We recently caught up with Devora Schwartz, AIA, NCARB, a project architect in Poughkeepsie, New York. Curious about architecture from a young age, Devora shares how she overcame challenges on the path to becoming an architect and uses her experience to support the next generation.
Identity and Architecture
I’ve wanted to become an architect since I was seven years old. My parents had hired an architectural designer to create schematic plans for renovating our home in Brooklyn, and I was completely captivated by the process. As the drawings developed, I would stand in different parts of our existing house and ask my mom, “In the new house, where I’m standing right now, what room would this be?” I was fascinated by the idea that spaces could be entirely transformed, that someone could envision our home in a way that didn’t yet exist.
From that moment on, construction and building felt almost magical to me. There was a brief period when I considered becoming a fashion or interior designer, but by junior year of high school, I found my way back to architecture. I realized it was the perfect intersection of my creative instincts and my love for problem-solving. That early curiosity about how spaces evolve never left, it simply matured into a lifelong pursuit.
Challenges on the Licensure Path
The biggest challenge on my path to licensure was balancing full-time work while preparing for the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®)—and earlier, completing my thesis during the COVID-19 lockdown while working professionally. There were seasons where progress felt slow and exhaustion was real.
I also failed two exams along the way. That was humbling. It’s easy to internalize a setback as a reflection of your ability, but I made a conscious decision not to view those results as failure or allow them to derail my momentum. Instead, I treated them as feedback. I adjusted my study strategy, identified weak areas, and approached the retakes with more clarity and focus.
What helped most was reframing licensure as a long-term commitment rather than a sprint.
I built a realistic study schedule, prioritized consistency over intensity, and leaned on peers navigating the same process. Licensure ultimately strengthened more than just my technical knowledge. It built resilience, discipline, and confidence. Passing my final exam was meaningful not just because of the credential, but because of the perseverance it required to get there.
Passion for Mentorship
Serving as an architect licensing advisor has been one of the most meaningful parts of my professional journey. I remember how overwhelming and unclear the path to licensure can feel—especially when you’re navigating Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) requirements and the ARE while working full time.
Personally, I didn’t have someone readily available to guide me through the process. That made the journey feel more mysterious and intimidating than it needed to be. There were moments when I wished someone would simply explain the steps, share a strategy, or reassure me that setbacks were normal.
That experience is what motivates me now. I want to be the mentor I didn’t have. My goal is to help demystify the licensure process and the broader profession—to make it feel accessible, structured, and achievable. Sometimes candidates don’t need more information; they need clarity and confidence.
The most rewarding moments are when someone shifts from uncertainty to empowerment—when they pass an exam, complete the AXP, or simply realize they’re capable of finishing what they started. Supporting that transformation is what makes mentorship so impactful.
A Day in the Life
In my current role, my days are a mix of technical problem-solving, project coordination, and strategic thinking. I collaborate with consultants, review drawings, navigate code requirements, and help guide projects from concept through construction.
No two days look exactly the same. One morning might involve resolving a detailing challenge; the afternoon might include client coordination or construction administration questions. I enjoy the balance between big-picture thinking and the precision of technical execution. Architecture requires both creativity and accountability. I’m constantly thinking about how design decisions impact budgets, timelines, contractors, and the end users of a space. That responsibility keeps the work engaging and meaningful.
Advice for Licensure Candidates
Treat licensure as professional training, not just a test to pass. The exams are challenging, but they reinforce how buildings actually come together—technically, legally, and financially.
Create a study plan that fits your life, not someone else’s timeline. Consistency beats intensity. Even small, focused study sessions add up over time.
Most importantly, don’t wait for a title to see yourself as a leader. Leadership begins long before licensure—with initiative, accountability, and a willingness to help others. The profession needs architects who are technically competent, but also collaborative and community-minded.
Stay committed, stay curious, and remember that the process is shaping you into more than just a licensed architect—it’s shaping you into a professional others can rely on.
Want to hear more from architects across the U.S.? Check out more stories from NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.
