We’ve spoken before about specializations you can focus on within architectural careers such as BIM manager or arch visualization, but never about accreditations. Accreditations are recognized certifications that require additional education and exams to obtain. You may already know some accreditations that you can receive like LEED or WELL; nonetheless, any additional accreditations will benefit you in various ways by expanding your architectural knowledge. They are an amazing way to merge your passion and expertise while making yourself more marketable for your future career!
Sustainability Accreditations
Architecture can be one the most unsustainable portion of the modern world, so getting certified in any of these programs is a huge benefit to you and our society! It’s important to keep in mind that some programs can have certification levels from introductory to advanced.
All the programs listed below will have different sets of training, principles, and exams, but they all move towards a greener tomorrow.
LEED AP (International)
Led by the US Green Building Council, USGBC, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) AP certification is an internationally recognized accreditation program that provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. The program constantly undergoes updates as new technologies, theories, and practices help buildings become greener to hopefully reach net-zero waste. As a LEED AP certified professional, you are qualified to guide the building design in a sustainable direction and ultimately help the project achieve LEED status. Architects most commonly choose BD + C or Homes specialty. You must write and pass an exam in your chosen specialty before receiving your certification.
You must choose a specialty within LEED AP:
Building Design and Construction. This is best suited for those interested in commercial, residential, institutional sectors.
Operations and Maintenance. This is best suited for those working on the improvement of existing buildings.
Interior Design and Construction. This is best suited for those most interested in the sustainable design of interior spaces.
This specialty is for those keenly interested in designing homes on a more individual scale.
Neighbourhood Design. It is less common for architects to obtain but equally as interesting, and this specialty is for those most interested in designing sustainable communities. If you are particularly interested in the work of landscape architects and urban designers, this may be for you!
The USGBC was one of the eight national councils that helped found the World Green Building Council.
To read more, click the following link, LEED.
WELL (International)
Overseen by The International Well Building Institute, the program is a vehicle for buildings and organizations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhances human health and well-being. WELL goes beyond building – sustainability; it emphasizes human sustainability. The majority of an individual’s time will be spent in buildings, so WELL creates a holistic and practical approach to foster a culture of health and wellness in the spaces we inhabit.
The WELL exam must be written and passed to achieve accreditation. This accreditation is more relevant than ever with the ongoing pandemic, so if you desire to enhance human sustainability, this is the accreditation for you!
To read more, click the following link, WELL.
Passive House (Germany + North America)
Originally from Germany, the Passive House Institute, PHI, is an independent research institute founded in 1996 by Dr. Wolfgang Feist with a continuously growing interdisciplinary team of employees that strives for the passive house concept. PHI’s first multi-family pilot project, coincidentally coined as the world’s first Passive House, is located in Darmstadt-Kranichstein, Germany.
To read more for Germany, click the following link, Passivhaus.
Later, the Passive House Institute US, inc. or PHIUS adapted some principles from Germany to better fit U.S. climates. PHIUS established the CPHC program, certified passive house consultant, in 2008 to distinguish passive building professionals in the industry. They are one of the leading North American passive building training providers.
To read more for North America, click the following link, Passive House.
Becoming a Certified Passive House Consultant involves two phases of training and an exam, in which you will learn to apply and advocate for the passive building principles in your projects.
This accreditation is gaining traction in Canadian cities, like Vancouver, Toronto, and Edmonton!
Historical Accreditations
Heritage Professional (International)
Do you have a keen interest in conservation architecture and stewardship of cultural heritage? This accreditation might be for you! Each country or region has its own association and requirements to join, such as the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, so look for the one in your area! This type of membership typically requires working experience in heritage projects, so finding a firm that works heavily in this area is critical.
Other Accreditations
Design-Build Certified Professional (USA)
A growing and popular method used to deliver projects in America, the Design-Build certification is a great accreditation to receive when working with firms that deal in design-build projects. To be certified, you must submit a registration form, take courses, and pass the appropriate exams.
To read more, click the following link, Design-Build Certified Professional.
EDAC
The Center for Health Design oversees the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification. Those certified apply an evidence-based process to the design and construction of healthcare facilities and focus on data and results to inform their decisions and contribute to a growing pool of information. If you strongly believe in EBD and the use of data to inform design decisions, this may be for you!
These are only a handful of possible certifications that you can obtain to advance your professional career! Understand that many of these require additional studying outside of your work schedule and are a lot of work. However, they are absolutely worth it to improve the design and construction of buildings further! What do you think? Are you interested in getting any of these accreditations? Or do you have others in mind?
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