The process of educating an architect in France changed in 2005 with an effort to normalize the education of architects within the European Union. Now, the process is a 3-cycle one. The initial diploma is 3 years and it provides a general architectural base. This is followed by a 2 years masters where one specializes in an area of interest. To become an independent architect with the right to sign and stamp drawings, there is a 1 year degree that includes a 6 month professional working experience and prepares one for the licensing exam. There is also the opportunity to continue more in-depth study to become an doctorate in architecture, yes a PhD in architecture, not a degree one sees often in the USA!!
Out of the 20 architectural programs in France, there are only a few that include masters degrees in "patrimoine". While similar programs in the USA are called historic preservation programs, a more direct translation of "patrimoine" is heritage. The first and the oldest is the Ecole de la Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine at Chaillot. Eight other universities offer degrees or specializations with particular heritage components.
For comparison, in the USA, there are several educational paths one can follow to become an architect.
The fastest way is a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture, First Professional Degree. Next shortest is a 4+2 program, or a 4 year Bachelor of Arts or Sciences or Environmental Design, non-professional degree. One can stop here, but if you do, you are not eligible to take the licensing exams. For that, one must continue for another two years to receive a masters, first-professional degree. The longest way is what I did -- receive a 4 year undergraduate degree in a non-related subject, then go to architecture school for a Masters of Architecture, First Professional Degree. This is diploma is typically billed as a 3+ program; I took 4 years but also received a Certificate in Historic Preservation. Another option is a work-study program that takes around 7 years. After receiving the First Professional Degree, one must obtain a certain number of hours working experience in 16 areas. This typically takes about three years to do, only after this is done can one sit for the licensing exams. The eligibility rules vary with each of the 50 states, and there is a movement to enable interns to take certain techincal exams soon after completing school. While most states have adopted this formal internship program and the standardized computerized exam process, certain states do have individual requirements. For example, California requires an additional exam to address siesmic concerns and also require an oral exam. The website ARCHcareers.org is designed to help individuals understand the opportunities and paths that an architectural training can provide.
For training in historic preservation, there are several options in the USA. The National Council for Preservation Education maintains a chart describing the variety of programs and their specializations.
Out of the 20 architectural programs in France, there are only a few that include masters degrees in "patrimoine". While similar programs in the USA are called historic preservation programs, a more direct translation of "patrimoine" is heritage. The first and the oldest is the Ecole de la Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine at Chaillot. Eight other universities offer degrees or specializations with particular heritage components.
For comparison, in the USA, there are several educational paths one can follow to become an architect.
The fastest way is a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture, First Professional Degree. Next shortest is a 4+2 program, or a 4 year Bachelor of Arts or Sciences or Environmental Design, non-professional degree. One can stop here, but if you do, you are not eligible to take the licensing exams. For that, one must continue for another two years to receive a masters, first-professional degree. The longest way is what I did -- receive a 4 year undergraduate degree in a non-related subject, then go to architecture school for a Masters of Architecture, First Professional Degree. This is diploma is typically billed as a 3+ program; I took 4 years but also received a Certificate in Historic Preservation. Another option is a work-study program that takes around 7 years. After receiving the First Professional Degree, one must obtain a certain number of hours working experience in 16 areas. This typically takes about three years to do, only after this is done can one sit for the licensing exams. The eligibility rules vary with each of the 50 states, and there is a movement to enable interns to take certain techincal exams soon after completing school. While most states have adopted this formal internship program and the standardized computerized exam process, certain states do have individual requirements. For example, California requires an additional exam to address siesmic concerns and also require an oral exam. The website ARCHcareers.org is designed to help individuals understand the opportunities and paths that an architectural training can provide.
For training in historic preservation, there are several options in the USA. The National Council for Preservation Education maintains a chart describing the variety of programs and their specializations.
