This is part of an interview series aiming to spotlight professionals and entrepreneurs in the field of architecture. I am focusing on those working for themselves or in leadership positions in their organizations. Though all the work is impressive, I'm interested in learning how people got to where they are. The decisions they made, the paths they forged, the skills they acquired and maybe the leaps of faith they took in order to get where they are.

Amanda Normandin

Age: 41
Hometown: Oxford, MA
Current Town: Sturbridge, MA
School: Norwich University
Degree: B.S. Arch
Job Title: Designer, Owner
Employer: A. Normandin Design
First Exam: September 2009 then again in December 2019
Last Exam: Still going!

You are now self-employed as a residential building designer. Did you face any challenges or uncertainty starting this job without being a licensed architect?

I resigned from my previous place of employment and was able to continue my working relationship with a commercial client with whom I had worked with for 9 consecutive years. I also had strong connections with several contractors. I would continue my interior design work with my client and move into residential design with the contractors, Therefore, I felt like that was a good starting point in order to get my feet wet.

How did you get your first projects? 

Read above! I finished a Healthcare project I had been working on with my previous employer and was then hired by a friend to design their lake house. I now work off of referrals

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“My boss also showed confidence in me, allowing me to have confidence in myself.”

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Why did you decide to work for yourself?

Honestly, I never wanted to work for myself, but my boss at the time was retiring and I knew that I would never find the flexibility and regard that he showed me during the 13 years I worked for him. My boss also showed confidence in me, allowing me to have confidence in myself. I created very strong relationships with past employees, clients, and colleagues, which I knew would take me far. I felt the desire to prove myself not only to him but to everyone around me . 

You have been doing this for three and a half years already. Why get licensed now?

First and foremost: I lost my Mother in 2018 to Ovarian Cancer which made me realize life is too damn short. I should fulfill my dream of becoming a registered Architect. Second: to show my children to never give up on their dreams. Lastly, this will allow me to spread my wings further in the commercial field. 

Tell us about your testing history. Any successes or failures?

I began my exams in 2009 (4.0 version) and struggled to pass each exam from September 2009 all the way through February of 2014. I ended up passing 3 exams while failing 7 times. I felt defeated especially when I failed Structural Systems. That is when I took a break for 5 long years. I had two babies at home while working a full time job. Life also took over.

In 2019 I scheduled my first ARE 5.0 exam. By then all of my 4.0 exams had expired. I found a group online, started studying and then the pandemic hit. It caused me to hit the pause button on mom, wife, social, and work life. It was actually a blessing in disguise. I had never let go of the idea of getting licensed and by 2020 I was well on my way.

I have never passed an exam on my first try, but always passed on my second. Until I took PPD and PDD. I have taken each exam two times without success. By the time I reached those exams, my kids were well underway with softball and baseball. I found myself studying during practice, on the way to games, and in between innings. I couldn't focus the way I had been all winter. I decided to take the Summer off to reset my brain. I have one last try at these beasts in 2021 and my goal is to be licensed this year! 

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“…life is too damn short. I should fulfill my goal of becoming a registered Architect”

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What are you reading/watching/listening to?

Amber Book and Hyperfine! Preparing for my last two exams.

Thank you, Amanda! How can people learn more about you and your practice?

They can email me at amanda@anormandindesign.com. I also have Instagram and Facebook at @anormandindesign

Another great Begin interview here with Pavan Iyer of eightvillage