How do I get started?

Question

I'm looking into a new carrer and want to become a certified professional building designer. I am very interested in designing buildings and I would like to do it professionally. I found some informations about it online and there it says that I need to take some architectural courses and do an on-the-job training. I have no idea how to get started. Do I first have to find a school or first a company that trains me? Or is it both paralell?
It's a totally new field for me, because I'm from germany and completed a degree in education there. I don't know how all this stuff works here in the US. But as I said, I am very interested in that architecture field.

Answer 1

About.com has an interesting article on how to become a Certified Professional Building Designer without getting a degree in architecture http://architecture.about.com/cs/careers/f/homedesigner.htm

According to the article, the first step to becoming a Professional Building Designer is "to enroll in training courses in architecture or structural engineering. You may take classes at an accredited school of architecture, at a vocational school, or even through a correspondence school. Seek courses and training that will give you a broad background in construction, problem solving, and architectural design. In lieu of academic training, you may study architecture or structural engineering on the job, under the supervision of a building designer, architect, or structural engineer."

Answer 2

If you want to design buildings you need to become an architect. Some states have less requirements because they have no architectural schools in their state. I can design and build a residential home or small businesses with in a certain number of square feet without being a certified architect in South Dakota. I took an architectural program at a local technical institute so I can draw blueprints on the computer using CAD software and know basic building codes, etc. It will take another 2-4 year of expensive out of state education to become an architect and design buildings. Hence the state loop hole. They don't want people moving away. Even then, your plan has to get past the structural engineers that don't care about your pretty design, only that it will stay up. Anything less may be an on-line scam.

Answer 3

I'm certain no longer counting out any of the Hendricks drivers or Smoke for that topic. These are men who have been racing plenty longer than Kyle & often they do not begin making their transfer till it will get all the way down to the Chase. Look on the consistency from Junior. He's held it within the best 10 all season up to now.( Give me the thumbs down...I mentioned Junior.) When push involves shove, the groups relatively begin displaying their force. There's plenty of the drivers who realize it is time to knuckle down and get within the Chase. Right now I'm no longer counting any one out. It's exhibit time now! =o`)