european architect is searching for a job in america

[peter femböck]

Hi.

Im am an experienced architect with an own office in bavaria-germany. Because of the narrow-minded creative situation in germany, and because of my increasing vexation about this,i intend to start up a new life as an architect; perhaps in america.

Who knows contacts, adresses, offices etc.?

Thanks for your support.
peter

[phansford]

The first thing you should do is start with getting licensed through reciprocity. Here in America that is somewhat handled by an organization known as National Council of Architectural Registration Boards or NCARB.

Go to their web site www.ncarb.org and you will find the informaiton you need. There are guidelines for foreign applicants. Being licensed will allow you to earn more money immediaitely and I would think it would be something you could do before you get here. I think you will have to contact a State Licensing Board to have them review your education and experience requirements. Be ready to take the ARE (Architects Registration Exam).

Basically NCARB is a central organization that all State Board of Examiners of Architects are members. Licensure is issued by each state and to practice in that state you need a license from that state. In other words, being licensed in New York does not allow you to practice architecture in Florida.

NCARB holds a record of education, experience and licensure for architects interested in practice in more than one state and it facilitates the reciprocity process. As an architect, you pay a yearly fee to be a member and to hold an NCARB certificate (which is NOT a license - just a notice you have meet and maintain minimum standards to be licensed in a particular state) Most states now require NCARB Cerification to gain reciprocity.

I highly recommend becoming a member of NCARB and obtaining NCARB Certification. That should help you.

Now work wise, I would look for a firm who has an international practice. Your language skills will help you. That may place you in a large city like a New York, Chicago, or LA. Check out firms such as HOK and SOM. Most major cities have a strong chapter of the American Insititute of Architects. Do a web search for the AIA and a particular city - such as Chicago Chapter of AIA. There will be links to major design firm websites.

Also - an old American saying - "The grass is always greener on the other side." Which basically means, your perception of a free design environment here in America may be wrong. It really is based on your clients and the market you work within. New York and LA are much more accepting of avant garde design than more conservative markets, such as the Mid West. Big firms with international or national market bases usually attract clients who want something or are willing to accept something more cutting edge.

[thomasjfletcher]

I'm an Australian and I work here in New York. The economy is still good here and firms are still hiring (much more so than in Europe). You have to make 15 copies of your portfolio, then come to a large US city. Take your portfolio around to all the big companies. Tell them that you're willing to work for a low rate (35-45K) and that you're willing to pay for your visa (2K).
Once you start working you can change companies and get better pay.
Easy.
Tom
www.nyc-architecture.com