Steps to Becoming an Architect
There are more than 116,000 registered architects in the U.S. To become an architect, one must:
- Earn a professional architecture degree (B.Arch. or M.Arch.) from a school accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board or pursue an alternate path based on professional experience.
- Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), managed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), to gain documented work experience with a licensed mentor.
- Pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE), a comprehensive assessment of the skills, knowledge and abilities required to practice of architecture.
2025 AIAPV GOLD / Residential + MERIT AWARD ─ Residential Architecture
PROJECT Del Ray Passive House
LOCATION Alexandria, Virginia
ARCHITECT CEDAR Architects
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Deborah Buelow, AIA, Todd Yeomans, and Tim McCarthy
OWNER/CLIENT Confidential
CONTRACTOR Thorsen Construction
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennifer Hughes; Frazier Springfield
