We are excited that principal architect R. Michael Cross has been chosen as the first in a series of architects to be profiled on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board website. As a young, board certified architect practicing in a tri-state region, R. Michael Cross is profiled for aspiring and emerging architects to better understand the path toward licensure and the benefits that board certification holds.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public through effective regulation and exemplary service.When people think about the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards—or NCARB, as they are better known, they often think about the programs that they administer. Programs like the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) and the Intern Development Program (IDP) are a big part of what they do.
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By happy coincidence, I stumbled upon your feature on NCARB, and I'm so glad I did. It was quite a refreshing and informative read. I've been doing a hefty amount of research trying to tie down a few knots but I still have some debates to tackle. I hope you don't mind If I ask a few questions. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
The most prominent issue is school. I am on the fence about either studying/interning in DC/MD or moving to New York and studying/interning there. If I stay in DC, the only two schools I could really see myself at is either Catholic University or the University of Maryland College Park. In the case of New York, The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at CCNY holds my interests (along with Parsons or Pratt).
My passion is sustainable, clean, and conscious design and I find that both Catholic and the Spitzer School at CCNY speak to that pedigree best. I do see myself in New York at some point but I am unsure if I would be passing up amazing opportunities and resources by not experiencing architecture in DC.
As an accomplished architect, a person who studied in New York, and a person now living in the DC Metro, can you shed any light on my picks?
Also--if you don't mind me asking--what brought you back to the area from New York?
Do you have any opinions about DC architecture/firms/real estate in comparison to New York?
I really do appreciate any help!
Cheers!
Andreu Michael
Andreu.
I am flattered to have received your query and commend you on finding our blog before it was officially launched!
Honestly, I am not in any position to speak to the merits of one school versus another. While obviously doctrines, rigor and resources vary, I strongly believe that it is the student that determines his or her education. You should be able to get the education you desire from just about any institution if you seek it out-- you just might have to work harder in some schools versus others.
You mentioned the possibility of moving to New York to continue your studies. I personally advocate living and studying in a variety of locations and cultures to ensure a broad, diverse education and experience base to draw on as a professional. New York City is one of a few global centers of design culture. It offers much to designers who are open to soaking it all in.
Another thing to consider, however, is the cost of living. New York can be a very expensive place to live and study, and as I'm sure you've realized, the profession of architecture is not known for being a high paying one, particularly when you are starting out. If student loans and budgeting for NYC may cause financial issues, avoiding the debt burden (if possible) will likely bring you more pleasure in the long term, and will allow greater a choice of jobs.
I left New York because it was a very expensive place to live. Moving back south gave me the opportunity to be closer to my family as well as work on forming professional relationships in the area I grew up and felt I would eventually return to anyway. One of the most positive consequences was settling into a slower-paced culture that allowed me to focus on closing out my IDP and getting through the ARE process. This takes alot of time and focus, two things that are hard to come by in New York City. I hope I have at least given you some useful guidance even if not answering all your questions directly. Your interest and effort shown this far make me confident that you will make the right decisions and be successful both academically and professionally. Keep moving, don't get discouraged, and always have fun.
.Michael
Indeed, I'm not to bad at maneuvering the internet.
Thank you for taking the time to give your feedback and guidance! It truly does help!
Cheers!
AM