Tampa, Florida—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) member licensing boards passed a resolution updating the organization’s governance structure. The changes create new pathways to NCARB leadership and increase the pool of qualified applicants eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.
Based on industry practices, advice from expert consultants, and feedback from NCARB’s membership, the resolution reduces the number of officer positions on the Board of Directors and creates two new at-large director positions. Unlike the other positions on the Board, the new at-large positions do not require service on a licensing board as a prerequisite, creating opportunities for NCARB’s larger volunteer community.
“The new governance model creates exciting opportunities to bring new voices to the Board of Directors, while also listening to the current needs of our membership,” said FY23 NCARB President Bayliss Ward, NCARB, AIA. “By streamlining the leadership timeline, removing limitations on the timing of board service, and adding more flexibility to our structure, NCARB can respond more quickly and easily to the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
To serve as an at-large director, individuals must have two years of service on a member licensing board or two years of service as an NCARB volunteer. At-large directors are not required to be licensed architects, creating opportunities for new perspectives from educators, licensure candidates, and related professionals.
“This change represents our organization’s focus on strategic, actionable change,” said incoming FY24 President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP. “Through feedback from our membership, we have identified several other areas to research in the future as we consider additional possible adjustments.”
In addition to widening the pool of candidates who are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors, the resolution also streamlines the time needed to progress through NCARB leadership by removing two officer positions. This change addresses the time demand faced by volunteers in the architecture profession, who are often sought after by multiple organizations in addition to maintaining their practice.
The resolution also removes a requirement regarding the timing of licensing board service—an impediment for members who serve on licensing board with short term limits.
The updated governance structure is the culmination of several years of work, which was initiated by NCARB’s grassroots Diversity Collaborative. In June 2022, President Ward created a volunteer-led Governance Work Group, which worked with the Board of Directors and NCARB membership to develop several options for consideration.
The changes will go into effect through a multi-year transition model, starting with elections for the FY25 NCARB Board of Directors in June 2024.
Learn more about volunteering for NCARB or serving on your local licensing board.
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.
