The 33 Steps to Eventually Result in Architecture Registration
(#33, Jesus year!)
Thanks mom, dad, friends, my siblings, scholarship committees, professional organizations, places of business, people who gave me rides when transportation was scarce, employers with reimbursing benefits, discounted items, teachers, mentors, peers, and people that I shared resources and memories with all along the way.
After my second year of college at Hampton University in a 4+1 professional master’s degree of architecture program (2009-2014), I attained my first professional internship in 2011 (after years of working throughout high school and taking on other jobs before/after that in: retail, childcare, housekeeping, and food & beverage.) From 2011-2017, four opportunities in the field of architecture, working in: 1-healthcare (area take-offs, LEED, patient room renderings), 2-higher education (graphics, marketing, Autodesk University, drawing production- interior & exterior, client meeting presentations), 3-solar housing (Solar Decathlon Competition with the Department of Energy), and 4-Design Build (higher education), I attained the required IDP (Intern Development Program) hours for the AXP. Between the years of 2018-2019, beginning with my fifth job opportunity while reporting to NCARB (ARE 5.0), testing for licensure ensued while being employed by the Department of Defense with senior architects within the government (contracted A/E firm review.)
The HOW to getting the job opportunities was based heavily on networking. First, the mother of my high-school dance team coach in St. Louis, MO had knowledge of a hospital internship program (where she served on leadership boards) in Planning Design and Construction. Secondly, a principal of a hometown architecture firm that I had visited as a child (during an Idea Lab/APOGEE rotation) was sitting at the same table as me during a wedding that I attended and happened to be a last-minute videographer for (multiple emails, phone calls, and portfolio teaser submissions.) Thirdly, my university submitted a design for a solar home and qualified to compete in an international competition, and needed an additional team member to represent Team Tidewater in Irvine, California for building and promoting the sustainable modular home. Fourthly, an alumnus of my college alma mater became the owner of his father's architecture firm (multiple emails, phone calls, and portfolio teaser submissions.) My fifth and most recent opportunity in the architecture field came-to-be because a college alumnus suggested that a government position could be a beneficial and secure option.
In addition to the salary profits (+) and various investments (-) during the AXP process, thankfully, student loans were not an issue due to collegiate scholarships (ACT academic through the university and community organization pageantry representation.) In terms of health, legal guardians were still applicable to cover healthcare until their dependents turned 26 (thanks mom), but prior to that, healthcare was offered and utilized through employers. One year, I definitely did not know how to tackle work-life balance, so I created routines that encouraged other priorities besides getting more opportunities inside of the office (https://www.slideshare.net/christinalaney/transitions-70239372) including: meal prep, running, cheap dates, traveling, volunteering, talking to my friends, and taking classes on a budget.
For the first year of collecting information for AXP v5, I did not have a concrete study strategy but I attained many materials and skimmed through them enough to know how they were functionally organized. Studying after-hours began while working for the US government, which minimized overtime commitments unlike the private sector.
Year one 2018…
1) Created a chart per exam from the NCARB Review Manual including the topics and suggested. Took the included practice exam to get familiar with the software (https://www.ncarb.org/pass-are/are5/prepare)
2) Signed up for local AIA NOVA (Northern Virginia) review sessions that covered exam topics, emulated the length of time focusing on one particular subject, gave support of others in the process, and featured licensed professionals' input and experience in the field of architecture (https://aianova.org/are.php)
3) Created flashcards from hardcopy resources from the AIA library (https://quizlet.com/subject/Are-5.0/)
4) Referenced the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice- AHPP The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118308824/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KAkYDbVB500X2) based on Narmor Wright breakdowns (http://narmourwright.com/wp/index.php/wiley-publishing/)
5) Referenced sections of the International Building Code (IBC- the Bible of national proactive building standards written by the International Code Council) for specific quantifiable information (https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/2018-i-codes/ibc/)
6) Used PPi Brightwood Arch Exam Prep (reading, quizzes and tests), Kaplan, and Ballast materials (hardcopy flashcards, books & online resources). PPi’s generated practice exam content includes a timer and realistic question content (https://learn.ppi2pass.com/toolbox/quizzes)
7) Did quick Designer Hacks (DH) quizzes, Tony Gushanas (https://designerhacks.com/courseare5/)
8) Listened to Hanahan contract videos from a Chicago Professional Practice architecture course hosted by attorneys (https://www.schiffhardin.com/professionals/attorneys/d-i/hanahan-michael-j/hanahan-lecture-notes-2018)
9) Used the NCARB ARE 5.0 Community and Michael Riscica’s blog & ARE Facebook group (https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us & Young Architect Academy- https://youngarchitect.com/2013/12/16/the-ultimate-list-of-are-study-material-part-i-study-material-overview/ & https://www.facebook.com/groups/architectregistrationexam/)
10) Reviewed AIA contracts samples from AIA website (https://www.aiacontracts.org/resources/6150803-list-of-all-current-aia-contract-documents)
11) Used Pluralsight video breakdowns for graphical and general concept introduction, Kevin Griendling (https://app.pluralsight.com/profile/author/kevin-griendling)
12) Took four exams, 1 in 4.0 and 3 in 5.0. I was not ready for these, but after failing, I got more comfortable in the testing scenario and started the process after avoidance and skipping appointments. This is so that future career and life milestones could be focused on after licensure occurred (https://www.register.prometric.com/Index.asp)
13) Changed my work schedule to allow for one full day of studying per workweek and per weekend (Alternating Mondays and Saturdays allowed for 4+ hours of review each rather than 2 hours or less on workdays.) Alternate Work Schedule/Rotating Day Off and salary are benefits of being a government employee since tests can be more easily afforded and there are less overtime constraints as compared to the private sector (https://www.pinterest.com/YoursTrulyCKLSH/work/)
Year two 2019…
14) Used third party resources as general guides to pinpoint sections and bookend studies before tackling a select few of the focused, specific and recommended source materials from NCARB- Never giving up!
