Hawaii’s World
THE major structures we live and work among are designed by architects -- so powerful in their way that they can make our lives and our environment better...or worse. Doctorate in
architecture at the UHIn recognition of that, the architect licensing exam is a tough thing. You can’t even take it in Hawaii until you have worked and studied in the field for at least eight years.
Even then, there is a good chance you will fail to pass all its required parts on your first try. You will have to wait a year for a second attempt.
If you fail often enough, you must make other plans for your future, though they could be in a related field -- development, for example.
Now the University of Hawaii is stepping up its architect training to what it calls “a global dimension unmatched in any other program in the nation.”
It has just created a new seven-year path to an Architecture Doctorate (Arch.D) to do the job. It expects its graduates will have a better chance than most of becoming licensed -- though still no sure thing.
A two-thirds passing rate would be considered good. I guess this is as it should be. After all, a licensed architect must draw up plans, personally oversee construction and then stand responsible for years to come that the structure won’t collapse or otherwise disgrace him or her.
The UH doctorate is a first among 105 accredited schools of architecture in the United States, calculated to be the envy of others and even to draw some already licensed architects to UH for a final year of study and the Arch.D. after their names.
A few architects singled out as fellows of the American Institute of Architecture -- meaning they are the creme de la creme -- have expressed interest.
The doctorate will be phased in to replace current curricula leading to either a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Graduates will have the advantage of integrating academic studies with internships in private architectural firms. More of this used to be left until after graduation.
Both in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Pacific (Australia, Singapore, China and Japan), the interns will work under architects who will be adjunct professors of the UH School of Architecture. Over seven years, Arch.D. candidates will take 212 credit hours of study plus their intern service.
Dean W.H. Raymond Yeh sees Hawaii’s location and the planned Asia/Pacific access as a leg up in preparation to meet cultural and climate challenges special to the region.
The UH architecture school will continue to choose about 60 freshman a year from as many as 200 applicants and expect to graduate only about 40.
The curriculum will be such that spin-offs to bachelor of arts degrees and other careers (even law) will be possible at the four-year point for those who take double majors.
Dean Yeh picked up the Arch.D. idea from his predecessor, Elmer Botsai. He has cultivated local and Asia/Pacific architecture firms to make it possible.
University regents said OK this year despite their tight budget because it offers the possibility of more for less through consolidations of some activities. This includes the phasing out of the two lesser degrees.
A.A. Smyser is the contributing editor
and former editor of the the Star-Bulletin
His column runs Tuesday and Thursday.