On June 13-15, 2024, members from the 55 U.S. architecture licensing boards convened for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) 2024 Annual Business Meeting. The meeting provided a forum for NCARB members to elect the incoming Board of Directors, vote on resolutions—including a proposal to update NCARB’s regional structure—and shape the agenda for the Council’s next fiscal year (which begins on July 1). During the meeting, attendees also had the opportunity to hear a keynote speech from generational diversity expert Kristin Scroggin, engage in workshops covering a variety of important topics, and receive updates on NCARB’s work over the past year.

Celebrating FY24

On Thursday, FY24 President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, highlighted NCARB’s accomplishments over the past year. During his remarks, Baker provided an update on efforts to create additional pathways to practice, celebrated the work of the Competency and Licensure Process Research & Development Task Forces, and encouraged attendees to continue evolving NCARB’s programs and services.

“This year's initiatives hold particular importance in our collective long-term efforts to improve opportunities, remove barriers, and support a more inclusive process for licensure,” said Baker. “Together, we are doing important things, we are doing exciting things, and we are doing necessary things.”

End-of-Year Updates

Friday’s business session kicked off with an update on NCARB’s current financial status from Treasurer John Patrick Rademacher, NCARB, AIA, NOMA. This report will be available later in 2024 as part of NCARB’s FY24 Annual Report.

NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong provided an update on the organization’s efforts on key initiatives during the past fiscal year, highlighting ways that NCARB has gone further to improve our programs and services, listen to consumer feedback, and use data to make future-focused decisions.

“NCARB is on a journey of consistent, sustainable change, and we’re starting to see the rippling effects of those changes throughout the communities we serve," said Armstrong.

Then, attendees heard a keynote presentation from generational diversity expert Kristin Scroggin, who provided tips and insights for navigating a multi-generational workforce. 

Looking Ahead to FY25

Incoming FY25 President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, shared his vision for the year ahead. During his term, Van Tine plans to continue existing efforts to expand pathways to licensure, including exploring potential pathways for community college students. In addition, the work of the Licensure Process Research & Development Task Force will continue as NCARB works toward adopting new methods of assessing candidates’ competency.

“I know some of the challenges and barriers people face in pursuing licensure,” said Van Tine. “We’re committed to looking for meaningful changes that help improve access to licensure for all.”

Resolutions

During the meeting, members voted on several resolutions—including rejecting updates to NCARB’s regional structure, passing updates to two existing mutual recognition agreements, and passing a change to the Certificate requirement for architects serving on the NCARB Board of Directors. Members also retired several historical resolutions in conflict with current Council policies and updated the Model Law and Regulations to expand early access to the exam. 

FY25 Board of Directors

Delegates elected members of the FY25 NCARB Board of Directors, including the inaugural election of two at-large directors. Members of the FY25 Board of Directors include:

  • President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • Vice President Edward T. Marley, NCARB, FAIA, LEED AP
  • Second Vice President John Patrick Rademacher, NCARB, AIA, NOMA
  • Secretary/Treasurer Sylvia Kwan, FAIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP
  • Past President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • Director, Region 1 Jennifer R. Arbuckle, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • Director, Region 2 Edward W. Tucker, FAIA, NCARB
  • Director, Region 3 Miguel A. Rodriguez, FAIA, NCARB, NOMA
  • Director, Region 4 Linda Alfson Schemmel, AIA, NCARB
  • Director, Region 5 James Devine, NCARB, AIA, LEED AP
  • Director, Region 6 Scott E. Harm, AIA, NCARB
  • Member Board Executive Director Shannon Himes
  • Public Director Stephanie V. Hopkins
  • At-Large Director Coffee Polk, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • At-Large Director Kevin J. Singh, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB