Adults 18+
Study hard to earn a Bachelor of Architecture, move on to a Masters in Architecture, and become a Student Affiliate member of AIA Iowa. These three things correspond with the "Three E’s” of architecture: Education, Experience and Examination. Please note that these three activities do not necessarily occur in a linear fashion.

Generally speaking, a person becomes an architect by taking the following actions:

• Earn an accredited degree in architecture by finding a school that is right for you.
• Gain Experience by documenting your work through the Architecture Experience Program® (AXP®).
• Become a member of the AIAS.
• Become a Student Affiliate of AIA Iowa.
• Pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE).

Becoming an AIA Iowa Student Affiliate
AIA Iowa offers a free student affiliate membership to all students currently enrolled in an accredited architecture program in the state of Iowa. Join online to start taking advantage of all the member benefits like invitations to AIA Iowa events, group mentorship program, and the Iowa Architect magazine! 

Becoming Licensed
There are many benefits to becoming licensed. Here are the top four reasons according to National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB):

• Title: Once you have earned a license, you can officially call yourself an architect.
  Independence: With a license, you can practice independently.
• Trust: Your license gives firms, clients, and the public confidence in your skills and ability to protect their health, safety, and welfare.
• Skills: Completing your education, experience, and examination requirements helps guide you through continuing your professional growth and development.
• Advancement: Having a license provides you with greater career opportunities.

Resources:

• American Institute of Architects (AIA) Salary Calculator 
  
• Architecture and Design college fairs around the United States
• Benefits of Earning Your Architecture License
  
• American Institute of Architects Students (AIAS) scholarship program
• Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) Institutional Data Report

Counselors, Educators, and Parents

Are you guiding a student toward a career in architecture? Look no further. Use the resources below to educate, engage and inspire your future architects.

• Bee an Architect Activity & Coloring Book
• AIA Iowa Guidance Counselor Brochure
  
• Study Architecture at Home K-12 resources for Educators and Families
  

Curated List of Architecture Books for Young Adults

• Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
• Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
• A Year at the Chateau by Dick and Angel Strawbridge
• Metropolis: A History of the City, Humankind's Greatest Invention by Ben Wilson
• The Promise of Elsewhere by Brad Leithauser
• Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings
• Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian

Looking for a Speaker?
Would you like an architect to come and speak to your group? Whether it is an after school program, class, career fair, or similar, we can arrange that for you. Reach out to us at info@aiaiowa.org with the potential date, time, location and audience and we will make it happen!