CRAN members complete drawings for City's Affordable Housing Project

Affordable Housing Project - Work Day

On April 28^th, members of Charleston CRAN-AIA met to complete the construction drawings for the first City of Charleston affordable home designed during our annual Design for Affordable Housing Charrette.

The Charrette produced six innovative designs for future use by the City. The first home chosen for construction by the City of Charleston Department of Housing and Community Development  was designed to fit  on  the smallest urban infill lots. With many such lots available, this design offers the possibility for housing to be constructed in different locations for many families.

As a group of local design professionals, Charleston CRAN-AIA remains committed to our local communities and the betterment of our built environment.

CRAN participates in Daniel Island Home Show

 

Charleston CRAN welcomed home buyers and local residents at the 2012 Daniel Island Home Show at the Family Circle Cup, Saturday April 21st - Sunday April 22nd. Current and future home owners walked through a bountiful  maze of vendors, all pertaining to residential construction. The CRAN booth offered attendees a list of all registered CRAN members in the Charleston region as well as advice on the importance of hiring an architect for projects big and small. 

CRAN receives Certificate of Appreciation from Red Cross

At our annual business meeting on January 19th the membership of Charleston CRAN -AIA was honored to accept a Certificate of Appreciation from the Charleston Region American Red Cross for our donation to the Heroes for Fire Victims Campaign. 

Thanks to the generosity of our Corporate Sponsors and members, we were able to provide support to a family with two young children whose home was destroyed by fire on Halloween night 2011. The Heroes for Fire Victims Campaign provides immediate assistance in the form of monetary support, clothing, shelter and essential items to fire victims.

We would like to thank our Sponsors and members for allowing Charleston CRAN -AIA this opportunity to give back to our local community.

What does it take to become an Architect?

Entry by: Trevor Draper

What does it take to become an Architect?  This is a question often asked of us.  While the answer is straightforward, the requirements to become an Architect are by no means easy.  By law, individuals may only represent themselves with the title “Architect” if they meet very specific requirements set forth by the licensing board of their state.  In South Carolina, for instance, the Labor and Licensing Board mandates the following requirements before they will grant an architectural license:

• Complete a professional architecture degree from a college or university whose program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the respective Canadian board.  For most architects, a professional architecture degree means earning either a Bachelor of Architecture (which is a 5 year degree program) or a Master of Architecture degree.
• Complete the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Intern Development Program (otherwise known as IDP).  In order to complete the IDP, one must perform a minimum of 5,600 hours of work, most of which must be performed under the direct supervision of a Licensed Architect.  These hours must be earned in 16 different categories under fairly strict guidelines and submitted to NCARB for periodic review.  Most candidates find that they spend more than three years fulfilling this requirement.
• Take and pass all portions of the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).  The ARE has been reorganized slightly in recent years from 9 separate exams to 7 somewhat larger exams.  Each exam focuses on a different core competency required of an architect.  These exams include knowledge based questions and graphical drawing challenges.
• Complete the application process and be approved by the South Carolina Board of Architectural Examiners

This process of education, training, internship and examination is a long and rigorous process.  However, the Architect’s occupation is very rewarding.  Architecture is a unique blend of art and engineering that is unlike any other profession.  

CRAN Embraces The New Year

Entry By: Bill Huey

The Steering Committee has been busy planning a revised format for 2012 CRAN meetings and events. The objective is to have more topical, practice relative, open discussions amongst CRAN members.

The business meeting this month, January 19 2012, will consist of the slating and election of 2012 CRAN Officers and Steering Committee members, review and member discussion of the proposed 2012 events, and discussion about any topics or events that members may wish to see addressed by CRAN this year. 

Our Profession (and livelihood) is currently assailed from many fronts. As a Community of Professionals, together we have the opportunity through CRAN to identify and advocate for those things we hold to be important. We also have a responsibility to pay forward our experience and knowledge to future practitioners. Member participation and input is critical to the viability of Charleston CRAN!

Looking forward to seeing all members, present and future, on the 19th!