Congratulations Akshar!

Much to Celebrate!

This month, we’re not only celebrating Akshar Patel’s eighth anniversary at PMA, but also his passing of the NCARB exams to become a licensed architect! This is no small feat, and Akshar passed all six exams the first time taking them. We asked Akshar to share his experience at PMA and preparing for the exams.

Akshar Patel joined PMA in 2017, fresh out of his graduate work for an Innovation MBA degree at Philadelphia University (he also completed his Bachelor of Architecture there). On finding PMA, Akshar says, “Funny enough, it was a simple Google search and cold call to the firm to see if they were hiring.” We’re so glad he did.

From the start, Akshar has been a pivotal member of the PMA team. From assisting in the design of Ashland Town Hall to leading the Cabins Renovation project with Principal Jeff, Akshar’s eight years with us have been memorable. “I would say [eight years] feels pretty good and rewarding. PMA has awarded me a lot of opportunities for growth, and it's been an incredible journey.”

Becoming a Licensed Architect

Continuing his journey, Akshar started working towards his National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) examinations to become a licensed architect last year. Becoming a licensed architect is an arduous process, but necessary, as NCARB’s website states: “…to build your skills and ensure you’re ready to competently design buildings that protect the public health, safety, and welfare.”

“It’s a major key to being able to practice architecture,” Akshar explains. He also asserts, “I think there is more importance on years of experience for me personally. Some things and situations you can’t study and be tested on, but it’s a good first step to being able to practice, then comes gaining the knowledge through years of professional experience.”

The road to becoming a licensed architect begins by graduating from an accredited school, although some jurisdictions offer additional paths. After graduation, the experience begins. Generally working under a licensed architect, a person must complete a set number of hours of professional experience before moving towards examinations. The exams cover six competency areas that you work on during experience hours. They are:

• Practice Management
• Project Management
• Programming & Analysis
• Project Planning & Design
• Project Development & Documentation
• Construction & Evaluation

The exams are highly detailed and extensively cover what an architect needs to know to practice. “The state of Virginia also has an additional ethics exam that is required,” Akshar explained. “Facing six exams can be daunting,” and he prepared for them by using “the Amber Book course (thankfully introduced to me by fellow PMA team member Erin). The course had an organized plan on how to tackle all six exams that worked for me.” Passing all six exams the first time around is not guaranteed and is a difficult achievement to obtain, to which Akshar feels “rewarding, almost surreal since its six exams…” Indeed, we have been rooting him on through the process and excited after every passing exam. We’re also cheering for Erin as she begins the exam process.

What's Next?

Even after completing the exams and becoming licensed, an architect must complete “16 hours of continuing education credits [a year] to show that you are keeping up to date on the latest technology and standards.”

These initial professional steps have been quite a journey, and Akshar is ready to continue his professional career. When asked what the next eight years hold for him, he quipped, “I have never been a long-term planner, but hopefully, lots of experiences and lots of opportunities at great design.”

We are beyond proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing what great designs he comes up with next.