AIA Minnesota

Real-world take: Value of Licensure

Jamie Bieser, AIA

When did you get licensed in Minnesota? 
In 2023 — 15+ years after getting my first job in architecture.

What was the driving force behind your pursuit of licensure?
When I first began this journey, I got into architecture the fastest way I knew how; a 2-year tech degree. That exposure led me to see the value that architects bring to the world. In 2019 it became clear to me that I needed to become a licensed architect in order to reconcile the way that I saw myself with my professional standing.

After you became licensed, what opportunities opened up for you in the following first few years?
Honestly, my world completely changed and with the title of architect I was immediately working on a completely new scope of efforts. And while I had little to no exposure on some of these efforts, the overall training that lead to my licensure provided me with the necessary skills to confidently navigate forward.

As your career has progressed, how have you thought about the value of licensure?
An architect’s license is the direct correlation to our designed and physical environment, and within that context, the health, safety, and welfare of our community at large. This should not and cannot be understated. (But unfortunately, we find our profession in a place where the public largely mis-values and undervalues what is as stake.)

What advice would you have for Emerging Professionals who are facing challenges in getting their AXP hours or in preparing for the ARE exams? 

Regarding EPs facing challenges in getting their AXP hours: Be your own best advocate in your office. Make certain that you understand the requirements that you need to satisfy and have routine meetings with your supervisor. Let them know what you need from them. It’s the best way and quickest way to get your hours. Don’t leave it up to chance. Don’t rely on them to schedule it out for you.

Regarding ARE exam prep:

  1. If you are considering which school to go to, be sure to ask if the school is connected with the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program. This NCARB program can reduce the typical length of time it takes for licensure, as the student can begin taking exams prior to graduation (I was able to pass half of the exams. A rare few have actually completely all the AREs prior to graduation!)
  2. While preparing for the exams, take every advantage of the Sample Test Exams that you can. In some respects, the most difficult aspect of the exams is simply learning how to “read” the questions and to identify the singular scope of the question, eliminating the myriad of “what-if/it-depends” scenarios.


Damaris Melo-Gyasi, AIA

When did you get licensed in Minnesota?

I got licensed in AZ first in 2013 and later extended my reciprocity to Minnesota in 2016.

What was the driving force behind your pursuit of licensure?

I just could not have gone that far and worked that hard to become an architect and then not be able to call myself one. Not getting my license was never an option.

After you became licensed, what opportunities opened up for you in the following first few years?

While employed, none really, other than the fact that they covered the cost of the exams. The big change was that I could start my own business because I was licensed.

As your career has progressed, how have you thought about the value of licensure?

I believe the thought has been the same since the beginning – my license validates me. It makes me legit in a white man dominated world. I am definitely more and more aware of the weight of the responsibility it carries as my business designs bigger and more expensive buildings under my license.

What advice would you have for Emerging Professionals who are facing challenges in getting their AXP hours or in preparing for the ARE exams? 

I may sound insensitive, but my advice is “just get it done”. I had a very hard upbringing and hard journey to complete school, get my experience, and so on, so I know it is not easy. But if that is what is required of us, then it needs to get done. They cannot come this far to be incomplete.

Nicole Washburn, AIA

When did you get licensed in Minnesota?
I became licensed in 2008.

What was the driving force behind your pursuit of licensure?
My pursuit of licensure was driven by witnessing the value, credibility, and opportunities held by the architects I most admired. Earning licensure represented a natural and important next step—one that honored the investment I had made in my education and affirmed my commitment to the profession.

After you became licensed, what opportunities opened up for you in the following first few years? 
Shortly before becoming licensed, I joined a new firm during a challenging economic period when unemployment was high. Having passed most of my exams, with a clear plan and timeline to complete licensure, distinguished me as a candidate and led to my hire. Upon achieving licensure, I was quickly promoted and entrusted with greater responsibility, as the credential brought immediate credibility with both clients and firm leadership and aligned with the experience I had built.
As your career has progressed, how have you thought about the value of licensure?