[brmgb]

> I'm sorry but that's absolutely wrong. You don't become an Architecte en chef by promotion, it's a competitive exam

No, Architecte et urbaniste de l'État is an exam (like everything regarding the civil service in France). Architecte en chef very much is a promotion. It's the grade following Architecte de l'État and preceding Architecte générale.

> Most architects with this title have businesses of their own

No, they are all civil servants and work for a minister.

> navigating the civil service

Yes, being promoted is very much about getting old and navigating the civil service. Architecte et urbaniste de l'État very much is a managing position with all it implies when you are working for the state.

[Kyrio]

You're confusing with Architecte des bâtiments de France. ACMH is a competitive exam and the Wikipedia page [1] can clear that up. I know several people who took it. It's just become very rare, like one every four years. It's definitely not a promotion, and unrelated to the ABF position (which is a part of AUE). But it is equivalent to being a civil servant, except you can have an architecture business of your own.

[1] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecte_en_chef_des_monumen...

[brmgb]

Indeed I am. My apologies.

[p1esk]

Does he have relevant experience managing restorations of old cathedrals? Do you know someone more qualified for the job?