architect54

…then again maybe not. I took the Schematic Design architectural registration exam on Sunday. I think I got everything right.

One problem was the ratio of some of the room sizes. I didn’t realize it until towards the end of the exam. My understanding (from maybe the AREforum) is that rooms should be somewhere close to a 2:1 ratio for room sizes. So a 200 square foot room should be close to 10 feet by 20 feet.

This is an example and I didn’t have any rooms exactly this size. Let’s say a room is 25 feet by 8 feet, which is 200 square feet but has a 3.125:1 ratio. That might be ok, but it’s my understanding closer to the 2:1 ratio is better. I think it also depends on how may rooms have an exaggerated ratio. One or two is not as bad as five or six.

I modified everything to as close to a 2:1 ratio as I could with time remaining. I was too committed to risk the amount of shifting it required to really feel comfortable. There was a good few feet of space I could have shifted my plan to make room to widen some skinny rooms. Matter fact that’s an easier way of saying it. Some rooms were too skinny. That’s how I noticed them in my head, while reviewing the plan. “Aren’t those rooms kind of skinny?”, I thought.

I think I made all the necessary corrections and have a passing result. I’ll let you know. Good luck on your exams!

If I don’t pass an architectural registration exam, I’ll just take it again. This is an attitude I like to encourage. It is easier to have this attitude after passing an exam or two.

Look at architects around you. After approaching a prospective client and not securing a project, a firm principal architect will do their best to approach another prospective client.

It is a cycle. This is something of the process to survive. In the process, try to adapt and find what brings the results you are seeking.

I am now scared about being close to my license and not passing or letting something get in the way of me passing my last two exams. I have to take Schematic Design soon. This issue of exam-opportunities versus exam-preparedness keeps popping into my head too.

These exams are managable. Some study/practice is recommended and necessary. I need to practice some(meaning a little bit) and just take Schematic Design. Just find a groove somehow of a few good practice days and then setup a test date.

I’ve taken this architectural registration exam before, so I know what I’m getting in to. This exam doesn’t have any multiple choice and should really be the strong point for most architects. I consider myself an architect and I need to overcome any anxiety for this exam like I have with the others.

If I can just get in two or three good study days and relax from my exam anxiety, then I’ll only have to overcome one more exam! Come to think of it, after finishing this post, that’s the feeling I should focus on. Instead of two steps away, I should reach for the feeling of being even one step (exam) closer! I can’t wait. Good luck on your exams everyone!