15) Said “NO” to excessive frivolous activities and opportunities that have no long-term meaning, but “YES” to the people, places, and things that spark joy/health/wealth/wisdom (http://neffi3.wixsite.com/neffielife/single-post/2019/01/13/Long-and-short-term-goals-at-1-year-of-Marriage)
16) Searched YouTube videos to explain more-complex concepts, including Mike Ermann Amber videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/professorermann), Dartmouthx (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTzQ-ZNy1DrKhchVBmPwU-Q), Marty Huie (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjQJje5nUCiwjeojdUapeIobP3z5FxCUT), and Pete Vree (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWkyWCcJT9N4ihmtVC7kS5Q)
17) Read the Whole Building Design Guide, the Bible of government building review processes for general understanding of concepts (https://www.wbdg.org/design-disciplines)
18) Created many diagrams to help memorize information and quickly sketch out multiple concepts with back-checked information from a plethora of resources, like Lora Teagarden (https://www.l-2-design.com/category/aresketches/ & https://www.pinterest.com/L2DesignLLC/aresketches/)
19) Used the study material to better understand real-estate, acquisitions, and appreciating land value to learn how to purchase and rent-out residential properties as an effective landlord, with insight from Paula Pant (https://affordanything.com/about/) and Than Merrill (https://www.fortunebuilders.com/about/) (https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/145-Riverhaven-Dr-UNIT-141-National-Harbor-MD-20745/302298120_zpid/)
20) Accessed free Black Spectacles content by Marc Teer (https://www.ncarb.org/pass-are/are5/prepare/approved-test-prep-provider-program) including instructors Mike Newman (https://soundcloud.com/blackspectacles-are-live/tracks) and other individuals on the architecture journey (https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories) including live webinars (https://blackspectacles.com/podcast)
21) Read/listened to free Architect Exam Prep Content (https://architectexamprep.com/category/5-0/) by David Doucette and Eric Corey Freed
22) Used Jenny Cestnik’s notes from 4.0 and applied them to 5.0 examinations (https://arendurance.wordpress.com/study-guides/)
PA= programming, planning & practice + site planning & design
PcM= construction documents & services + programming, planning & practice
PjM= construction documents & services + programming, planning & practice
CE= construction documents & services
PPD= site planning & design + building design & construction systems
PDD= construction documents & services + building design & construction systems + structural systems + building systems + schematic design
“The testing process to become a registered architect is an onerous task.” -C. Laney
Year three 2020…
23) Took time off of work to reorganize since it’s already difficult enough in corporate America as unregistered design staff, in addition to being: a gender minority (female), an ethnic minority (African American) and under 30 years old with slightly under 10 years of corporate experience as a junior architect, architectural designer and draftsperson (http://neffi3.wixsite.com/neffielife/about-me)
24) Applied to 40+ jobs in a different state, and was accepted into Sci-Arc for graduate school (California)
25) Did informational interviews for post-professional educational programs and corporate positions on the west coast to see how marketable I had become once updating cover-letters, resumes, a portfolio and desiring to re-enter the workforce (https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/) during/after the international crisis now know as COVID-19 when multiple businesses were closed or operating slower
Year ####?…
26) Signed up for Young Architect’s ARE Bootcamp that implements daily group meetings and weekly coaching for professional practice- PcM, PjM, CE (https://youngarchitect.com/are-boot-camp-are-5-0-coaching-program/)
27) Signed up for Young Architect’s ARE Bootcamp that implements daily group meetings and weekly coaching for technical concepts- PPD, PDD (https://youngarchitect.com/are-boot-camp-are-5-0-coaching-program/)
28) Tested and retested (passed 1 _____ $, 2 _____ $, 3 _____ $)
Year ####?...
