Evolution of an Enterprise, Chapter 25: Crash Course

There are no easy topics in the Architect Registration Examination, a series of nine tests Jason Mitchell and Michael Mardis must pass to become licensed architects.

Mitchell and Mardis, the owners of design firm theworkshop 308 at 308 W. Commercial St., have built a niche in custom furniture and commercial fixtures. But to capitalize on their architecture degrees from Drury University and design commercial buildings, which will bring bigger paydays, they’re working toward obtaining their architecture licenses.

They’ve been hitting the books for months in hopes of finishing the series of tests by the first of the year.

“There’s a lot of motivation right now for us to finish up taking the remainder of the nine exams,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has taken three tests – Building Planning Division, Site Planning Division and Building Technology Division – and Mardis has taken two tests – Construction Documents and Services, and Site Planning.

Mitchell said they’re glad they opened their firm in January before obtaining their licenses.

“It’s forced us to establish ourselves first and foremost as designers and has given us the time to really focus on the design and building process of our projects and not just (on) becoming a bottom-line, production-only firm,” he said.

Still, balancing work and study is challenging. Mitchell and Mardis each spend about 35 hours studying per test. They’re busy working during weekdays, so they allot time on nights and weekends to study – plus a little last minute-cramming the day of the exams, Mardis said.

Mardis’ wife, Natalie, has encouraged the duo to study without pushing too hard.

“She does throw in those little statements posed as questions like, ‘When are you going to take your next exam?’ which translates into, ‘You need to take your next exam,’” Mardis said. “But she’s being patient and encouraging, and I appreciate her help.”

Once Mitchell and Mardis finish the series, they send an application for their licenses to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, which can take three months to review the application before issuing credentials.