Becoming an Architect

“Becoming an Architect will inspire future architects, career consultants, and human resources professionals alike, providing all the information you’ll need to make intelligent decisions about careers in architecture.” —From the Foreword by Helen Combs Dreiling, FAIA, 2014 AIA National President

Starting a career as an architect is an exciting prospect, but it's important to do your research before you take the plunge. The third edition of Becoming an Architect is an update to the best-selling guide and highlights the risks and rewards on the path to a career as an architect. You'll find new insight and tons of helpful resources, as well as a complete outline of the trajectory of an architect's early career, from higher education through internship and licensure. More than thirty-two new interviews and profiles from architecture students, emerging, and established professionals give the resource a truly personal feel, and help get you acquainted with real-life scenarios from architects from varying backgrounds and specialties.

With a highly accessible approach, this guide provides a complete overview of the profession, including educational requirements, design specialties, registration requirements, and the paths of a career in architecture. Whether you're a high school student, a college undergraduate, a career counselor, or a human resource professional, Becoming an Architect offers much-needed advice and information to anyone interested in career development for architects.

• Covers recent changes to the Intern Development Program (IDP)
• Provides advice on obtaining professional experience while studying to be an architect
• Considers career paths in a myriad of work environments, such as government agencies, education, and research
• Includes helpful appendixes with resources for further information, such as career-related associations, websites, and recommended reading

Obtain a solid introduction to a career as an architect, and plan your own path with the guidance and advice of dozens of others who have already started this process.

LEE W. WALDREP, PHD, has over 20 years of experience in higher education with expertise in career development and architecture. Waldrep earned a Ph.D. in counseling and development from The American University, a master of architecture from Arizona State University, and a bachelor of science from the University of Michigan. During his career, he has served in three accredited architecture programs—the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Maryland and Illinois Institute of Technology. Waldrep previously served as Associate Executive Director of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and as National Vice-President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Waldrep has written and presented on the topics of careers and architecture extensively around the country. In addition, he is a contributor to AIA's Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition.