Nefesh BNefesh

The construction industry in Israel is going through a recession, which has reduced the amount and scope of work being done by local architectural firms and resulted in an increasing level of competition for available projects.

But despite this reality, Olim from the U.S., Canada and the UK have developed successful careers in Israel. Because the large architecture firms can be hard to penetrate, Olim frequently find it best to build up their own businesses. Many work in home development, construction and design, focusing on English-speaking clients who appreciate their Western professional background.

For additional information about working as an architect, please see the web site of the Yechida L'Rishum Mehandasim v'Adrichalim (Office for Registration of Engineers and Architects) at http://www.moital.gov.il/engineers.

Overview of the Market

According to a recent Dun & Bradstreet report, 7,500 architects are registered in Israel. The largest architecture firm in Israel employs 60 professionals (including architects, designers, etc.), and the ten largest firms employ a total of over 300 professionals.

Professional Certification

In order to be recognized as an architect in Israel, you must hold an architectural degree from a recognized university. Professional certification in Israel is a two step process:

1. Rishum: Recognition of your professional credentials and registration in the Pinkas Ha'Handasim v'Ha'Adrichalim, the Registry for Engineers and Architects.
2. Rishuy: Obtaining a license (rishayon).

Registering in the Pinkas Mehandasim v'Adrichalim (Rishum)

To be registered in the Pinkas Mehandasim v'Adrichalim, the following documentation must be submitted in person to the Department for Registration of Engineers and Architects (Rasham HaMehandasim v'HaAdrichalim):

• Diploma – original copy plus one copy. Documents must be in English or in Hebrew.
• Transcripts – original copy plus one copy. Documents must be in English or in Hebrew.
• Teudat Zehut - original plus one copy.
• Copy of foreign license is recommended

The request form for registration can only be received in person at the office.

For additional details, see the Hebrew-language listing: http://www.moital.gov.il/NR/exeres/DACD5881-70D5-463A-BDF2-AA363197FB2F,frameless.htm

 The main office is in Jerusalem:

Misrad HaTaasiya Hamischar v'HaTaasuka
Rasham Hamehandasim v'Haadrichalim
Rechov Bank Yisrael 5
3rd floor
Kiryat Memshala

Reception hours are on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 -1:00. Telephone inquiries can be made on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00:  (02)666-2540.

There are reception hours in Tel Aviv only on Mondays between the hours of 9:00 -1:00 at:
Menachem Begin 86
5th floor, Room 520.


Obtaining a License (Rishuy)

In addition to being registered in the Pinkas Mehandasim v'Adrichalim, architects must obtain a license. Having a license entitles you to sign plans independently.

In order to receive a professional license (rishayon), you must have 3 years of consecutive work experience as an architect, working under the guidance of a licensed architect. One year of your work experience must be in Israel. Your work experience abroad is counted towards the three years of experience.

To apply for a license, bring the following documentation to the Va'ada l'Kabalat Rishyonot (Office for Licensing and Registration of Engineers and Architects) at: 86 Derekh Menachem Begin, Tel Aviv, 67138.

• Proof of prior employment abroad; this letter from your previous employer must describe the type of work that you have done.
• A recommendation from your current place of work in Israel; this letter from your employer must describe the type of work that you have done.
• Application form (provided by the office).
• Copies of your diplomas. Documentation must be in English or Hebrew; if your diploma is in a different language, it must be translated and typed.

The cost of the license is 77 NIS. The license is generally issued about a month after the office receives your letter.

Architecture Education

Although the education that is available in the field of architecture in the U.S. and the UK is commonly viewed as superior to the education that is available in Israel, there are benefits to receiving your education in Israel. For example, if you choose to do your studies in Israel, you will build professional connections early on. You will also learn about local construction and building codes. Going on for an MA or Ph.D can be helpful in establishing your career in that a graduate degree gives you an edge and can help land in a job in a large international firm.

