![]() However, the licensure law gives the architectural profession a monopoly, and with this comes responsibility that has not been well met. Our laws should reward expertise that protects people from these terrible results. Professional licenses set standards and are given for the "health, safety, and welfare of the public." I’ve seen families’ self-built homes in Alabama, and the devastation of houses after Hurricane Charley. What is the value of architectural license in the U.S.? The license is just one part of that.īryan Bell / Design Corps / Raleigh, North Carolina But ultimately the markof a well-qualified architect is a combination of things: education, training, and experience. My belief is that being licensed does not qualify one as an exceptional architect. But other areas, particularly dealing with structural safety, are important. Unfortunately, design quality is not one of them. There are many facets to architecture, some of which are tested in the license exams. The exams are rigorous and were a challenge for me. I’ve known people through the years who have had a difficult time getting through the exams. What do you think about the burgeoning group of designers who question the value of being licensed? The cost of membership, and the cost of licensure, do not balance with the income level of a young architect. I don’t have any problems with my membership, though my pocketbook does. These services benefit some architects differently than others for me, it provides a link to others in the profession, even though it doesn’t much enter into my daily practice. The AIA provides a range of support services to architects. We gather that many licensed architects join the American Institute of Architects. Jay Serrao, AIA / Serrao Design/Architecture / San Francisco, California Who knows what they might have done had they been licensed architects? We’ve always had rebels in this field, and some have accomplished amazing things. We worry that we’re losing a generation of talented people who are limiting not only their own but society’s opportunities for the future. It’s a real concern for us-this growing trend of practicing without a license. But I realize the process is expensive, hard, and extremely time-consuming. What about the idea that getting licensed can hinder creativity? Do you buy that?īeing unlicensed does not allow more creative pursuits. We don’t have a lot of exciting TV shows about architects, but our oath is justas heartfelt as any doctor’s. For most architects, it’s equivalent to the Hippocratic oath. If a designer has done incompetent work, redressing the issue is far muddier. Not necessarily, but if we misserve you in some way, the path for filing a claim is clear. ![]() Do you really think a licensed architect is going to be more ethical than a designer? We have a contract with the public that says we will look after your welfare.īut an oath is just words. In becoming professionals, we take an oath. Getting a license is not only learning dry stuff like following building codes, it’s becoming part of the profession. Sure, it’s possible to design buildings without being licensed, but, with the increasing complexity of building technologies, regulations, and knowledge needed to adequately and competently practice-plus the fact that, in most states, you can’t design commercial buildings or buildings over three stories-I think most agree it’s far better to go through the process. If a person can practice architecture without going through years of understudy and taking a grueling multipart test, why bother getting licensed? Kate Schwennsen / Associate Dean of the College of Design, Iowa State University / Ames, Iowa
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |