architect54

Update: NCARB’s new site is finished online! http://www.ncarb.org Give NCARB some feedback at @NCARB, if you’re on twitter.

The new site is more about making the interface user friendly, information accessible and likely a little branding. I didn’t notice a lot of new content. (See below.) In the first header, NCARB asks common questions. Formerly you had to dig for the answers to those questions and put the information together yourself to understand. Now click on the header and the answers are provided.

My first impression is the homepage is an improvement. The first two items in the top heading reach out to interns and prospective architecture students. That’s a subtle move towards growing the number of architects.

(Actually reaching out to people that are looking to become prospective architecture college students is (essentially) new content!) One interesting piece of that new content is “What its Like to Work as an Architect“, that features an architect’s experience in each stage of the process: education, internship, examination, initial licensure, and certification. For some of you forming your careers, this is a good read for reflection on your own career path.

*NCARB stands for National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. What a mouth full.

The next six Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm AIANY will host “One of eight workshops focused on test preparation for the Graphic Vignette elements of the Architect Registration Exam. Evenings: 7/15-16; and Mondays 7/27 through 8/31.” RSVP to reserve a spot. Each event costs $5 for members and $20 for non-members. Get more information on each event by clicking on the date for each event on the AIANY Calender or the links below. (The first two events have passed, so I haven’t posted them.)

Mon, Jul 27 – ARE Graphic Workshop #3: Building Design and Construction Systems Vignettes
Mon, Aug 3 – ARE Graphic Workshop #4: Building Systems Division
Mon, Aug 10 – ARE Graphic Workshop #5 : Constructions Documents & Services Division Vignette
Mon, Aug 17 – ARE Graphic Workshop #6: Programming, Planning and Practice Vignette
Mon, Aug 24 – ARE Graphic Workshop #7: Site Planning & Design Vignettes
Mon, Aug 31 – ARE Graphic Workshop #8: Structural Systems Division

This is an opportunity to get your head around the graphic portions of the architectural registration exam. Clear your calendar and get your questions ready. You may find some answers.

Yesterday a co-worker, a field representative, came over to my desk and told me, “You must keep at it. There’s no point in stopping now.” A bit taken back all I could say was, “You’re right.” It was partly a you’re young-and-strong pitch, but it was also a kind of common sense statement. Kind of like, “Didn’t you go to school for this? Then, get it.”

My mentoring architect a couple of weeks ago was also encouraging me. She told me, “You must get it.” As if I had no choice. Her words were clear.

Take heart in words of encouragement and support. Don’t assume it is pressure. Take your supporters’ words as guidance and direction. Remember those words and use them to push yourself forward towards your license.