We can all reminisce about that moment that made us realized, “I want to be an architect.” Although the reason itself can be vastly different from others, for example, I loved the idea of a home and had a weird fixation to HGTV. And while this might not be available to my international readers, but think about any channel that shows off a house, house hunting, or travel destinations and seeing all the different architectural qualities of a place. I’m sure that same excitement at the thought of designing buildings and spaces for people is what pulls others into this profession as it did for me.
But what about the cost of becoming one? While big-ticket items like tuition are commonly discussed, there are many mysterious costs associated with becoming an architect that you may not know! Today’s article will be focusing on 5 large topics that can be the gatekeeper for those unable to pursue and sustain this field. Architecture is a privileged field and unfortunately not very accessible to many, meaning less diversity of students – less diversity of architecture.
Degree(s)
It’s important to think of how many degrees you’ll need to be eligible to become an architect! Like Canada, a Master’s degree is required in some countries, not just a Bachelor’s. In cases, this is also true in the United States, unless that specific school of architecture is a NAAB – accredited 5-year Bachelor’s program. Also, consider which country you’ll be studying in. Will you be a domestic or international student? The fees are often drastically higher for international students! In the U.S., you’d have to consider whether you’d like to pay in-or-out of state tuition too, which can easily add 20K/year to the tuition costs. These are crucial factors that can deter many away from architecture’s possible low return on investment if you consider money a big motivator!
Hidden School Costs
Typically, design students don’t have to purchase $200+ textbooks to never open again after taking the class. However, drafting, modeling, and printing costs are expensive and a re-occurring cost in school that can sometimes exceed a few textbooks! Additional expenses vary depending on the individual, but it offers a great opportunity to produce a creative model out of low-cost materials you can find around the house, studio (once you are back in there), or outside! Another great way to save some extra money is to buy supplies in larger quantities and split the cost with friends to get a discount.
Most schools have printing labs that can charge an arm and a leg to produce drawings, so keep an eye out for local print shops that might offer student discounts. Even using your peers as a resource can save you some more money, like if someone has a 3D printer, ask them if you could use it if you provided the filament. Also, you have to consider a good laptop purchase and whether your school includes software licenses in the tuition; in most cases, they should, but it’s always good to double-check.
There are several budget-friendly ways to cover material costs, but it still doesn’t remove all expenses that may accrue throughout your studies. It’s important to acknowledge these items’ prices, but they shouldn’t be viewed as an obstacle stopping you from being a great designer. At the end of the day, these costs are inevitable but can be budgeted and planned to fit your finances.
Studying Abroad
Have you ever considered a study abroad? Who am I kidding? Of course, you’ve probably thought about studying abroad or at least travel internationally to learn about a countries’ culture, specifically architecture and food. Still, unfortunately, they come at a huge cost! Typically, study abroad programs occur in the later years of your degree, allowing you time to develop architectural awareness and time to save up. There are even scholarships available to study abroad, so check in with your schools’ resources and apply to those! Another added expense of studying abroad – living situations. The cost of living in your country of choice will have to be weighed, so you can enjoy and use the most of your time there rather than worrying about finances.
It’s important to recognize that studying abroad isn’t necessary to becoming a developed architect! It’s just another opportunity to expand your architectural awareness in other countries. We typically overlook the city or town that’s a few hours away, but you can still develop architectural knowledge there! You probably have to be a little more attentive, though, because it’s not quite the same as exploring a different country!
Obtaining Your License
Congratulations, you’ve graduated! Now, you should want to get your license. Many countries require you to take and pass several exams before calling yourself an Architect (with a capital A!). Keep in mind not just exam fees but also study materials and prep courses. Some exam councils even charge a yearly fee to keep your exam data on file! Thankfully, many of these costs may be subsidized by your firm and are eligible for tax returns (if applicable in your country)!
Unfortunately, I can’t speak for other countries. Still, in the United States, an architecture graduate has to pass 6 exams called the A.R.E. 5.0., which can total up to $1,410 if you pass all exams successfully in one go. If not, each exam costs $235. This doesn’t include the fees to keep your professional and exam data on file too!
Professional Organizations
I can only speak from experience in the United States, but you’d probably join a professional organization of architects, designers, or special interest organizations within our profession. Each membership for a professional organization will charge a yearly fee averaging around $100 and can require additional classes to maintain that membership, like the American Institute of Architecture Continuing Education courses. However, most countries will have some type of organization for architects or designers to join, and some firms can cover these costs for you to stay knowledgeable of the industry too!
This post is not to discourage anyone but rather give a realistic idea of the cost of becoming an architect, which varies greatly by country and personal situations. It’s always important to consider your goals, motivations, and decisions that are best for you (and possibly your family). Consider how you can help pay for your education and beyond: part-time jobs/side gigs, internships, scholarships, and bursaries, become a Teaching Assistant, full-time work after graduation, etc.
Did you ever think about the cost of becoming an architect when you were starting school? I know I didn’t, but I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Sharing is caring! We hope to provide you with valuable insights and share them with someone who might find this useful. Make sure to follow our Youtube and Instagram for more content!