Black Spectacles

Black Spectacles is where architects come to learn how to accomplish their next big thing.

We're the only learning platform created entirely for architects. That means we know this industry inside and out, and so do our instructors. Our simple, easy-to-digest and in-depth video tutorials are taught by architects and designers who work on world-class projects. We're also the first ever NCARB Approved Test Prep Provider for ARE 5.0.

We're people who love design as much as you do, who have watched the sun come up after our fair share of all-nighters, and who turn every vacation in an architectural pilgrimage. We're just as crazy about architecture as you are. Whether it's getting licensed or learning new software to keep your skills current, everyone at Black Spectacles is committed to helping you get there.

Black Spectacles is dedicated to educating and inspiring architects to thrive in their careers across the globe. We adhere to four core values which are to make our content world-class or not do it at all, make it safe to share ideas, take calculated risks, and go above and beyond for our people.

Benefits of working at Black Spectacles:

Black Spectacles has implemented a "Work From Wherever" policy indefinitely and we're actively hiring remotely. At Black Spectacles, you'll find unmatched freedom to do world-class work, and ability to shape the direction of the company. If you're the kind of person who takes the bull by the horns, you can be sure that you through your work, you'll feel the impact you’re having in the company- on a daily basis. You'll be driven to excel in your work, receive the resources you need to achieve it, and the freedom to have no one in your way. Black Spectacles is a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company and ranked #11 in Education on the INC. 5000 America’s Fastest Growing Company List in 2019.

How we started.

Born out of feeling a lack of guidance in the early stages of my education and career, I sought to ensure other architects would have the influence and connections that I didn’t. I looked at colleagues who worked at prestigious firms straight out of school because they had resources and mentors, and thought, “How do they have the inside track?” Black Spectacles was created to be that inside track for architects.

As the Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum, I talked to emerging architects at networking events who could benefit from career guidance. As an Adjunct Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology, I saw my students struggling to keep up with software updates, and as someone who was licensed, I knew the importance of conquering the ARE. To facilitate the development of fellow architects was something I enjoyed doing through my personal channels and strived to do it on a larger scale.

I launched Black Spectacles in 2010 to democratize learning and remove barriers to career expansion. Starting with software learning, and expanding to ARE Prep, we now help thousands of architects get licensed and are the only NCARB-approved online test prep option for all six divisions of ARE 5.0. We are passionate about making our network and expertise available to everyone with our ARE Community and in our podcast, ARE Live, which are both free resources. Collectively we want to educate and inspire architects to thrive throughout the entirety of their careers.

Because of what we’ve been able to accomplish with Black Spectacles, in 2020, I was elevated to a Fellow by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Even though I get the “FAIA” next to my name, it’s not about me, it’s about us. I see this as a recognition of the dedication our entire network of employees, architects, mentors and friends have put forth in helping architects attain their licensure and advance their careers.