In 2015, we featured then recently-licensed architect Ralph Raymond, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, who was an Intern Think Tank (ITT) member. Ten years later, we caught up with Ralph to get a glimpse of his career today and commitment to mentoring the next generation of architects and promoting greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the future of the profession.
It’s been almost 10 years since we’ve spoken with you about your journey to licensure. Can you tell us about your current role and recent professional experiences?
Since our last interview about 10 years ago, when I was recently licensed, I've been very active in architecture. I’ve been an NCARB licensing advisor, actively contributing to their forums for several years. I’ve also dedicated time to shaping NCARB’s Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), volunteering on NCARB’s Examination Committee, and serving on several exam-related subcommittees.
I’ve also advanced and have taken new heights into leadership, serving as a board member on the Georgia State Board of Registered Architects and Interior Designers—guiding the standards and practices for the next generation of architects. As past president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Georgia chapter and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Atlanta, I’ve been able to champion and promote diversity, inclusion, and innovation within the field. I also continue to work as a project architect at HOK.
What do you hope to see from NCARB in the future?
I'm really proud to be part of NCARB's inner workings now. Through my volunteer work on the ARE Forms Assembly Subcommittee, Item Development Subcommittee, and Examination Committee, I've contributed to important discussions around equity and diversity and ensuring the licensing process is accessible to candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.
Looking to the future, I hope to see NCARB continue to evolve and champion the needs of the profession. I want to see NCARB focus on creating multiple pathways to licensure without compromising the rigor and standards and ensure that any changes they implement truly promote equity and do not water down the requirements. I'm honored to be able to provide my perspective and feedback to help shape NCARB's future direction.
How do you think the path to licensure has evolved since you went through it?
The licensure process has significantly evolved since I went through it about a decade ago. The timeline has been streamlined in many cases, allowing candidates to take exams concurrently and retest sooner, which enabled me to obtain my license just eight months after completing my master's degree. Despite these improvements, the journey to licensure remains lengthy, with the average time still hovering around 13.3 years. While NCARB has made strides in making the path more accessible, such as addressing the rolling clock issue, challenges around equity persist. Overall, the path to licensure has improved in several aspects, but further efforts are necessary to ensure it is both equitable and efficient for all aspiring architects.
You mentor and support students from elementary to collegiate levels. What advice do you give to them about the path to licensure?
When mentoring and supporting students from elementary school through college, I offer guidance on the path to licensure with a few key points:
- I emphasize that a career in architecture is within their reach, regardless of their background. Sharing my own experiences as a minority architect to dispel any misconceptions.
- I provide realistic information about the licensing process, clarifying that it can take five to seven years after completing their degree so they’re mentally prepared for the commitment required.
- I discuss the different educational paths available, such as earning a bachelor's or master's in architecture, and help them weigh the pros and cons of each option. To further support them,
- I connect them with current architecture students who can offer firsthand insights and advice about their experiences to further support them.
- I invite them to shadow me or colleagues, allowing students and their parents to visit local firms and universities to get a first-hand experience of the profession
Ultimately, my goal is to encourage, guide, and set appropriate expectations so that these students can make informed decisions about pursuing a career in architecture.
As a NOMA member since 2009, how has your continued involvement with the organization shaped your career?
NOMA has been like a persistent family for me, playing a crucial role in shaping my career. Through NOMA, I landed my current job and received my first professional recognition. The community is incredible, with leaders from firms of all sizes, from industry giants to medium-sized firms and everything in between.
The annual conference feels like a family reunion, with genuine conversations and networking. Connecting with my fellow NOMA members in an accessible way, whether in a lobby, at a seminar, or during a keynote, makes the experience more down-to-earth. I’ve been able to call on these professionals for advice, mentorship, and guidance, and they’ve become a continuous support system. For instance, when my ACE mentee from North Carolina wanted to shadow me, and I was unavailable, I contacted five different NOMA members from various firms. They all stepped up, giving her tours back-to-back, which provided her with an invaluable experience far beyond what any school could offer, all because of my connections through NOMA.
This inside access is especially important for those who are underrepresented, providing them with opportunities to see inside the office, get exposure to different aspects of the profession, and understand what it takes to become a principal or firm owner. NOMA isn’t just about recruiting; it’s also about retention. It offers a space where individuals can speak candidly, compare experiences, and help each other relocate or find new opportunities. It’s where we acknowledge the work that still needs to be done and remind ourselves to also take it one day at a time.
What keeps you motivated to stay involved and active with organizations within the profession?
I'm an immigrant from Haiti, thus I often describe myself as "generation zero" because I’m still navigating many firsts in the U.S. alongside my family, which then included learning about architecture. My introduction to the field came serendipitously in kindergarten when, after playing with Lego and building blocks, my teacher suggested I should become an architect. That simple suggestion stuck with me, and I imagined myself as an architect aiding Haiti.
Not everyone has that moment of exposure, though.
Reflecting on my roots, I constantly think about leveraging my skills to help rebuild Haiti, a country severely impacted by economic, political, and societal challenges. The principles of architecture—rules, regulations, standards—are essential for a society to thrive. Most people don’t realize how much architects impact their daily lives. Architects have the power to create spaces that connect people, provide places for rest and healing, and facilitate learning and innovation. Treaties are signed, research breakthroughs happen, and lives are changed inside the buildings we design.
When architecture is done right, people can naturally meet, network, socialize, and have their voices heard.
That’s something I aspire to bring to Haiti while also recognizing that many potential architects could rise to the occasion and contribute to our profession. It’s not just about the buildings we create; it’s about the impact those spaces have on the people who use them. There’s a special pride in seeing a project used as intended or even in ways you hadn’t anticipated—like when students carve out a new path across campus that you didn’t design but makes perfect sense. It’s a reminder that architecture is always evolving, and there’s always room for improvement in how we shape the spaces where people live and interact.
Want more insights on the path to licensure in the U.S.? Check out the rest of NCARB's Architect Spotlight series.
