060 - How to Become an Architect: What You Need to Know

How to become an architect in the US comes down to four steps: education, experience, exams, and fees. In this episode, Michael Riscica breaks down the full path to getting your architecture license, from choosing the right degree to passing all six ARE exams.

Most people think architects sit at a drafting table sketching buildings all day. The reality is that design is maybe five to ten percent of the job. The rest is construction documents, code reviews, cost estimates, project management, and client meetings.

We start with what architects actually do on a daily basis, then get into how long the whole process takes. We cover why architecture is a regulated profession, why not everyone who studies architecture needs to become licensed, and then walk through each of the four licensing steps in detail.

📝 Key topics covered:

• What architects actually do every day

• How long it takes to become a licensed architect

• Why you cannot legally call yourself an architect without a license

• The four requirements: education, experience, exams, and fees

• Why architecture degrees open doors beyond licensure

• The ARE exam process and what to expect

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:00) What Architects Actually Do

(4:09) Is It Hard to Become an Architect

(5:54) How Long Does It Take

(10:41) Architecture Is a Regulated Profession

(13:57) Architecture Is Bigger Than Buildings

(16:34) 4 Steps to Getting Licensed

(18:46) Wrap Up

📖 Read the full blog post: How to Become an Architect

📝 Download the FREE 2-page Podcast Notes: YoungArchitect.com/Architect

🎯 Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join the ARE Boot Camp - Our 10-week coaching program with ongoing support until you pass all your exams.

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

• AIA Contracts 101