Real Talk on Licensure
Join us to hear real talk on what it takes to pass the Architect Registration Exams. Recently licensed architects demystify the exams and the architectural licensure process.
The national average pass rate is 58% according to NCARB and some divisions have pass rates as low as 47%. This means that most of us fail some of the exam divisions at least once. Take advantage of the advice offered by those who successfully reached the finish line to prepare for your own journey. Panelists will share the ups and downs of their experiences with the exams. They will also share various exam prep methods and reflect on why it is important to pursue licensure.
Friday, August 1, 2025
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM (PDT)
Virtual Event on Zoom. This event is free for students
Register on the AIA SF website to receive a Zoom link. If you aren’t able to attend live, please register to receive a recording of the event.
Panelists
Samantha Buckley, AIA, Project Architect at Studio BBA, licensed in 2022
Melanie D’Souza, AIA, Laboratory Planner at HDR, AIASF Architectural Licensing Committee, licensed in 2023
Ryan Raskop, AIA, RCDD, PSP, LEED AP, Senior Associate at Salter, AIASF Architectural Licensing Committee Chair, licensed in 2015
Joey Xu, AIA, Architect at STV, AIASF Architectural Licensing Committee
Samantha Buckley, AIA
Project Architect at Studio BBA
Samantha is a seasoned, highly-creative, California licensed architect at Studio BBA, a multidisciplinary practice where she can apply her technical and design skills. She collaborates on projects customized for the end user, including custom homes + renovations, food + beverage, and retail spaces with colleagues that are equally passionate, who value teaching as much as learning.
Previously an Associate at Gensler, Sam was working on commercial office buildings and headquarters projects out of the San Francisco office. She received her Bachelor’s of Architecture from the Academy of Art University in 2015. Recently, she has finished the Burlingame Point Project, after having started during pre-design in the project and taking it through construction to completion.
Through her experiences on Burlingame Point, Samantha has become particularly interested in taking projects from start to finish, bringing concepts into realization within the Bay Area. Sam is motivated by the workplace when it cultivates creative thinking while surrounded by the industry’s thought leaders and star talent.
Melanie D’Souza, AIA
Laboratory Planner at HDR
AIASF Architectural Licensing Committee
Licensed architect and planning professional with over 7 years of exposure across several design environments (namely healthcare, industrial, education, science & advanced tech, hospitality, masterplanning) and keen interest in building science and the construction process. I enjoy programming iterations (lab, medical) and participating in problem-solving co-ordination with building engineering talent. My recent experience spans across the United States (California/HCAI, Kansas, Missouri, Georgia) and the Persian Gulf (Oman, UAE). Licensed in California, NCARB certified, LEED-accredited, EDAC certified.
While I desire to network and build my design competencies with design/engineering firms, I also pursue leadership through service in a learning-conducive environment. Heavily involved in efforts to streamline the path to U.S. architectural licensure and internal reciprocal mentoring through my active advising roles with NCARB and AIA licensing committees. My multicultural circumstances allow me significant geographic flexibility.
When I’m not designing, building or planning, I can be found immersed in writing + teaching. I enjoy working as an international recruitment ambassador for higher education in North America, towards STEM outreach and tutoring writing and the languages.
Please reach out if you have complementary interests, know of a stimulating way for us to work together, or have suggestions as to how I can expand my knowledge repository.
Ryan Raskop, AIA, RCDD, PSP, LEED AP
Senior Associate at Salter
AIASF Architectural Licensing Committee Chair
Ryan is a licensed California architect, telecommunications consultant, and physical security professional specializing in the design and coordination of low-voltage technology systems with the built environment. Ryan has over 13 years of industry experience on delivering a wide range of project types from single family residential remodels and home additions, to large and complex corporate campuses, biotech facilities, higher education, and high rise residential and core-and shell buildings.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys hosting bbq cookouts, working on his own home renovations, and investing in real estate opportunities. His hobbies include gaming, learning new construction trade tips, gardening, and camping / backpacking.
