How to Become a Residential Architect

Residential architecture is a highly rewarding field (though admittedly, we may be a bit biased on that front). And unsurprisingly, becoming a licensed residential architect requires years of field-specific education, hard work, and a laundry list of licensure requirements. So if you’ve ever wondered how to go into residential architecture, we’ve laid out the abridged version below.

Inspired to pursue a career in residential architecture? Explore opportunities with Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design!

Education Requirements

Professional residential architects must earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture (B.Arch) or a master’s degree in architecture (M.Arch) from a college accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Key Education Details:

• Degrees from non-NAAB-accredited schools are possible, but it’s recommended (and often required) to pursue an M.Arch from an accredited institution.

• Master’s degrees take 1–5 years to complete, depending on prior coursework:

  • A student with a B.Arch can typically complete an M.Arch in about one year.

  • A student with a degree in an unrelated field may need up to five years.

Curious about architecture programs? Learn more about NAAB-accredited schools to start your journey!

Training Requirements

Once you’ve earned your degree, most state licensure programs require that aspiring architects complete an internship approved by the Intern Development Program (IDP).

Internship Highlights:

• Internships are typically completed with an architecture firm or business.

• They generally take around three years to complete.

• The IDP provides a detailed list of required training experiences to fulfill over this period.

Ready to gain hands-on experience? Connect with architecture firms for internship opportunities!

Licensure Information

All practicing architects in the United States must be licensed by their respective state or jurisdiction. However, requirements to obtain licensure vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

General Licensure Requirements:

• Earn a degree from an NAAB-accredited institution.

• Complete the required internship hours.

• Pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

• Check for additional requirements specific to your jurisdiction via the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Need help navigating licensure? Visit NCARB’s website for detailed state-specific requirements!

Gaining Experience

Once licensed, the next step is to apply for work within an architecture firm or begin a private practice.

Career Advancement Tips:

• Gain experience and build your resume to strengthen your professional profile.

• Consider pursuing national certification through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

• While not mandatory, NCARB certification can open more doors in your career.

Looking to kickstart your architecture career? Explore job opportunities with Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design!

Conclusion

We hope we haven’t oversimplified this process, because make no mistake, earning your license and entering the professional realm of residential architecture is not going to be easy. And while the journey is long and tedious at times, the end goal is truly rewarding (but again, we’re biased). We’ve worked with a number of interns and aspiring architects in our time and we even have an architecture scholarship named in our founder’s memory for a deserving student. At Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design, we are happy and honored to help the next generation of residential architects however we’re able.

Want to learn more about our scholarship or internship opportunities?

Contact Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design today!