Washington, DC—Beginning in September 2024, leadership from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) met with students at the seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that offer accredited architecture programs as part of ongoing efforts to ensure all candidates are well-informed and equipped to successfully navigate the path to licensure as NCARB works to explore multiple pathways to licensure—while effectively eliminating disparities and common barriers underrepresented groups are challenged with along the way.
Since early 2020, NCARB and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) have partnered to identify and address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the early stages of their architecture careers through their joint Baseline on Belonging study. Over the past several months, NOMA’s 2023-24 President Pascale Sablan, NOMA, FAIA, LEED AP, and NCARB’s FY25 President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, conducted a listening tour at the seven HBCUs that offer an accredited architecture program.
Through these visits, NCARB and NOMA aim to gather students’ experiences and feedback regarding the current path to licensure, share information regarding recent program and policy updates, and offer advice for addressing common challenges faced on the path to licensure.
“These conversations with students have provided invaluable insight that will guide our ongoing initiatives to improve accessibility to licensure,” said President Van Tine. “We’re thrilled to continue partnering with NOMA to help address disparities and pinch points on the path to licensure.”
In addition to listening to students’ early career experiences, Presidents Van Tine and Sablan shared information about the architecture profession and what to expect in the future as NOMA and NCARB make progress in addressing items in the Baseline on Belonging action plan.
The following architecture schools hosted NCARB and NOMA:
- Florida A&M University, School of Architecture and Engineering Technology | September 9, 2024
- Prairie View A&M University, School of Architecture | October 2, 2024
- Tuskegee University, Department of Architecture | October 7, 2024
- Morgan State University, School of Architecture & Planning | November 4, 2024
- University of the District of Columbia, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Science | November 5, 2024
- Hampton University, School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation | November 6, 2024
- Howard University, College of Engineering and Architecture | January 30, 2025
NCARB will continue to engage with students and licensure candidates as the organization works to re-envision the licensure process over the years ahead. Learn more about NCARB’s Pathways to Practice efforts.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
About the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)
The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) was formed over 50 years ago to represent the needs of African American architects. Founded in 1971, the purpose of NOMA was to bolster and provide support for Black licensed architects around the country. Today, NOMA is a haven for architects of all origins who seek inclusion in the design industry. We continue to advocate for the licensure of African American architects (who account for only two percent of all licensed architects today), as well as those from other underrepresented backgrounds.
NOMA has 43 professional chapters and 121 student chapters, National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) — mentored by regional NOMA chapters. NOMA and NOMAS membership is predominantly African-American, with other minority members including Native American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, East Indian, and Asian, as well as an increasing segment of non-minority members who support NOMA’s mission. NOMA supports its student members by providing mentorship, scholarships, and job opportunities to ensure their successful transition into the profession. www.noma.net