By Samara Lull, AIA Central Valley Director
Assoc. Vice President, HGA
What’s in a name? Mr. Shakespeare has very definite ideas on this question, but I personally do not believe that a Skunk Rose would smell as sweet a Euphoria Rose. Do you?
Names are important. The Montagues and Capulets were willing to die to protect their names and the families that those names represented. In Hollywood, actors often change their names to fit the persona they are trying to create on the screen. Afterall, who wants to see Marion Morrison save the Alamo (John Wayne)? Or debonair screen icon Archibald Leech romance Grace Kelly (Cary Grant)?
Some names are given at birth, some names can be changed during the course of one’s life, but others must be earned. A Veteran for example only earns that name after serving honorably in the armed forces of their country. In California, an Architect only earns that name after practicing several years in the profession and passing a multitude of rigorous tests. According to the most recent numbers from NCARB, this process takes approximately 12.5 years, (including advanced education) and is down from the 15.5 years it was in 2008. Yikes!
When I was young in the profession, I remember how disheartening it was to be called an “Intern” or “Job Captain” when I went to school to be an Architect! I was drawing details, working with contractors in the field, solving design problems – isn’t that what Architects do? Maybe. But according to the State of California I hadn’t proven myself to be worthy of the name. I needed to earn it. And earn it I did.
The day I got that little piece of paper in the mail saying “Congratulations” truly changed my life. It changed my name, it changed my responsibilities, and it opened the door to a whole new family of brothers and sisters in the profession.
So what did I do next? Celebrate of course! It was time to celebrate the joyous result of the seemingly endless hard work, and also the promise of a bright future.
Part of that future led me to become a member of the Board of the AIACV. We have currently been discussing the hard work our current emerging professionals are doing to receive their licenses and become Architects. We all agree it’s time that our local family of Architects come together and celebrate with our newest members.
Therefore, this August 2nd, we will have a Newly Licensed Celebration that is intended to be fun and joyous for new Architects, their colleagues, and guests. We want to be sure to recognize achievements, applaud successes and welcome our newly licensed friends to the profession. So keep your eye out for invitations and more information that will be coming soon. This is an event not to be missed – after all names are important and our newest Architects have earned it.