The long road to becoming an architect
It takes seven years, five of them study and two work experience, to qualify as an architect in SA, but while it seems like a forever task, it is worth it, said Chris Branfield, who has two years of internship to go before being able to sign off plans.
“Being an architect is the only profession I have ever wanted to do,” he said.
“Once I have passed the professional practice exam [PPE], which follows the work study, I would like to open my own firm, but I am still a way off that goal.”
Branfield, who was schooled at Selborne, said he had always had a passion for design and drawing.
“After matriculating in 2010, I applied to the architecture faculty at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, but was not accepted.
“Looking back I realised I had not put in enough work on my portfolio; a bad mistake, but I had to stick with it.”
He spent the next year working in the building industry, but also took art lessons so that he could submit a top-class portfolio.
The effort paid off and he was accepted into the class of 2012, embarking on a three-year bachelor of architectural studies degree, followed by two years completing a master’s degree.
However, after five years there is still more ahead, he said.
“Before continuing and doing the PPE, I will spend another year in the building industry.
“I think I have an advantage from a practical aspect because building has been our family business since my grandfather’s time, so I know what a brick feels like.”
“Once you start the next, and hopefully last, step, which leads up to the PPE, you have to join a professional firm for two years.
“The internship commences on the date of registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, the official regulator for the architectural profession.
“Fail the exam and you are not allowed to sign off plans.”
Building has been our family business since my grandfather’s time, so I know what a brick feels like