29) Re-tested until all remaining exams were completed
(passed 4 _____ $, 5 _____ $, 6 _____ $) for minimum competency requirements of a registered architect in the USA
30) Received official licensure status and both rubber and digital stamps to validate construction documents in the case of freelance projects
31) More interviews?
32) Landed a job as a registered project architect at the age of ##?
33) Promotion to project manager at the age of ?
“We have not done badly, but neither have we done as well as we might. We are not without problems, but neither are we without solutions. The architect(s)’ responsibility in urban design, as both professional and citizen, is to help develop design solutions and to promote their use.” -PA ARE Study Guide, Lesson 10: Urban Design
The estimated grand total of this endeavor if all items were full price:
Tuition $25,000 x 5 ($125,000) + Room & board, $13,000 x 4 ($52,000) $177,000
Collegiate architecture starter kit (model making material, drafting board and supplies) $500
Periodic drawing and modeling materials $1,000
Professional printing for final reviews per project & portfolio making $600
Architecture studio furniture and summer storage units (cushioned chair, microwave, coffee maker, storage box with lock) $400 + $1,500= $1,900
Annual flights to and from hometown between semesters and other transportation to school and work ($6,000 plane, $13,000 car purchase, shipping & maintenance) $19,000
Required collegiate reading materials (Chegg, Amazon, http://www.ebook777.com/search/Architecture/) $1,000 x 5= $5,000
Software/hardware (Adobe, AutoDesk, hard drives, 3 computers, computer fixes and accessories) $4,000
Clothing for internship & office positions $3,000
Professional organization dues ((AIA(S), NOMA(S)) $50X6 ($300), $400x3, $85x2 (170) $1,670
Professional organization conferences and lectures for education and networking- travel, stay, admissions: (https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/christinalaney/american-institute-of-architecture-students-5832601) $2,000
Study abroad program, urban design studio, South of France (travel, supplies, other) ($2,700 $1,900 $1,000) $5,600
Summer room and board after study abroad during summer school $2,000
Study abroad with family members in the Middle East to visit my dad, experience historic urban typologies and innovative architecture (gift!)
Suggested supplemental reading materials for office work $200
Required and suggested AXP test preparation reading materials $1000
Annual NCARB renewal $85 x 12= $1,020
LEED examinations 210x2 $420 (LEED Green Associate Certification maintained) and renewal $85x3= $255
Pluralsight ($199x2) $398 and PPI2PASS monthly ($19x24) $456 and designer hacks practice exam bundle ($39x6) $234= $1,088
Relocation to the west coast preparation (stopping in VA Beach, St. Louis, Kansas City, & Albuquerque) $500
YoungArchitect’s ARE Bootcamp (Professional Practice and Technical) ($825x2) $1,650?
ARE Examinations, ID license card, embossed, rubber/digital seal (210x4= $840, 235x12 ?= $2,820) $3,660?
Graduate school applications (Woodbury University, University of Southern California- USC, Southern California Institute of Architecture- Sci-Arc) $200?
Federal loan (Stafford) $20,500?
Federal loan (Grad PLUS) $85,172?
Sci-Arch (Southern California Institute of Architecture) EDGE scholarship $10,000
California relocation (Air B&Bs, gas, food prior to graduate school beginning during the COVID-19 era) $2,500?
Sci-Arc off campus housing (Kapi Residences) $995/mo.?
Sci-Arc additional boarding fees $#### ?
Miscellaneous $#### ?
Sci-Arc technology (laptop and software) $#### ?
Sci-Arc $#### ?
Sci-Arc $#### ?
Over $350,000 related to holistic professional development (not just college courses), ## years after secondary education, and twenty-? years after exposure to this profession. This is the price of some of the original homes in my childhood neighborhood (mostly demolished and reconstructed) which were mortgaged for 30 years, but also the price of several years of tuition/room & board at some more expensive American universities... to put the expense, but also the importance of completing the licensure process into perspective.
A special thanks goes to Beverly Berla, the Idea Lab instructor at Old Bonhomme Elementary school who took a small group of public school children to various businesses around St. Louis and challenged us to think outside of the box from a very young age.
LEED Green Assoc. #10702213
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