Become an Architectural Assistant

Before becoming an architect, you may need to start out as an architectural assistant. This position often lets you get involved in the architectural process as you support architectural design teams in various areas, from producing layouts and construction drawings to building models. Here are some ways to become an architectural assistant.

Steps

  1. Get a bachelor's degree, preferably from an accredited program in architecture or architectural engineering from a school of architecture. In most of the United States, programs in 117 schools of architecture are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
  2. Obtain a few years of architectural drawing experience. This work experience can supplement the required college (university) education if you are currently enrolled in a degree program related to architecture.
  3. Do 1 or more internships to establish professional contacts and gain field experience while performing the required duties in an architectural assistant job. You may intern during college (university) or after graduation if possible.
  4. Join a professional architectural association to spread the word that you are seeking an architectural assistant position. You may want to interview any professional contacts you meet to find out if they ever worked as an architectural assistant and how they succeeded at getting the job.
  5. Reach out to professors and classmates from your college (university) if you enrolled in a school of architecture or studied architecture. Ask them for advice on how to get a position as an architectural assistant or whether they know anybody they can refer you to for job leads.
  6. Look up local architectural design firms or self-employed architects to ask if they have any openings available for architectural assistant jobs. You can also try asking whether you can shadow them on the job or intern for them.

Tips

  • To move on to becoming a licensed architect in the United States, college (university) graduates from an architecture program usually need to get 3 years of experience before they can take a licensing exam.
  • Learn about or participate in as many aspects of the architectural process as you can while a student or working as an architectural assistant.
  • Know how to use computer-assisted design (CAD) software to make architectural drawings. Understand and be familiar with building regulations in your area.
  • It takes 5 years to complete the bachelor of architecture degree program in the United States. This program is intended for students who do not have any previous architectural training.
  • If you have already earned your bachelor's degree in a subject other than architecture, you can consider getting a master's degree in architecture or related subject. This can take 1 to 5 years of study depending on how much previous training you have in architecture.

Things You'll Need

  • Bachelor's degree in architecture or architectural engineering
  • Master's degree in architecture or related subject
  • Architectural drawing experience
  • Internship(s)
  • Architectural design firm or architect

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References

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