Drafter

About the Role

Architecture blends the arts of aesthetic design with knowledge of engineering and functionality. Professionals in this field design commercial buildings, homes, bridges, and related structures, combining function and style to contribute something of real value to the community. A keen artistic sense, coupled with a strong affinity for physics and math, is essential.

Career Paths and Specializations

Because art and architecture is a broad field that spans the entire course of human history, many professionals choose to focus on one particular era or type of architecture. Some emphasize historical and artistic aspects through individual research and historic preservation work, while others emphasize applied technical skills and design aspects.

• Drafting positions usually call for proper technical training through an associate's or bachelor's program
• Architecture positions require a bachelor's degree from a NAAB-recognized program and state licensure
• Architectural managers typically work as architects for a significant period before moving up and may find a master's degree helpful
• Some professionals choose to specialize in allied areas like historical restoration or green architecture

Education Requirements

To become a registered architect, you must earn a degree from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NAAB accredits only three specific types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A Bachelor of Science in architecture or architectural technology is sometimes offered online, but NAAB does not accredit this plan of study. Without a NAAB-approved degree, you may not be able to take the exam to become a registered architect in your state.

Accredited online architecture degree programs are few and far between. Several architecture schools offer selected online courses through hybrid study but do not yet offer a 100% online architecture degree program. When seeking an architecture degree online, check the school's accreditation carefully.

In some states, you can become an architect by obtaining a bachelor's degree in another major, then interning at an architecture firm to meet state practice requirements. Check with your state office of professional licensing to determine the exact degree and practice requirements.

If an online architecture degree does not match your goals and state requirements, you can earn a closely related online degree—such as community planning, sustainable design, or green building—at the master's level. Specialized online architecture certificates are also available, allowing you to work alongside registered architects as part of a project design team.

Internship and Licensure

• Complete several years of a design internship with an architecture firm, including intense training in drafting, design, and interpretation of local building codes
• After completing an internship and the degree requirements posed by your state, take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)
• Once you pass this test and meet all education and practice requirements, you can call yourself a licensed architect
• Certifications for drafters are available through the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) to help validate professional knowledge

Essential Traits

• Creative visionaries with strong artistic sense
• Analytical critical-thinkers with special affinity for math
• Very detail-oriented
• Healthy balance of design vision and technical/engineering skills