The Architectural Technology (AT) board exam is three hours long, includes 25 questions, and is taken once per year at either an approved test site or via TestPro. There are two versions of the AT examination: one in February-March and another in October–November.

The architectural technology (AT) board exam tests your knowledge of fundamentals of architecture as well as its practical application. It is not designed to assess whether you can draw really beautifully pictures of windows or buildings. These types of drawings are considered artistic expression and are praised, but they are not integral parts of the profession that requires architects to be able to design structures.

Instead, the architectural technology (AT) board exam focuses on concepts such as proportion, symmetry, and mathematical formulas used to calculate dimensions of various components of a building. This formula calculating length is also very familiar to anyone who has ever done any math.

These fundamental skillsets are important to have if you want to work in the field of architecture. Most notably, being able to apply these principles to designing new buildings sets up a person for success in this career path.

History of architecture

Like most fields, architecture has its roots in human culture. Before there were buildings with roofs and walls, there was nature, which we studied and learned from! Ancient cultures built monuments to show off their achievements, to tell the world about themselves, or to give thanks to deity or spirit guides. These are some of the main reasons ancient civilizations constructed what we call architectural works now-buildings with stories to tell that have gone down in history.

Architecture is an art form that blends these historical elements together. As such, architects use different styles and concepts to achieve this blend. Different style choices emphasize different things, so one piece may be more important than another when judging a building’s aesthetic appeal.

We can talk all day about how beautiful the Parthenon is, but if you didn’t know it was designed by Anaximander, no one would guess it. The round shape and proportioned lines make it look natural and elegant, creating a feeling of calm. Many people admire the way the structure fits into its surrounding landscape, giving them a sense of scale. And of course, everyone loves a well-designed temple!

If you ever wanted to learn more about the field of architecture, taking an exam like the Architectural Technology (ATh) Test is your best bet. This test isn’t too difficult, even though there are only a few questions per topic.

Different types of architecture

While not everyone needs to be an architect, all architects must take at least one board exam to remain licensed. These exams are different depending on what field you want to work in. For instance, there is the Architectural Drafter (AD) examination which does not require any drawing skills but rather business acumen and knowledge of architectural regulations.

There is also The Professional Practice Examination (PPE), which requires both practice under licensure as well as expertise in either interior or exterior design. This includes things like furniture assembly and painting, among others.

Lastly, there is the Associate Member Examination (AME). Like the PPE, this requires only that you prove you have practiced under license conditions, so it doesn’t necessarily need to include anything beyond that. However, just because you aren’t required to pass these tests doesn’t mean they're unimportant!

They help determine if someone can work in the profession safely and with the appropriate licenses, which is important since most people don't know who takes these tests nor do they usually get paid very much for taking them.

Design principles of architecture

The field of architectural design is quite large, making it difficult to define what exactly makes someone ‘qualified’ to work in this profession. However, there are several key components that all architects must be able to identify, understand, and apply.

In fact, many universities require students to take courses focused exclusively on these fundamental concepts before they are allowed to register as professional architects.

These include such important topics like proportion, unity, contrast, balance, and hierarchy. All of these can easily be applied to your own style, which will help you create interesting and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

However, not every architect has to know about each one individually, so here we will discuss some basic ideas behind them!

Proportion refers to how much an object or element takes up within its surrounding area. An example of this would be looking at the roof of a car compared to the length of the vehicle itself.

The longer length ratio of cars means that very little space is left over at the top, creating a thin feel. On the other hand, the shape of the rooftop is proportional to the size of the vehicle, leaving lots of room to enjoy the view.

This analogy also applies to buildings; the height of a building is related to the distance from the ground to the sky. A tall skyscraper feels crowded due to the limited amount of space, while a shorter structure seems overly empty.

Organization of an architecture firm

Now that you have learned about some of the major parts of an architect’s job, your next step will be to think about how to organize yourself into a successful business team member. Just like in sports teams, there are different positions within an architectural organization.

