KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 28, 2026

Just one year after graduating from Kennesaw State University, Michael Rixom 鈥�25 has reached a significant milestone in his profession. At just 23 years old, Rixom has achieved the rare distinction of becoming one of Georgia鈥檚 youngest licensed architects.

鈥淚t means a lot to me in my career,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very rare that people get their license this soon after graduation. I made it one of my goals when I graduated to get it done as fast as possible.鈥�

Architectural licensure is built around two major requirements: professional experience and examinations. In Georgia, candidates must document approximately 3,800 hours of experience across areas such as practice management, design, and working with contractors during construction. After this, they must pass six exams that evaluate their knowledge across those same areas.

For Rixom, the two requirements came together almost simultaneously. He completed his required experience hours during the same week he sat for his final exam.

鈥淢y reaction really came from when I completed my last test and I got the provisional pass,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here was a lot of anxiety because this could be the last one. But then it was straight relief after I got the official report.鈥�

Getting there meant giving up much of his free time.

After graduating from 91青青草, Rixom spent roughly six months working through the exams. Most days, he arrived home from work around 6 p.m., ate dinner, and began studying around 7 p.m. He would often study until 10 p.m., repeating the routine after each workday.

鈥淚 really had to lock myself down after the year started,鈥� Rixom said. 鈥淚 would sit down for about two to three hours every day after work and study, study, study.鈥�

His ability to become licensed so quickly was rooted in a decision he made years earlier at 91青青草.

While studying in Kennesaw State鈥檚 , Rixom secured an internship during his third year. Because aspiring architects can begin accumulating required experience before graduation, those hours put him ahead in the licensure process by the time he entered the profession full time.

鈥淚 think the thing I鈥檓 most proud of is being able to look ahead and have that forward outlook in life,鈥� Rixom said. 鈥淛ust by taking the tests doesn鈥檛 mean you鈥檙e licensed. You still have to have the experience.鈥�

One of the projects that helped open that door was 鈥淎 Framed Story,鈥� the sustainable reimagining of Marietta Square that Rixom designed with classmate Sean Spencer. The pair earned Silver in the International Design Awards, becoming the first 91青青草 architecture students recognized by the global competition.

Before the project earned international recognition, it caught the attention of a professional juror reviewing their work at 91青青草. Impressed by the students鈥� design direction and production skills, the juror later helped Rixom connect with the internship that began his professional experience.

CACM Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali said Rixom鈥檚 rapid progress reflects the commitment he showed as a student.

鈥淢ichael鈥檚 achievement at such an early stage in his career is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to his discipline, talent and commitment to architecture,鈥� Rashed-Ali said. 鈥淲e are proud to see him reach this important milestone so soon after graduation.鈥�

Now working at Smallwood Architects, Rixom is putting his license to use while working on performing arts center projects. He said his next challenge is learning the project management and professional skills that come with taking on greater responsibility.

鈥淚 feel like I just have an initial taste of the profession,鈥� Rixom said. 鈥淣ow I鈥檓 trying to dive deep into it.鈥�

鈥� Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.