The Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) is an essential element on the path to licensure designed to provide you with the opportunity to gain and document real-world experience needed to become an architect. As you progress through the AXP, you’ll develop competency in architectural practice areas related to health, safety, and welfare. 

The AXP identifies 96 key tasks you should be able to perform competently at the point of licensure and is designed to span the phases of an early career in architecture. The tasks are spread across six practice-based areas, aligning with an ARE 5.0 division, allowing you to connect your real-world experience to your exam preparation.  

In recent blogs, we covered everything there is to know about the AXP and four of the six experience areas—Practice Management, Project Management, and Project Planning & Design, and Programming & Analysis.  

Overview 

Project Development & Documentation is the phase of a project that occurs after the schematic design has been approved. This experience area equips you with experience in preparing construction documents and coordinating with regulatory authorities to gain the necessary approvals for construction.  

Requirements  

To meet the requirements under Project Development & Documentation, you’ll need to document 1,520 hours of experience completing the following tasks:  

  • Communicate design ideas to the client graphically 
  • Prepare submittals for regulatory approval 
  • Communicate design ideas to client with two-dimensional (2-D) computer aided design software 
  • Select furniture, fixtures, and equipment that meet client’s design requirements and needs 
  • Communicate design ideas to the client using hand drawings 
  • Communicate design ideas to client with three-dimensional (3-D) computer aided design software 
  • Update Cost of Work estimates 

When reviewing these tasks, many appear broad and could relate to various stages of a project from beginning to end. When our architect volunteers placed these tasks in this area, they considered the tasks that build the skills and competencies needed to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Because of this, the “communicate design ideas” task is included here to relate to construction documents, as this is the pivotal moment the drawings need to be clear.  

As you develop a plan to achieve all the tasks required in the AXP, it’s important to work with your supervisor and firm to create a plan for exposure to various opportunities. As you and your supervisor work together, check out the AXP Candidate and Supervisor Expectations document to establish shared expectations. 

For more detailed information about the AXP and the six practice-based areas, check out the  AXP Guidelines and our blog for the latest updates.