You can be an associate, partner, or CEO-level professional depending on what level of work you want to do. Starting at the entry level as an apprentice or junior designer is a great way to begin working with professionals and getting experience in designing buildings!

Junior designers get to learn the basics of design while also developing their communication skills. They may even start receiving paychecks later if they prove themselves worthy of more advanced opportunities.

What is an architected building

An architecturally-intense environment is spending more time focusing on art than just designing structures. These environments have extended their focus to include all three of architecture, sculpture, and painting.

These types of settings use architectural styles or rules that regulate how spaces are organized and decorated. For example, some buildings use classical proportions or shapes, while other designs feature bold colors or unique textures.

In these cases, architects are given credit for applying certain aesthetics to the design of the structure. This process is called incorporating “the look” of a particular style into your work.

However, this isn’t the only way architects get praise. They may be celebrated for creating something new that people enjoy looking at!

A famous example of this is The Chrysler Building in New York City. While many consider it ugly due to its shape and materials used, it has become one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in America.

Many people admire it for its sleek lines and interesting decorations like windows with eye-catching patterns and shades of glass. In fact, the tower was so popular when it opened in 1929 that there were long lines outside to view it. It still is today!

This doesn’t mean that getting professional recognition as an architect is easy, though. There are several ways to achieve this goal, including by taking advanced courses, earning certification, and/or working under an architect license.

Cost of an architecture degree

The cost to attend college varies widely depending on how you pay for your education, where you go school-wise, and what you choose to study. Tuition and fees are typically the largest expense in attending any university, making up about one third of all undergraduate costs.

Most students are familiar with tuition, which is what they directly pay the institution for their courses. Additional expenses include things such as student activity fees, academic program fees, reservation fees at shared facilities like gyms, and transportation costs to and from classes.

Some schools also have additional “convenience” fees that are not necessarily tied to studying, but rather to having a campus life. These can include meal plans, room and board, or even large monthly bills for internet or smartphone use.

There are several ways to fund your higher education. Many parents help pay for their children’s studies by funding scholarships and grants through educational institutions, individual departments, or promotional materials advertising discounts or giveaways.

Students may also earn money while enrolled in school by working part time during off hours or full time during weekdays or weekends. It is very common for students to find work serving food or taking care of other jobs close to home, so their daily commute does not require too much effort or time.

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Licensing requirements for an architect

In most states, to be able as an architect you must have your license formally verified. This is typically done through either of two organizations that regulate architects: The National Architectural Accrediting Association (NAAA) or the Engineering Organization Council (EOc).

The process varies slightly between groups, but both require you to take a certification exam before being granted licensure. These are called “architecture tests” or sometimes just “licensure exams.” There can be one from each organization, though some groups only offer their more rigorous test.

These tests vary in content and length depending on what parts of the profession the individual taking the test covers. General practice questions will likely focus on architectural theory and concepts such as proportion, space analysis, and drawing.

More specific areas like designing hospitals or research labs may ask about planning software and documentation.

Designing a building

The third most important part of becoming an architect is designing buildings. This is what people look to you as your professional career! Most large corporations have at least one person that hires architects, so this is like having a business card that says you are an architect.

Mostly making up the mind who will be working with you on designs is involved in this. You will contribute your ideas, but someone else will take over where needed and get the job done.

This person may ask you about previous work or how you would approach such and such a project, etc. Being able to describe your process and style is very helpful when you are being judged on your talent only!

In architecture school, students learn basic design principles which include proportion, color theory, and typography. These apply directly to creating new architectural designs. Once again though, it is not just you doing the designing, there can easily be more than one person involved in a project!

The second major part of becoming an architect is drafting, or drawing really well. Having solid hand-eye coordination and practicing frequently is essential to success.

Architects usually start by doodling around concepts and then moving onto computer software to draw their final design. Take some time to practice both of these things! There are many ways to improve your drawing skills, so try looking into those.