The following was written in response to an article published on November 10, 2023 by the New York Times addressing the lack of diversity in the architecture field. NCARB wrote a letter to the editor to add additional context to the article and highlight our efforts to increase diversity along the licensure pipeline. The letter was not chosen for publication but we think it's important for our readers to see our response. 

As a friend and colleague of Kimberly Dowdell, I read with great interest the recent article in the New York Times about her journey to becoming the first Black woman president of the American Institute of Architects. The article also highlighted the lack of diversity within architecture, and some of the challenges to becoming a licensed practitioner. The licensure process can serve as a facilitator or diversity. As the national advisory organization for jurisdictional licensure regulation, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards has launched a multi-year effort to  remove unnecessary barriers. By focusing on cost, access to the profession, and qualification methods, NCARB has revised the licensure path and advocated for further evolultion from traditional approaches. This includes moving beyond limiting access to those with accredited degrees, streamlining a  structured experience program (gained while working in a firm), and revising the content and context of questions contained in professional exams.

The article notes the prohibitive cost of education. We encourage regulators and other interested parties to puruse NCARB’s recent statement regarding multiple pathways to licensure at www.ncarb.org/pathways. Our approach builds upon current policies in place in New York state and California among other jurisdictions, while still acknowledging the traditional path of accredited education.

Michael Armstrong
CEO, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards