Over the past several years, advancements in technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and computational design have made an impact within the architecture industry, transforming daily workflows and project delivery. To ensure that licensure and regulation keep pace with practice, NCARB is exploring how the responsibility and accountability of an architect may evolve alongside technological advancements.

Understanding the Impact of AI

Established in 2017, NCARB’s Futures Collaborative has explored challenges and opportunities that could impact how NCARB and its members facilitate the licensing and credentialing of architects—including the impact of artificial intelligence. Advancements in AI offer architects labor-saving tools and opportunities to transform tasks associated with project delivery, bringing questions about how these tools reshape the responsibility and accountability of the architect.

In 2023, NCARB’s Futures Collaborative brought together subject matter experts, volunteers, and leadership to discuss the impact of AI—and other topics—at NCARB’s first-ever Futures Symposium. These conversations continued during NCARB’s 2024 March Regional Summit and June 2024 Annual Business Meeting, where 150 licensing board members from around the country took part in a workshop on artificial intelligence and regulation.

The discussions culminated with the release of a positioning Statement on AI from NCARB’s Board of Directors. The statement aims to frame a realistic scope for NCARB and identify areas of study going forward. By better understanding how AI fits within the current regulatory landscape, NCARB and its members can better protect the health, safety, and welfare of our built environment without impeding creative and innovative approaches to projects.

This topic was the focus of our recent NCARB Live webinar, AI and Architecture. Expert panelists shared insights into how regulation may adapt to ensure the responsible use of AI and discussed how architects and licensure candidates can move forward in practicing this. Watch the recording—now available on our YouTube channel.

Key Elements of NCARB’s Statement on the Use of Artificial Intelligence

NCARB’s statement outlines our stance on artificial intelligence from a regulatory standpoint. The statement highlights two areas of focus for NCARB:

  • Reassessment of responsible control parameters to determine whether they appropriately address the use of AI tools.
  • Identification of best practices for ethical AI usage, including determining whether, when, and how the use of AI and its supporting datasets should be declared.

Read NCARB’s full statement on the use of AI in architectural practice and its impact on regulation.

What’s Next?

NCARB will continue to monitor the expanding use of AI across practice and its potential interface with the regulatory mission of NCARB and its members. We plan to collaborate with our licensing board members to develop resources for members, including exploring opportunities to provide continuing education around AI that will be helpful for practitioners. NCARB remains committed to collaborating with its licensing board members to ensure the best interests of the public are served through the effective and reasonable regulation of architectural practice.