Washington, DC—Architects, licensure candidates, and related professionals are invited to take part in a transformative study that will shape the future of architectural regulation and guide the development of an accessible path to earn a license.
Commissioned by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the Analysis of Practice is a once-in-a-decade study that investigates the current and near-future practice of architecture. This Analysis of Practice is the largest and most comprehensive study undertaken to-date, exploring everything from advances in technology to shifts in cross-professional collaboration and specialization.
Results will help shape the evolution of NCARB’s programs and national licensing requirements over the next several years. Findings from the last study in 2012 led to the design of the latest licensing exam, a restructure of the experience program, and other regulatory updates.
“We will use results from the analysis as a guide in making critical updates to NCARB’s programs and services, including the national experience program and licensing exam,” said NCARB President Alfred Vidaurri Jr., NCARB, NOMA, FAIA. “I look forward to seeing how these insights will help us envision and build the licensing model of the future and create a more equitable and diverse profession.”
Understanding Diversity of Practice
While previous practice analyses have focused on consistencies that establish the role of a “typical” architect, the current Analysis of Practice has been designed to better understand the diversity of practice that exists within the profession. In collaboration with research partner Alpine Testing Solutions, NCARB is gathering input from the entire profession, ensuring individuals of all demographics are well-represented—including racial, ethnic, and gender representation, as well as representation of practitioners from various firm sizes, regions, experience levels, and beyond.
“Our ambitious effort to explore the full breadth of practice, rather than assuming a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to future licensure, will allow NCARB and its member licensing boards to develop pathways that maximize access to the profession for individuals of all backgrounds,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong.
How to Participate
Individuals interested in participating are invited to take the profession-wide survey, which launched on April 11. The survey is the final research phase in the Analysis of Practice, which has also included focus groups, online discussion boards, mini survey, one-on-one interviews with architects, and a variety of other engagement opportunities.
To participate, individuals should visit analysisofpractice.com. The survey includes 12 individual sections, and will take approximately 50 minutes to complete. Participants can complete the survey in one sitting or complete one section at a time. The final survey will close on April 29 at 5 p.m. EST.
