As a result of his work helping new architects pass the California Supplemental Examination, Andy Roehl, of Moonlight Architecture, was recently awarded a Young Architect Award by Michael Riscica of Young Architect.
On his own time, and simply because he thought it was the right thing to do, Andy recently created a Facebook group to help candidates studying for the California Supplemental Examination, also called the CSE.
Candidates are required to take the CSE in addition to the Architect Registration Examination in California to be eligible for licensure. The CSE measures candidates’ knowledge and skill of standards created to respond to the unique requirements and conditions in California.
Andy had previously admired the work being done by Young Architect to help candidates study for the ARE and noticed a gap in the market to help candidates study for the CSE.
In response, he formed a Facebook group, which eventually turned into a virtual study session.
“I wanted it to be a safe place for people to ask questions and not be ridiculed. I wanted to create a place to have good conversation,” Andy said.
The sessions met one to two times a week on zoom. In addition to donating his time answering questions and helping participants understand the material, he encouraged candidates to keep going and keep studying.
After the first series of sessions, 100% of the participants passed their CSE.
“I had really good mentors growing up myself; that’s how I got to where I am today. I felt joining this group was a way to give back,” Andy said. “I’m a sole proprietor, and I’ve seen and done a lot of different things. This was a way to brush up and share that knowledge.”
Young Architect, which was started by Michael Riscica, offers online courses, an ARE BootCamp, podcasts, and conferences to help young architects learn and obtain their licensure.
Following the success of his virtual sessions, Michael asked Andy to join forces, and Andy will now help candidates study for the CSE under the umbrella of Young Architect by being a coach and mentor for the CSE BootCamp.
He also awarded Andy an award he labeled “Trust.”
“One of the strongest leadership qualities is trust. Andy is someone who, without a doubt, is there to support others. He always shows up and shows up big time to support, guide and offer the occasional bit of humor,” Michael said. “He is present, listening, and ready to jump in where needed. Andy has become a trusted and valued member who is adored in this community.”
