Andrew Tillman, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), an architectural technician at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, and the secretary/treasurer of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Andrew shares more about his journey toward licensure, as well as his advice for other licensure candidates who want to make the most of their time in school.
What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
My passion for architecture began at a young age and was solidified during my time at Woodstock High School in Illinois. I enrolled in my first drafting course, which provided hands-on exposure to the field and sparked a lasting interest in the built environment. From that point forward, I knew architecture was the path I wanted to pursue.
My instructor played a large role in this journey, taking the time to introduce me to the profession. Through his mentorship, I had the opportunity to assist in the design and documentation of the school’s Building and Trades Home. He also encouraged me to compete in a regional drafting competition. Although I was unable to advance to the state level due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience solidified my passion for architecture. These early opportunities deepened my understanding of architecture and solidified my career goals for the future.
Tell us a bit about your licensure journey.
My licensure journey began during my sophomore year of undergraduate studies at University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee (UWM) when I joined Zimmerman Architectural Studios as an intern. Through this experience, I was exposed to a broad range of projects and benefited from the guidance of strong mentors. I was given responsibilities and opportunities to contribute across multiple project phases, allowing me to continuously grow and refine my skills.
This early experience helped me efficiently complete the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) in a relatively short timeframe. By the time I graduated, I had already gained a strong foundation in practice, which allowed me to approach licensure with clarity and momentum. I was intentional about maintaining this momentum and made the decision to begin the ARE process early in my career, while I was still in the academic and professional mindset.
By the time I graduated, I had already gained a strong foundation in practice, which allowed me to approach licensure with clarity and momentum.
I am fortunate to work at a firm that supported my licensure goals by providing study materials and encouraging my progress through the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). I experienced a few challenges along the way, including some divisions that I fell just short of passing. However, I remained committed to my goals and kept moving forward. The biggest thing that helped me was not overthinking it; I just kept scheduling the next division before I had time to slow down.
By staying committed to these goals, I was able to fast-track the exam and complete all six ARE divisions within nine months of graduation. Going into the exams, I didn’t necessarily expect to pass so quickly—but I set goals throughout the process and stayed disciplined to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming an architect.
I also served as a student architect licensing advisor for two years during my time at the UWM. This experience allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the licensure process early in my education and gave me an opportunity to share that knowledge with my peers. Serving as a resource for others not only helped our AIAS chapter understand the path toward licensure, but also reinforced my own understanding of the AXP and ARE. I found that the act of explaining concepts, resources, and strategies to others strengthened my confidence in navigating the process myself.
How can students work toward their licensure goals while they’re still in school?
My biggest advice for students is to start early. There are many opportunities to begin logging your AXP hours. Gaining experience while in school not only sets you up for success post-grad, it also helps you succeed in class by providing extra experience and context to your studies. I strongly recommend finding a firm like Zimmerman that values licensure and supports you every step of the way.
Why did you decide to become involved in AIAS leadership?
Throughout my time at school, I was heavily engaged in leadership, service, and professional involvement within the architectural community. I served on UWM’s AIAS Executive Board for all five years of my undergraduate education, taking on a variety of roles within our local chapter. Through these experiences, I began to understand not only the impact of our local AIAS chapter, but also the broader influence the organization has on architecture students across the country and around the world.
Recognizing this larger impact, I set a goal early on to be a voice for architecture students by serving on the AIAS National Board of Directors. I started my journey as Midwest Quad director, where I had the opportunity to be a mentor for many chapters around the region. I have always had a passion for mentorship and wanted to share my success as a chapter leader with other emerging leaders, to continue the mission and impact of the AIAS. After this role, I knew my journey wasn’t yet complete and that there was still more work to be done—so I ran for secretary/treasurer. I am currently serving in this role and have had the ability to increase my impact with AIAS chapters organization wide.
What advice do you have for students who are curious about becoming involved in AIAS?
My advice is simple: Get involved. You don’t know what opportunities are out there unless you take the initiative to try. In a field like architecture, it’s not enough to just attend classes—you need to go beyond the classroom. That “more” doesn’t have to be AIAS specifically, but I strongly encourage you to find ways to engage, lead, and explore new ideas throughout your education.
You don’t know what opportunities are out there unless you take the initiative to try.
Being a part of AIAS offers many opportunities to shape your future in the profession. An example of this for me was co-chairing the 2023 AIAS Midwest Quad Conference in Milwaukee. I was able to get connected with my current firm through this event. After this initial connection, I interned with the firm for two years while I finished up my education and am now working there full-time post-grad.
In addition to providing opportunities that can benefit you professionally, AIAS is a big family that allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same values and aspirations for the profession. Attend the conferences, get connected with the larger organization, and take full advantage of what AIAS has to offer.
Want to hear more from architects across the U.S.? Check out more stories from NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.
