Committee on Architecture for Education

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on Architecture for Education and Young Architects Forum .
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I have a huge dilemma to discuss - Whether or not to get my Masters in Architecture (first professional) or continue to work at my new job in these hard times. I have been accepted into several programs but they require me to put in more money through student loans as well as change my location. I have thought about the pros and cons and they are about even.

My question - is a Masters in Architecture (First Professional) worth the investment in the building industry? I live in California and according to their rules, I can get license without my professional degree. I just need 4 years of work experience (which I do have) before I can begin taking the AREs.

How many design/building professionals out there have their masters in architecture and does it make a huge difference in their lives (income, titles, status, etc)? Never mind getting license as an Architect. What are your thoughts and opinions?

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Karla Lockhart Assoc. AIA
Designer

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Dear Karla,

What's the master's worth?

What is your likelihood of moving to another state?
 
I never thought my 4 year Berkeley BA Arch was a problem until I married someone and 10 years later found myself living in Michigan for 7 years. California is the exception, not the rule, as most states require a professional degree or NCARB (which generally requires a professional degree, not just undergrad) to qualify for a license. At one point I tried to jump all the hoops to get the NCARB "Broadly Experienced Architect" certification, but it is extremely expensive, and you have to find course descriptions for all the classes you did take, pay reviewers to confirm the validity of your classes, experience, etc. I finally gave up on it and worked for another architect, without my own license in the state of MI for all 7 years. It was not a good situation to be in. Fortunately I moved back to CA and resumed practice here. Good luck with your decision.

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Lisa Meniketti AIA
Architect / Project Manager
Ratcliff Architects
Emeryville, CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2011 00:25
From: Mehdi Sabet
Subject: What is a Masters in Architecture worth in the State of CA when you can become a license Architect without it?

Dear Karla,

Given the economic climate (60% unemployment of architects) and sad state of architecture education, and the opportunity to work for four years in the design and construction field with income and precious experience sounds too perfect. However, I would make absolutely certain that this scenario is acceptable in California for obtaining architectural license.

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Mehdi Sabet AIA
Associate Professor
American University of Sharjah
University City, Sharjah

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Karla,

I am registered in Maryland, with only a BS in Architecture, and having a Master's Degree is not essential in my world.  I am VP and partner in a Design/Build firm, and the Master's means nothing, if you don't have the on hand experience of being in the field, working hands on with the trades and knowing how things are constructed, you don't know anything. Opt for the licensing now, continue the Master's pursuit while working, on a part-time basis.  That way you can continue to collect an income, the license is ultimately the most important aspect, the license is what gets the higher pay, etc.
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Joann Baierlein Assoc. AIA
CMI General Contractors Inc
Charlotte Hall MD
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Initially the master's degree will give you an edge over your competition.  Future employers will view the professional degree as an indication that you are highly motivated, talented and disciplined.  Eventually, as you progress through the profession, your worth will be determined by the type of work in your resume and the reputations of the firms you have worked for.   I do not believe that the masters degree will improve your earnings potential.  In my opinion, with four years of work experience, the additional degree will not pay off financially.  At this point, your best bet would be to target the firms you would like to work for and build your resume with similar work experience.

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Rebecca Olson AIA
Principal
Westlake Reed Leskosky
Scottsdale AZ
Master of Architecture, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign 1982
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An education is priceless! It is about learning for me more than income!

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Gerald Crumpton AIA
Coordinating Architect
Saint Vrain Valley Schools
Thornton CO
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Karla

Most states require a NAAB Accredited degree for licensure. The NAAB model is based on either a 5 yr Bachelor of Architecture degree or a 4+2 Masters Degree. The long term answer is you have to have the NAAB acredited degree to have a portable license. I am some what appauled with a couple of the responses. If you are young and have a 4 yr BS in Architecture you will suffer a number of limitations later in life as more states adopt the NAAB model. The trend is in that direction too. If you have a 5 yr Bachelor of Architecture degree then the comments about experience do apply to an extent. If you have a 4 yr degree then the Masters Degree is an absolute must for someone in your age group. Though a masters in just Architecture does not add as much value as something with a specialty bent to it. So look at programs that will complete your NAAB model yet give you a dimension of knowledge that will make you more marketable. Your slary potential with a Masters will be much higher than a 4 yr degreed person in your generation. The trend is towards a knowledge based society of Life Long Learners. You have a life time ahead of you to obtain experience and focusing on education during a down turn makes a ton of sense. The only gamble is what kind of jobs will be available a yr from now. In 2 yrs unemployment will likely be between 6-7% which should work out. I would also note that a Masters Degree will be much more expensive in the future than it is today. 

David J. Henebry, AIA NCARB 

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David Henebry AIA
LZT Associates Inc
Peoria IL
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For better or worse, the license is the proof that you are a professional Architect. There are all kinds of opportunities for those with advanced degrees, but if you try to submit plans for construction of one of your designs, most localities want to see that stamp and your signature on each sheet. In Maryland, there are legal sanctions against anyone who claims the title "Architect" unless the licensing process has taken place. Sure, there are ways around this by having your engineer stamp your drawings, but that probably leads to even greater complexity in dealing with clients.