Professional requirements for architects


Professional requirements for architects vary from place to place, but usually consist of three elements: a university degree or advanced education, a period of internship or training in an office, and examination for registration with a jurisdiction.
Professionals engaged in the design and supervision of construction projects prior to the late 19th century were not necessarily trained in a separate architecture program in an academic setting. Instead, they usually carried the title of Master Builder, or , after serving a number of years as an apprentice. The formal study of architecture in academic institutions played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole, serving as a focal point for advances in architectural technology and theory.

Professional requirements by country

Algeria

To be registered as a practicing architect in Algeria, you need to study for 5 years and complete a mandatory 1.5 years of professional experience
an architect must meet the following requirements:
  • Completed 3 years of university education B.Arch.
  • Completed a further two years of university education or in Architecture,
  • Alternatively to the two points above, you can study for a continuous five years in architecture.
  • complete a one-year and a half of professional experience under a qualified architect
  • being registered to the , , the Algerian institution that protects the architect title and regulates the profession.
  • Must attend a ceremony at the end of the professional experience
  • pay yearly contribution to stay on the architects register.

    Australia

In Australia, the title of architect is legally limited to those registered through state and territory Architects Registration Boards. There are three basic requirements for registration: a professional degree from an accredited school of architecture at Masters level or equivalent; at least two years of practical experience; and the completion of the three stage Architectural Practice Examination.
Australia has a federal system of government and regulation of most professions occurs at the state and territory level. The architecture profession is regulated by eight State and Territory Architect Registration Boards, with each jurisdiction having its own Architects Act and Architects Regulations. Regulations are delegated legislation, usually made by a Minister under the Act to clarify or expand on particular aspects of regulation. The eight Architect Registration Boards are collectively the owners of the national standard setting body, the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.
Architects may be members of the Australian Institute of Architects, which is the professional organization. Members use the post-nominal letters RAIA.
All states and territories have legislation to govern the use of the title architect and make it an offence for anyone other than a registered architect to use the title. As exact requirements can vary, it is essential to check the relevant legislation in each State.

Canada

In Canada, architects are required to meet three common requirements for registration: education, experience, and examination. Educational requirements generally consist of an M.Arch. degree and are certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. For degreed candidates, the experience requirement is typically the Intern Architect Program. The provincial associations of architects, by the authority granted under their respective provincial Architects Act, require that Interns gain a minimum of 5,600 hours of work experience. The fundamental purpose of the pre-registration/licensing employment period is to ensure that the Intern is provided with sufficient experience to meet the standards of practical skill and level of competence required to engage in the practice of architecture. This experience is diversified into four main categories and 16 sub-categories, and must be completed working under the direct supervision of a registered architect. At present, all jurisdictions use the Architect Registration Examination, a series of seven computerized exams administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. As well, all jurisdictions recognize the Examination for Architects in Canada, administered by the Pan Canadian ExAC Committee. Upon completion of the educational requirements, IAP, and examinations, one can apply for registration/license with their respective provincial architectural institute. Architects must pay an annual fee and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license to practice.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada was established in 1907 and is a voluntary national association representing more than 3,600 architects and Faculty and graduates of accredited Canadian Schools of Architecture. The RAIC aims to be "the voice of Architecture and its practice in Canada". Members are permitted to use the suffix MRAIC after their names. The suffix FRAIC is used by members of the RAIC College of Fellows. Not all members of the RAIC hold accredited degrees in architecture, and not all Canadian architects are members of the RAIC.

European Union

sets the professional requirements for architects in the EU.

Austria

Austria's nationally-based seat requirements for architects and engineers were criticised by the European Commission in 2016, as the Commission believed the requirements were not consistent with the EU's Services Directive of 2006.

France

Professional requirements
To practice as a project manager, an architect must meet the following requirements :
  • hold a M.Arch or Master's degree in Architecture,
  • hold the "Capacitation for project management in its own name" certificate
  • being registered to the National Architects Order Board, the French institution that protects the architect title and profession.
  • have a Professional Liability insurance coverage
    Legal references and background
In France the profession is defined and regulated by the 1977 Law, which defines architecture as follows:
This law, amongst others, sets the educational requirements to practice as an architect, and the rules under which exercise of the profession of architecture, in Titles III and IV.
According to the 1977 law, "Anyone wishing to undertake a construction subject to an application for a building permit, shall resort to an architect in order to establish the architectural project," But the "Code for Urbanism" sets the actual conditions and limits of mandatory resorting to the architect. Contracting with an architect is mandatory solely if the construction project is in excess of 150 sqm flooring surface /or footprint on the parcel.
Architecture in France fully depends on the Culture Department of the French government, so does The National Superior Schools of Architecture, and the National Architects Order Board.
Education
Education is provided by one of the 20 ENSA schools spread across the French territory, which are public schools. Tuition fees rise around 700 euros per year. See Etudes d'Architecture en France.

Germany

In Germany, the title of architect is legally limited to those registered with a provincial Chamber of Architects. Admission to a German chamber of architects is required for someone to be a professional architect. The chambers also register interior designers, landscape architects, and urban planners.
There are three general requirements for registration, which vary from chamber to chamber: successful completion of a four-year architectural program, continuing professional education, and several years of practical experience under a registered architect. The registration with a chamber of architects is based on either place of residence of the architect or their workplace.
All provincial Chambers of Architects are members of the Federal Chamber of Architects located in Berlin. The federal chamber does not provide professional registration.

Ireland

The main body for Architecture in Ireland is the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, RIAI. Members may use the affix MRIAI and are registered to use the title "Architect" in company stationery. The title has only recently been protected.
To become a registered Architect, it usually takes five years' full-time study in the recognised schools of Architecture, followed by a minimum of two years approved experience, and one of the recognised Professional Practice qualifications to gain admission to the RIAI. In all, it takes a minimum of seven years to gain registration. More details can be found on the .
An alternate route to the Register is available through the ARAE - this provides an opportunity for those without the required educational and professional qualifications to enter the Register in Ireland. This examination has operated successfully since 2009.

Italy

To enter the profession in Italy, individuals are required to first obtain a degree in architecture, or a degree in Building Engineering/ Architecture, then to receive professional qualification, obtained by passing a state exam with four tests. To practice, the architect must register with the Ordine degli architetti, which following a recent reform also includes planners, landscape architects and conservationists. The Orders are organised by province, and registration is based on place of residence of the architect. Within the order there are currently several classes and categories, depending on specific qualifications.
Italian law recognises equal rights to Building engineers registered with the appropriate order. Other professionals in the construction industry are the geometra and the perito industriale specialising in construction; these professionals have several limitations compared to architects and engineers, as they follow a different and shorter course of study aimed at learning basic and complementary aspects of work in construction.