Students
We love the practice of architecture and understand why you might also think it would be fun to do. Most of us here remember deciding we wanted to grow up to be an architect at a very young age. It’s important to hold on to that dream, because it’s a long, difficult and ultimately rewarding process. There are a number of alternative routes to working in the field of architecture.
Architectural technologists are primarily responsible for assembling construction documents (drawings, specifications) and construction management (site visits, job administration). A few of our architectural technologists started working in an office straight out of high school and have built up a wealth of experience through practical application. Most technologists complete a technical training program through colleges such as NAIT in Edmonton.
The process to becoming an architect is much longer, reflecting our professional role and responsiblities. Canadian architecture degrees are granted by accredited universities and are typically a post-graduate degree. After graduation, registration with a provincial association of architecture as an intern architect is required. The internship period has two requirements: documentation of practical experience gained working for a registered architect and sucessful completion of the NCARB exams. Finally there is an interview with and portfolio submission to the provincial architectural association prior to the granting of registered architect status. The typical time commitment from beginning a university undergraduate degree to becoming a registered architect is ten years. A long time, but for most of us it was a dynamic, creative and fullfilling adventure.
Finally, there’s syllabus training - modelled on a traditional guild method of training. A technologist or an employee with practical experience but no formal education enrolls in syllabus courses while continuing to work. The syllabus courses are modeled on a university degree and cover similar content such as architectural history and design. This is a longer process than a university degree because it is completed while working. The internship requirements leading to professional designation are the same.
If you’re considering an education in architecture or are already a student at the University of Calgary School of architecture, take a look at the course content Allan Partridge has left here.