Inside the ARE with Chris Doherty
What is the ARE?
The ARE, or the Architecture Registration Examination is an exciting and significant step up in an architect’s career. It is a signifier that the architect demonstrates the drive and growth mindset to undergo an indisputably intense examination period. This period in an architect’s career requires passing 6 exams, each warranting a specific and unique scope of knowledge and practical application. These exams cover every stage of a project a typical architect would encounter, boiled down into six divisions of knowledge. These six divisions are: Practice Management, Project Management, Programming and Analysis, Project Planning and Design, Project Development and Documentation, Construction and Evaluation.
We are so excited for our very own Chris Doherty, in his current pursuit of the ARE Qualification! Chris has completed of 1/3 of the total tests so far, and we are looking forward to watching and supporting Chris as he grows through this period of study, practice, examination and reward!
We got to sit down with Chris, and check in on his exam progress, as well as his inspiring capacity to handle it all!
Q: What does this process look like in terms of scope of time and workload?
“This also varies, but the general rule of thumb I’ve heard from people is about 1 month of studying per exam, so 6 months in all. I’ve spoken to some that have done all 6 in 2 weeks, and some that have done them in 2 years, so it very much depends on your own personal schedule and how you can make it work.”
Chris Doherty
Q: What is it like getting back into student mindset, and is there an ultimate time in an architect’s career that they are ready to begin these exams?
“This varies greatly. Some new graduates decide to take the exams right out of school while academia/studying is fresh in their minds, while others wait several years to gain valuable experience that will then make the exams easier to study for/pass. I think the longer you wait to take the exams, the easier the content of the exams becomes as you have real-life experience rather than just studying from a book. But on the flip side, not studying for years only to have to buckle down and study for months on end after work each night is tough.”
Chris Doherty
Q: How will your position be different after this qualification?
“My title will officially change to Architect, and I will be legally able to sign off on drawings and documents for approvals. In the day to day / scheme of things, much won’t change as far as my role with Factor, but I’m looking forward to completing the exams and continuing my journey forward as an Architect. ”
Chris Doherty
Q: Most Challenging Part?
“Taking on exciting new projects that bring new design challenges to solve!”
Chris Doherty
Q: Most exciting part of this process?
“Passing each exam!!!!”
Chris Doherty
Q: What you’re looking forward to most with Factor in the next year?
“Taking on exciting new projects that bring new design challenges to solve!”
Chris Doherty
We can’t wait to see Chris’ evolution as an architect in the upcoming months, and congratulate him on accomplishing 1/3 of this lofty Qualification!
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