Through effective and collaborative processes, architects develop projects that promote stability for the long term while ensuring changeability in response to new social and technological realities.

Professionals in this field are concerned about social issues, societal well-being, and the human condition while also preserving and respecting the natural environment. Architecture can protect groups or individuals, influence or reflect society, impart character or emotion, and represent values, priorities, or ideals.

Careers in this exciting, demanding profession offer many personal, professional, and financial rewards while contributing to culture and helping people.

Project Types
Architects are involved with many kinds of organizations and in a broad spectrum of activities across a range of scales, from furniture and interior spaces to buildings and urban design. Projects may involve new construction or the adaptation of an old building for a new use.

Many architects specialize in areas such as medical or educational facilities, historic preservation, retail, or high-rise design. Some firms are involved in real estate development and construction or a more recent form of practice known as design/build.

Project Roles
A traditional architectural practice provides a full range of services for the planning, design, and administration of construction projects. Some architects specialize within an office as project managers, marketing experts, specification writers, or designers. Computer-aided design skills are very much in demand.

Architects rely on available media and technology and on their ability to synthesize from a variety of disciplines, including planning, business and economics, landscape architecture, historic preservation, interior design, natural sciences, engineering, physics, and chemistry. Concern for a sustainable environment is continually forging new linkages that encourage architects to take on leadership roles in multidisciplinary teams.

The architect must be a mission-directed decision maker and a communicator who uses programs, concepts, and images to link the user, client, or public with the builders, contractors, and other construction tradespeople.

Job Opportunities
About two-thirds of the licensed architects in the United States are in private practice. Others are employed by corporations, institutions, government agencies, colleges and universities, and other organizations. Some pursue teaching or research careers.

Architectural education also provides a good background to enter fields such as architectural journalism; real estate development; graphic, interior, or industrial design; engineering; or construction. Some architecture graduates get involved in television and theater or work with architectural product and material manufacturers.

Becoming a Professional
Becoming a licensed architect requires three primary steps:

• Obtain a first professional degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Most states require aspiring architects to hold an accredited degree.
• Complete an internship, a training period that typically lasts three years. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) established the Intern Development Program, which standardizes intern training.
• Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), administered by the NCARB. This four-day exam covers site, building, and structural design, building systems, materials, and practice-related issues. Interns who pass the ARE become licensed as professionals in building design to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

AIA membership requires a program of continuing education.

Aptitudes for Success
To be successful in an environmental design and planning career, aspiring professionals should develop:

• The ability to perceive and interpret societal needs, goals, and values in regard to the earth's limited resources.
• Analytical abilities through training in mathematics and the physical and social sciences.
• The ability to organize and synthesize concepts.
• Artistic talent--the ability to see and compose functional, creative environments.
• The ability to communicate effectively--orally and in written and graphic form--with clients, the public, and other professionals.

For More Information
Jon P. Coddington, Chair
Department of Architecture
(765) 285-1900
jpcoddington@bsu.edu