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WORKING ABROAD AND THE LICENSING PROCESS RESOURCES, TIPS AND ADVICE BY GABRIELA BAIERLE-ATWOOD
Gabriela Baierle-Atwood, AIA NCARB
is an architect with Arrowstreet in Boston, MA. Originally from Brazil, she was an international student at NDSU where she earned her Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Architecture. Her passion for professional practice is exemplified by her role as Architect Licensing Advisor for NCARB and AIA Massachusetts, and her involvement with a handful of exciting committees at the Boston Society of Architects. In her free time, she is either at the BSA, the boxing gym, on the couch reading, sketching, or just walking in the city – likely with a cup of coffee in hand.
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he process to become an architect licensed in the United States is made up of three different components: Education, Experience and Examination. While the licensing requirements are ultimately dependent on the approval of each jurisdiction, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards has developed the Architectural Experience Program™ (AXP™) to serve as a framework to the experience portion of this process. Given the globalized nature of the world we live in, many candidates have the urge to pursue employment opportunities outside of the United States; while still aiming to become licensed in an American jurisdiction. The same goes for foreign students looking to enhance their experience in the U.S. -- internships can be a great way to solidify a field of study, and even bring unique career experiences. Thankfully, there are ways in which both of these employment circumstances can be pursued while still meeting the requirements outlined by the AXP. When it comes to working internationally, many candidates have questions that may not have generic answers. The information below addresses two general situations: a license candidate considering working in a country other than the United States; and a foreign license candidate considering working in the United States. In both cases, it is fundamental that each candidate review the requirements of their jurisdiction; and the AXP Guidelines. Contact your school or state’s Architect Licensing Advisor for more information.
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Candidates who want to work abroad: Can you gain experience while working outside of the United States? There are a few ways in which you could earn experience while working abroad, so long as the position is a paid one. In order to gain hours in Setting A (Practice of Architecture), you must be employed by a firm engaged in the lawful practice of architecture, and supervised by an architect licensed in the United States or Canada. There are no limits to the amount of hours one can earn in this setting. Setting O (Other Experience Opportunities) allows you to earn up to 1,860 hours when working under direct supervision by an architect not registered in the United States or Canada who is engaged in the practice of architecture outside of the United States or Canada. Within Setting O, the candidate may also earn experience in an approved community-based design center/-collaborative environment, as defined in experience setting O under the AXP Guidelines. This option allows a candidate to gain up to 320 hours for service for an NCARB pre-approved charitable organization outside of a recognized experience setting or academic requirement.
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