 Architecture Schools in Israel

• Bezalel Academy of Art & Design: http://www.bezalel.ac.il/
• Technion (Israel Institute of Technology): http://www.technion.ac.il/
• Tel Aviv University: http://www.tau.ac.il/
• The College of Judea and Samaria (CJS) in Ariel: http://www.ariel.ac.il/architecture/About.aspx

Resources

• http://www.engineers.org.il/ - The Association of Engineers, Architects and Graduates of the Technological Sciences in Israel
• www.iocea.org.il - Israel Organization of Consulting Engineers, Architects & Technology Graduates
• www.bniya.co.il – Online portal for construction-related services
• http://plannersnet.ios.st – Tovi Alfandari site and wanted ads for urban planners.
• http://urbanstudies.huji.ac.il/ – Institute of Urban and Regional Studies at the Hebrew University
• http://www.asakim.org.il/upload/adrichal.pdf - Profile of the architectural industry in Israel, produced by the Israel Small and Medium Enterprises Authority. Hebrew-language site.
• www.archijob.co.il – Classifieds, forums, and indices all about architecture, interior design, and urban planning in Israel. Hebrew-language site.

A special thanks to Alan Cohl for participating in this interview. Alan is a registered architect in both Israel and the US and practices in the Greater Jerusalem area and the Central Region. His projects range from corporate interiors through all aspects of residential design.

What work settings are available in Israel?

Working in a firm is essential at first, in order to get your feet wet and to allow time to adjust to the culture and language. As an immigrant, your ability to advance within a firm is limited; the likelihood of becoming a partner in a firm is small, because those positions generally remain within the Israeli community. If you have strong skills and the desire, it is advantageous to begin working on your own, privately, once you have the experience. Word of mouth is the best marketing strategy. In addition, your projects will likely be residential work for clientele who are originally from the United States.

What licensure is required?

Obtaining a license to practice architecture in Israel is quite simple. After acquiring your accredited architectural degree, you must work for a licensed architect for 3 years and then apply for your registration. The registered license will enable you to sign permits or open up your own company.

Do I need to know Hebrew?

You can succeed up to a certain level in a firm with no knowledge of Hebrew, because many local architects have studied abroad for some part of their studies. However, if you intend to obtain a very high position within a firm, or work privately, knowledge of Hebrew is essential. Consultants and other co-workers are obviously going to be Israeli.

What experience do I need?

Life after school is a bit different in the U.S. than Israel. In Israel, you are immediately given a large scope of responsibility relating to areas including design, management and details. The system works as a sink-or-swim filter. With an American education, you are very marketable directly after school if you have great computer drafting skills, but it is strongly recommended that you obtain 2-3 years of work experience before making Aliyah, to ensure your ability to handle all the demands required for Israeli architects.

What is the market like?

The market in Israel is healthy overall, particularly within the central region (including the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas). There are some contextual limitations in Jerusalem, however, the demand for architectural services for apartment renovations and private homes is high.

What is the relationship between interior design and architecture in Israel?

The educational system for architecture in Israel does not comprehensively include aspects of interior design. Education in the U.S. and U.K., however, do. This is one of the advantages of educational programs abroad, and it is a huge selling point for services in Israel.

Are there any technical differences to be aware of?

The only major difference is that the Israeli program requires the design to include a bomb shelter. Other than that, the palette of materials is quite limited, but if trained as an architect in the States, you will possess all the necessary knowledge of materials and their applications.

What is the average salary range?

Average salary range is around (net) 5,000 NIS/month for a starting level draftsperson position working in a small to mid-sized office, and can range up to 18,000 NIS/month at management level. Financial reward is a direct product of work ethic, skill and luck. In addition, if you open your own practice, offering "American-like" customer service will allow you to charge more because you are providing more than typical service.

What are the best routes for continuing education?
To keep up with current trends, the best options are to subscribe to architectural periodicals from the States and other design journals in print and on the web. In addition, the Jerusalem Seminar on Architecture, sponsored by the Rothschild Foundation every two years or so, can be a good source for listening and meeting the current stars of the profession.

Do I need to join any professional organizations?
There is an organization called the Association of Engineers, Architects and Graduates in Technological Sciences in Israel. It is based in Tel Aviv and holds seminars and conferences that supplement an Israeli architectural education (in Tel Aviv only). Affiliation is not mandatory.

How do you feel (in general terms) about working as an architect in Israel?

The job satisfaction is fabulous. The whole concept of building the country is something you live, breath and touch every single day. It is a spiritual and practical reason for being here. Why do it anywhere else?