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This event is free!

Bring your own bag lunch to this session and hear what two architects who have recently taken and passed the exam have to say about their experience. Hear how they studied and what study materials they used; their thoughts behind the order in which they took the exams; the process for scheduling and about how long each step of the process took; what the testing center was like, and tips for taking the exam on the computer. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and get answers that will help your process be smooth and less stressful.

Melissa Emerson, AIA, NCARB, is a project architect at HDR. She started studying for her exams in May of 2017 and finished her last exam in October of 2018. She only studied for and took the ARE 5.0 exams in this 1.5 year period. While studying, she worked full-time and had two young kids to care for. Melissa knows the importance of finding a general life balance while also staying dedicated to the goal, despite having failures along the way.

Kyle Palzer, AIA, is a newly licensed architect at Kodet Architectural Group. He also serves on AIA’s National Associates Committee as the director of the Influence + Innovation work group. Kyle began studying for the ARE’s in the fall of 2016, testing for the first time in February 2017. He took advantage of NCARB’s 4.0 – 5.0 transition to complete his final exam in November of 2019.  After a full year of dedicated studying, he took an exam pause for Spring/Summer 2018 to focus on his health and friendships and paused again for the summer of 2019.  His experience of balancing work, relationships and life and needing to readjust plans throughout the process, provides a look into how licensure is possible even if you step back at times from the path.

Date, Time, Location, Parking
Wednesday, February 12, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Crown Roller Mill – First Floor Conference Room (immediately to the right as you enter the building)
105 5th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55101

On-Street Parking – Metered on-street parking is available within walking distance of the Crown Roller Mill building ($1.00/hour).

Nearest Ramp – The nearest parking ramp within walking distance is The Depot (entrance off of 5th Avenue South between Washington Avenue and 2nd Street South).

Bus or Train – The Crown Roller Mill building is about six blocks northeast of the Government Plaza Light Rail station. When you exit the train at the Government Plaza station (intersection of 5th Street and 4th Avenue), turn right onto 4th Avenue. Proceed north on 4th Avenue for three blocks to Washington Avenue. Turn onto Washington Avenue and walk one block east to 5th Avenue. Turn left (north) onto 5th Avenue and walk one-and-a- half blocks to the Crown Roller Mill building. (The entrance is on 5th Avenue just past the Ceresota building.)