Eric Huffstetler
TWH Architects’ Eric Huffstetler has earned his architect license. After 18 months, Mr. Huffstetler passed the Architecture Registration Examination consisting of five total exams – all of which he passed on first attempt – to receive his Architect Registration for the State of Tennessee.
Originally from Knoxville, Mr. Huffstetler attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he earned his Bachelor in Architecture. From there, he accepted a position with a sole proprietor in Knoxville where he worked on projects in which he was involved first-hand in both the design and construction process. It was during that time in 2009, when Mr. Huffstetler began logging his professional experience in preparation to become licensed.
In 2014, Mr. Huffstetler was hired as an intern by Michael Brady Inc. as they began to grow their Chattanooga office. Rated one of the top design firms in the Southeast, TWH merged with MBI’s Chattanooga office in September 2016 to form TWH Architects, a michael brady inc. company. Combined, the company forms one of the largest design firms in East Tennessee.
“Working for a large firm like TWH has exposed me to larger projects, as well as different aspects of the industry that I formerly had little experience in,” said Mr. Huffstetler. “I gladly attribute my ARE success to the experiences gained through the very different environments I have been able to work in.”
The ARE is a multi-division exam used to assess one’s knowledge and skills regarding the practice of architecture. The ARE is designed to assess aspects of architectural practice that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impact of a building. The exam also assesses an architect’s responsibilities within firms, such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other professionals.
“The biggest challenge for me was balancing work, studying and adult life while remaining diligent in my goal to obtain my license within 18 months of beginning testing,” said Mr. Huffstetler. “I had to overcome the learning curve of two separate testing formats but was fortunate enough to have the support of American Institute of Architects Chattanooga with financial reimbursement, as well as access to study materials throughout the process.”
Prior to graduating, Mr. Huffstetler’s first professional experience was a summer construction job in Chattanooga in 2007. Working on a collaboration between UTK College of Architecture (UTK CoA+D), Howard High School and HGH Construction and other organizations, Mr. Huffstetler was one of two UTK CoA+D student team leaders for a group of Howard drafting students interested in a career in architecture/construction.
Together they built two houses from the ground up on Carr Street in eight weeks, both of which were designed by the Howard students. This introduction into construction gave him a practical understanding of what it takes to bring a design to life.