The steps to become an Architect

In this video, I walk through all the steps you need to get through to become a 'licensed Architect'. Although I love being an architect, it's a long process and you should only dive into it after understanding all the logistical steps. These are some things I wish I'd know before I started my journey, so I hope you guys find this helpful.

0:50 - General Overview of the All the Steps
1:00 - Architecture School
3:00 - Internship
6:56 - Examinations
10:00 - What does it mean to be a licensed Architect?

Internship Hours Spreadsheet can be downloaded here:

***This spreadsheet is based on the categories and the number of hours required for Canada. (2017-2020) It's your responsibility to thoroughly read through the internship document to check for any updates. Make sure that it meets the requirements of your local jurisdiction and modify the chart accordingly.***

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WHO AM I:
I'm Dami, a licensed Architect living in Vancouver, BC. I make videos about architecture, career, and creativity.

GET IN TOUCH:

[abigailp.]

Architecture professional culture basically treats (and pays) workers like artists but regulates them like doctors. SMH.

[emmakayf]

Thank you for emphasizing that “architect” is a earned title. When I was in undergrad I was naive and worked for someone who said they were an architect. They were not they were a general contractor and none of the DD, SD, or CD work I did counted towards AXP

[lea]

I love architecture especially older architecture styles but I never knew what it takes to get it to the end result until I started watching various videos. It made me see that I like to admire architecture and it's history but I wouldn't have the drive to be an architect. Many props to you 👏

[pocchami]

OMG Your videos have been of so much help to me. I'm a high school student and deciding to pursue architecture as a profession. A couple of hours ago, I didn't know anything about architecture and thought it was just "designing" and "drawing" but, after binge watching your videos, I realised it's not that glamorous after all. I'm a very competitive person so I think that hearing about all the sacrifices and challenges one has to face has kind of made me want to pursue this career even more. lol. :, )

[seanspencer]

I'm an architect and have been for almost 30 years. I'll add:
a. learn much about the construction industry and all it entails, especially changing and modernizing trends;
b. be acquainted with urban design (the full dynamics of it) and some form of urban mechanics;
c. be innovative as much as possible in designing. Read about Le Corbusier, F. L. Wright and Norman Foster (3 famous 20th c. architects) and you'll see why;
d. love the "green scene" and hate it not! The public will appreciate you more;
e. profession-wise, be on time, move about and constantly talk to senior professionals in the field. Very important!

I love your presentation. You take time to speak clearly, thoughtfully and carefully. Thanks, DamiLee. I'm Acting Chief Architect where I am and despite stress and some crazy folk, I'm a survivor with intent!

[lexsuslittle]

I'm in architectural technology in Ontario ( going to go to uni after for a bachelor's) and this has been the most informative and motivating reference I have ever come across! Especially near the end of the semester, I have been very unmotivated to get my architectural license lol! (also seeing a young female accomplish this and explain the process in Canada helps A LOT)

[miguelmaldonadojr.]

I'm 47, my age it's not a crutch. No matter the age, one should go for what they desired. It's better to start early, but some of us could be late bloomers. Architecture seems my next journey. Perhaps I can leave a mark in the world.

[riccininaclaudio]

Definitely want another video of a fully functional Architect.

[pomelodrive]

I started studying architecture at 21 year old, I am now 27 and still studying😂😂😂. I love it

[Psl.]

I'm very interested in being an architect I'm currently a junior in high school and I've been doing lots of research on becoming an architect but this video definitely helped me with my understanding. Thank you

[__Sina]

Not me being 12 and trying to figure out my life now so I don’t fail later 😭 I really wanna be an architect but I feel really pressured and nervous even though I have some time.

[dillonlagrange]

I know this video is a few years old, but thanks for laying all this out. It's nice to hear this information from someone who has been through it.

[aenealittle]

Thank you so much I’ve been thinking about going back to school for my B.ARCH and this has helped me really weigh things out

[AnDytheBOSSx]

BIG heads up! If you are interning during your time at school those hours count towards your AXP hours! I went to a 5 year masters program with a 30-week internship during my 4th year. So I was able to rack up a thousand hours before I even graduated. I worked for more than the 30 weeks don't get exploited but overtime is nice when you are getting paid hourly and racking up AXP.

[ss]

I wanted to go into architecture as a high school grad, but ultimately decided otherwise. Took me multiple career changes and starting college again for the 3rd time for nursing to decide I definately want to be an architect.

[josephsy]

Thank you Dami for the distinction between what is a registered architect and what is not. I appreciate your non-BS approach to this topic, a lot of people out here are fluffing the subject matter up. I'm looking to re-train from film production/photography into this field, and there are a ton of questions I didn't even know I had!

Many thanks, I'll be binging your content for the next few weeks haha 🙏

[erloum]

Thank you for your channel. I’m 24 in marketing and going back l college to study architecture. This channel has been so helpful in my career change

[worldwithluv]

Great video. I think you covered all of the most important information. I do have a couple of questions.
1) Do the internship hours pay you for your work or does one have to do separate jobs just to earn a livable salary?

2) What jobs can you take on with an Architecture degree without a license? Any positions you can work in the field without a license? Maybe a position in an architectural firm?

[suekuan]

Just getting into university is pretty hard. Engineering, commerce needs close to 90% from high school or more at the better universities. To get into architecture ( ie after you get your bachelor), you will then be scrutinized with marks, portfolio etc. It is pretty much like law school, professional engineer, and medical school. Only people with the top marks fill in the very spots available

[kingjamesii]

an aspiring first year architect student here! I love your content as it is very informational about the insides and scoop on what it takes to be an architect. Thank you for creating this channel it's gooodddd :D