While still in high school, you should plan a strong
college preparatory program with courses in English, humanities
subjects, mathematics, including geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and
pre-calculus, and physics.
Art courses - drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography - will be
helpful in developing your ability to visualize and conceptualize, both
important skills to an architect.
Elective courses in computers and business will be extremely helpful
in preparing for a career in architecture.
Answer: If you dream of designing houses and other small
buildings, but don't want to spend the years it takes to become a
registered architect, then you may want to explore career
opportunities in the field of Building Design. A Professional
Building Designer, or Home Designer, specializes in designing
light-frame buildings such as single family homes and agricultural
buildings. A Professional Building Designer may also design
decorative facades for larger buildings.
Unlike architects, Professional Building Designers are not
legally required to pass exams or receive special licenses. However,
a designer who carries the title "Certified Professional Building
Designer" or "CPBD" has completed training courses, built a
portfolio, and passed a difficult exam.
Training Courses
Your first step in 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.
To find courses, workshops, seminars, and other training
programs, see the listing of
Official CEU Providers on the Web site for the National Council
of Building Design Certification (NCPBD). Also see
Before You Choose an Architecture School for links to accredited
architecture schools and architecture training programs.
On-the-job Training
On-the-job training is essential to receive certification as a
Professional Building Designer. Use the career resources center at
your school and/or online job listings to locate an internship or
entry level position where you can work with architects, structural
engineers, or building designers. Begin building a portfolio with
working drawings for design projects. Once you have accumulated
several years of training through coursework and on-the-job
training, you will be eligible to take a certification exam.
Certification Exam
You are not legally required to become certified in order to work as
a house designer. However, earning certification will make it easier
for you to find a job in the field. In the United States,
Professional Building Designers are certified by the
National
Council of Building Design Certification (NCPBD). When you apply
for certification, you will be asked for letters of reference and a
portfolio. Once these are approved, you will need to take a two-day
certification exam. The exam questions will cover many phases of
construction, design, and problem solving. You will be permitted to
refer to several approved reference books as you take the exam. The
exam is timed, so you will have only a few minutes to complete each
question.
Whether or not you aspire to become certified, you may find it
helpful to look at sample questions from the certification exam.
These questions will show you the types of courses and training you
will need to obtain in order to find work designing houses.
