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Architecture School: Part 1 — Landmark
This article is part of a series discussing and reminiscing my years in Architecture academia. These stories are substantially extracted from facts but are also filtered with my perspective and opinion. Therefore, not everyone who went through the same process will echo my sentiments. Still, similarities will undoubtedly arise, for there is a kinship among participants who go through the same gauntlet.
In circumstances where a map is lacking, one can use landmarks for navigation. Landmarks, by definition, are features or objects in the landscape or town easily seen and identifiable in the distance. Often it enables someone to establish their location.
For the longest time, I always wanted to be an Architect. Since I was 12, it seems to coincide with what I have in terms of interest. I can draw (and like it a lot), I get to make things (thank you Lego), and the profession has a reasonable and regular pay that comes along with it (this always need to be considered).
On a family level, I think it also makes the parents happy.
Win-win, right? Now to find a way to get there.
Being an Architect is a professional service; one needs to jump through certain hoops for someone to be able to call themselves an one to the general public legally. For New Zealand, that task is governed by the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) or from this point on we will call, the Board. The board outlines seven possible pathways one can take to become an Architect in New Zealand. For my purpose, I have taken Pathway 1, the long description of which can you can look into here.
Other countries have a similar process, I believe, but it is best to conduct your own research on that regard. The TLDR version of it being an Architect in New Zealand via Pathway 1 is as follows:
- Get a recognised professional Architecture degree by the Board.
- Achieve the minimum work-experience hours set out by the Board.
- Prepare the required case study document.
- Apply and pay the fee
- Sit in the “professional conversation” with two assessors.
After the final step, you either become confirmed as an Architect or not. If the latter happens, comments and reasons will be made by the Board on the reasons the applicant has failed. Along with the recommendations on the additional areas of…
