Welcome back to our enlightening series, "Why Architects Merit Their Fees." Having navigated the challenges of architectural internships, ExAC exams, and the trials of intern-employer relationships, we now come to another crucial milestone on the path to becoming an architect - the Oral Examinations.
The Oral Exams, conducted by representatives from the local architectural association, test an intern’s competency to practice architecture safely and ethically. They are a final gatekeeping measure to ensure only the most qualified individuals earn the title of 'Architect'.
Distinct from written exams, the Oral Exams apply theoretical knowledge practically. They test communication skills, critical thinking, and professional judgement. Candidates are presented with hypothetical situations, demanding astute responses that showcase their understanding of architectural practice in real-world contexts.
The oral exam can be nerve-wracking, even for the most prepared interns. Examiners aren’t just listening to your answers; they observe your presentation skills, your confidence, and your ability to articulate complex architectural concepts clearly. The aim is not just to test knowledge, but also to assess an intern's readiness to interact with clients, contractors, and other professionals in the field.
At the end of the exam, the examiner will ask you to leave the room while they discuss your performance. Then they invite you back in to reveal the results. My experience differed since my exam was virtual, and I didn't find out if I passed until weeks later via email. Those who do not pass receive guidance on focus areas for improvement and must reapply to retake the exam in the following year or the next six months.
When I received the email confirming I had passed, my joy knew no bounds. After 11.5 years of dedication, hardship, sacrifice, long hours, and sleepless nights, I had achieved my dream—I was an architect. Yet, there are still professional dues to pay (~$1,300), and a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and development.
As I reflect, it feels like architecture is a profession that tries everything to discourage and prevent you from joining, which I believe is a huge problem for our profession. Perhaps in future posts, I will shed more light on why I think this is the case.
If this journey alone does not answer "Why Architects Merit Their Fees," then the upcoming posts in my series will. I'll cover what architects actually do, the services we provide, why you might need an architect, and how we help our clients save both time and money. Stay tuned!
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