We recently caught up with David Dameron, AIA, a newly licensed architect practicing at MT Studio in Troy, Ohio. After more than two decades in the field, David shares how he earned his architecture license at 46 through NCARB’s Education Alternative program, and how mentorship helped him get there.
What draws you to architecture and design?
Leaving a legacy. I love designing a new space, building and watching the design come to life. Seeing the satisfaction of the client whenever they walk into their new complete building space for the first time. Knowing that what started as a design idea/sketch is now a living building that will be utilized for years to come even after I leave this world is super satisfying to me.
You were already an experienced design professional when you earned an architecture licensure through the Education Alternative program. Tell us a bit about this journey.
Not being able to call myself an ‘architect’ or stamp my own plans for most of my career was always in the back of my mind, and I felt that this held me back in some respects. Coming out of high school in 1997, I was unable to go to a university with a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited program, so I went to my local community college. At Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, I earned two associate degrees in architecture technology and construction management and landed my first job as a CAD technician at a local firm.
Throughout my early career, since I didn’t have a degree from a NAAB-accredited program, I wasn’t able to gain an architecture license.
Once I learned about the alternative pathway through experience, I made it a goal of mine to prove to myself that I could finally become known as an architect.
In May 2025, at 46 years old and with 25 years of full-time architectural experience, I set the goal of passing all six Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 5.0 divisions in one year. I did it in four months through hard work and lots of studying. In November 2025, I gained my first architecture license in Wisconsin. I have since become licensed in Colorado, Iowa, and Idaho. My next goal is to gain licensure in my home state of Ohio and in Missouri, which I will be able to do in November 2026. I am also currently studying for the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) to earn a license in California.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
A big role—I have had many good mentors throughout my career. The most admirable one is my current employer, Mike Twiss, AIA, owner of The MT Studio in Troy, Ohio. Mike is a perfect example of a mentor and a friend. Mike allowed me the opportunity to gain my Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) hours and encouraged me to seek out my registration at 46 years old. I was blessed that MT Studio even paid for me to take my six ARE 5.0 divisions. Mike has taught me a lot over the 10-plus years I have worked for him. I am thankful for his mentorship, friendship, leadership, and encouragement throughout my journey of becoming an architect.
Why was it important for you to become licensed? Do you have any advice for others who may be in similar shoes?
To prove to myself that I could do it. Even though life didn’t allow me the opportunity to gain a degree from a NAAB-accredited program when I was a young man, I realized I could still gain the title of ‘architect’ through hard work and experience before I retire one day.
For anyone else on a journey like mine, I say go for it and don’t give up. Study hard, and take it one step at a time. You got this! You can become a licensed architect like me.
Want to hear more from architects across the U.S.? Check out more stories from NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.
