
January 5, 2009
Lee W. Waldrep, Ph.D.,
Associate Executive Director
National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
Washington, DC

2. INTRODUCTION
Lee W. Waldrep, Ph.D.
Mission: to assist and encourage others in
becoming an architect
Associate Executive Director, National
Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
Associate Dean, School of Architecture –
University of Maryland (2001-2008) and Illinois
Institute of Technology (1994-2001)

3. OBJECTIVES
Learn architectural drawings of plan,
section, and elevation
Learn the three basic steps to becoming
an architect: education, experience, and
exam.

4. DRAWING ASSIGNMENT
Draw your school, Phelps
High School; draw any part
of the school that you
desire.

5. DISCUSSION

6. PLAN

7. PLAN

8. SECTION

9. SECTION

10. ELEVATION

11. ELEVATION

12. WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
Architecture is the imaginative blend of art and science in
the design of environments for people.

13. WHAT DO ARCHITECTS DO?
Transform the needs of people into concepts and then develop
these concepts into building images that can be constructed by
others.
Communicate between and assist those who have needs
(clients, users, the public) and those who will make the spaces
that satisfy the needs (builders and contractors)
Provide professional services -- ideas and insights, design
and technical knowledge, drawings and specifications,
administration, coordination, and informed decision-making --
that balance a range of factors into a coherent and appropriate
solution for the needs at hand.

14. BECOMING AN ARCHITECT
Education
Accredited Professional Degree
Student Performance Criteria
123 Programs in U.S. and Canada
Experience
Intern Development Program (IDP)
Exam
Architect Registration Exam (ARE)

15. EDUCATION: NAAB DEGREES
Professional Degrees
Bachelor of Architecture (5yrs)
BS + MArch (4 + 2yrs)
B.S. in Architecture + Master of Architecture
BA/BS + MArch (4 + 3/4yrs)
BA/BS + Master of Architecture

16. EDUCATION: CURRICULUM
Design Studio
Structures
Systems
Graphics/Drawing
Architectural History
General Education
Computer
Site Planning
Practice
Programming
Architectural
Electives

17. EXPERIENCE
INTERN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IDP)
Generally under the direct supervision of a licensed
architect, but other training settings are allowed including
under the supervision of a registered engineer or a
registered landscape architect, under direct supervision of
one experienced in that activity, and full-time teaching or
research in a NAAB-accredited degree program
Approximately three years of internship training with 5600
hours required
Four (4) categories and 16 areas of training
Intern must identify a mentor and supervisor to verify
forms and guide the individual in his/her career decisions.

18. IDP TRAINING AREAS
Design and Construction Documents
Programming
Site & Environmental Analysis
Schematic Design
Engineering Systems Coordination
Building Cost Analysis
Code Research
Design Development
Construction Documents
Specifications and Materials
Document Checking and Coordination

19. IDP TRAINING AREAS
Construction Administration
Bidding and Contract Negotiation
Construction Phase - Office
Construction Phase - Observation
Management
Project Management
Office Management
Related Activities
Professional and Community Service

20. ARCHITECT REGISTRATION EXAM
Purpose of the ARE:
To determine if an applicant has the minimum
knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice architecture
independently while safeguarding the public health,
safety, and welfare.
Computer based exam with seven divisions (4.0):
Programming, Planning, and & Practice
Site Planning and Design
Building Design & Construction Systems
Schematic Design
Structural Systems
Construction Documents and Services
Building Systems

21. PREPARATION TO BE AN ARCHITECT
Explore your own environment -- house, school and community
Learn to “see” buildings, spaces, and their relationships
Notice the effects of color, texture, light and shape -- the tools of
architecture
Consider how spaces and places “feel” when you are in them.
Think about values expressed in the design of your house, school,
city hall.
Look for rhythm and pattern, simplicity, and ornament, old and new
in your environment.

22. WHAT TO DO IN HIGH SCHOOL
Plan a college preparatory program strong in English,
history, social studies, mathematics, and physics.
Take courses in art, design or other creative courses and
avoid drafting courses.
Visit the design studio of an architecture school, tour an
architect’s office, and read books and magazines on
architecture.
Attend one of many summer programs offered by
architecture schools targeted to high school students.

23. RESOURCES
BOOKS
Becoming an Architect (Waldrep, 2010)
Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession (Lewis, 1998)
PEOPLE
Teachers / Classmates
Alumni
Associations (AIAS, AIA, etc.)
Personal Network

24. RESOURCES
CAREER DESIGNING / CAREERS IN ARCHITECTURE
ARCHCareers.org -- www.archcareers.org
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) – www.aia.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook -- www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) – www.aias.org
INTERNSHIP
AIA Mentoring Knowledge Spot – www.aia.org/ed_mentoring
Emerging Professional’s Companion – www.epcompanion.org
NCARB – www.ncarb.org/idp/
AIA – www.aia.org/idp_default

25. www.ARCHCareers.org
Gateway to process of becoming an architect

26. Lee W. Waldrep
lwaldrep@gmail.com
(202) 783-2007