Introduction to Architecture Prep. Course AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS CNY INSTRUCTORS: - Anthony Rojas, Assoc. AIA, Email: aer@dalpos.com - Rachel Martineau, Allied ASID, Assoc. AIA, Email: rmartineau@cscos.com - Kristin Szkolnik, Assoc. AIA, Email: kds@dalpos.com - Linsay Royer, Assoc. AIA, Email: lroyer@cscos.com Office Hours: By appointment at the AIA CNY Resource Center. Written correspondences can be directed via email to our above corresponding email addresses. Course Description So you would like to become an architect? If you are finishing your sophomore or junior year of high school, and looking to the future, you may be interested in AIACNY s summer architecture program. This 6-week program is designed to introduce high school students to the college design & architecture program atmosphere and the Profession of Architecture. Students will be given exposure to a lecture/studio course atmosphere, as well as how to use common tools and how to create an effective college entrance portfolio. Course Outcomes: 1. Learn what it means to see and think architecturally. 2. Develop design, drawing, and model-building skills. 3. Work through challenging design problems. 4. Learn about portfolio building basics and the components needed to assemble a portfolio for college admission or internship. At the end of this course students will have completed work that can be included in their portfolio. 5. Experience building relationships in the architecture studio. 6. Earn a certificate of completion from the American Institute of Architects- Central New York to include with your college application. Course Requirements: o Participate and ask questions. This course is all about learning and gaining knowledge to enter school in the field of architecture. Asking questions works to your benefit. o Complete 100% of assignments to the very best of your ability. Passion in your work highly contributes to a successful architect. AIA Central New York. 201 E. Jefferson Street. Suite #200. Syracuse. NY. 13202. 305-781-3929. www.aiacny.org
o Complete class assignments on time and contribute to class discussions. o Attend final project critique. This may seem intimidating; however class critiques are a very big part of architecture school. Critiques are meant to help the student evaluate their own work. For critiques to be beneficial and productive, students must learn to be open to the insights and opinions of others. An important lesson is to realize that the critique is of the work, not the person. Critiques become easier as you grow within your schooling. Supplies: (Provided with course fee) Architectural toolbox which will be given on the 1 st day of class to include: o Sketch Book o Architectural scale o Drafting/Sketch Pencils (H,HB,B) Technology: Additional materials will be provided to the group for use during class and for homework assignments. Trace Paper, Foam Boards, Glue, Cutting Knife, Wood, Chip Board, etc Students will be expected to use hand drafting/sketching mediums for our course work. There will be a class dedicated to discussion with brief exposure to AutoCad & Revit to show students how typical professional work within the field is completed. Additional Information: Students are required to sign the attendance sheet at the beginning of each class. If student is receiving course credit at their respective High School, no more than one (1) class may be missed without an approved absence. Additional absence s may result in not receiving a Pass grade and subsequently course credit for participating in the course. Cell phones must be placed on vibration mode or turned off. Headphones/music may be used during studio time. AIA Central New York The American Institute of Architects is a professional membership association comprised of licensed architects, emerging professionals and allied partners with over 300 state and local chapters. It is a great way to network with architecture professionals and stay informed on the latest news and trends while gaining knowledge and learning from others. AIA Central New York. 201 E. Jefferson Street. Suite #200. Syracuse. NY. 13202. 305-781-3929. www.aiacny.org
The Profession of Architecture: General Overview The Discipline Architecture involves the study and transformation of the constructed environment, from the scale of furniture to the scale of the city. The goal of an architectural education is to develop a synthetic thought process of critical thinking and creative problem solving. Creative thinkers must address all aspects of the built environment in its cultural, social, and ethical context. The Profession Architects meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world with a broad range of skills and professional design services. Architects work in many different ways, interacting with clients, users, colleagues, consultants, community groups, and contractors. Aspiring architects should learn as much as possible about the field of architecture, by talking to architects and by visiting architectural offices. The profession is changing rapidly: some offices are diversifying their services to assist clients through interior design, project consultation, master-planning, construction management, and facility management. Other offices are specializing in certain building types or professional services, such as historic preservation or educational facilities. Architectural offices have a broad range of sizes and personalities reflecting different business priorities and goals. Different firms appeal to different types of clients and recruit different types of staff members. Successful and respected architecture firms range from small offices with less than 10 employees to large corporate firms with hundreds of staff architects in branch offices around the world. Architecture firms often partner with each other for different projects. In addition to professional skills, understanding the importance of teamwork and communication are keys to success in the business world. Possible Career Paths An architectural education, with its emphasis on problem solving through analytical and creative thinking, is an excellent preparation for many different career paths within architecture, and in other fields, such as real estate development, construction, consulting, multimedia design, industrial design, product development, law, and computers. Diverse Responsibilities/Teams Depending on personal strengths, skills, and interests, different architects within a firm may focus on marketing, client presentations, programming consultation, design, technical issues, construction details and specifications, construction administration, interiors, or project management within the office. Teamwork maximizes these diverse skills.
Architects may also make important contributions to the quality of the built environment by working in construction companies, by working with building product companies, by developing specialized expertise as a consultant to other architecture firms, or by working directly for clients such as developers, hotel chains, or for government. Compensation and Rewards As a profession, architecture tends to follow trends in the economy. Both booms and recessions can seriously affect architecture practice. Client fees are highly competitive, and the salary structure of the profession can fluctuate. Beginning salaries for architecture interns also fluctuate widely, depending in part on geographical location, demand for building activity, availability of applicants, and, most important, the capability of the individual applicant. Remember, your entire educational experience requires approximately eight to nine years of combined formal schooling and internship. Essentially, your internship salary allows you to earn an income while completing the last two or three years of your education. Nevertheless, architects have the gratification of seeing each different project evolve from an abstract idea into a permanent reality transforming the daily lives and well-being of the project s users. The work of an architect is unique, lasting, and meaningful. Steps to Licensure To protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens, each state has regulations for the licensing of architects. Before a person can claim the title architect, most states require three components for a license, often referred to as the three E s : Education: a professional degree (B. Arch, M. Arch, D. Arch) Experience: the completion of the Architectural Experience Program. Exam: passing the nationwide Architect Registration Exam. Many architects hold a license in more than one state. A system of national reciprocity has been established by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB). While these requirements describe most states, each state is different, and licensing laws can be revised. Architectural Experience Program (AXP) The preparation to become an architect involves academic education as well as an internship period in the profession. Education and practice offer complementary learning experiences. While not required in every state, the Architectural Experience Program is a national program that structures the learning goals for the internship period. Typical AXP requirements include time spent in different aspects of professional work, such as design, project management, construction administration, and community service.
Even before one s first job, architecture students, in professional degree programs should enroll in the AXP program through NCARB. As a result, students will receive up-to-date information about requirements, which include a time limit on reporting experience. Furthermore, employment while in school will often count toward AXP credit. Architect Registration Exam Even though different states have different licensure laws, the Architect Registration Exam (A.R.E.) is a single national exam recognized by all states. It is developed and administered by NCARB. The specific exam content is modified over the years, but typically addresses building design/materials and methods, building planning, building technology, construction documents and services, general structures, lateral forces, mechanical and electrical systems, pre-design, and site planning. The A.R.E. is divided into different sections, which can be repeated. Many states will allow individuals to take some portions of the exam immediately after graduation. In general, however, completion of AXP provides important knowledge and skills for the licensing exam. The information above can be found on the website of: Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture http://www.acsa-arch.org/resources/student-resources/overview/high-school-preparation