Letter From the President: Robert E. Luke, AIA
NCARB President Robert E. Luke shares his thoughts about a number of important initiatives the Council will be addressing during the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

NCARB's 2006 Annual Meeting and Conference: Diverse Topics Characterize Annual Meeting Agenda
The 87th annual gathering of NCARB Member Boards took place in Cincinnati, OH, which is known as the "Queen City of the West." Meeting delegates considered a number of diverse issues as they helped to guide NCARB into its new fiscal year.

NCARB Expands Scope of Prize Initiative: Seed Money Grants Debut This Fall
Up to three NCARB Prize Grants, totaling $10,000, are expected to be awarded in early December 2006 to accredited programs in architecture. These seed money grants will further support efforts to integrate practice and education in the academy.

Introducing the NCARB Prize Class of 2006
"We took the approach that the profession is in this constant state of competition, which tends to put firms in a continual cycle of invention.... Many times, changes in one firm are synonymous with changes in the profession; thus, identifying these changes give students access to a trend that may become more relevant by the time they are practicing in three to five years." - Michael Everts, AIA, Montana State University

The ABC's of the BEA and BEFA Programs: Recognizing the Value of Experience
The Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) program and the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect (BEFA) program have been established to meet the specific needs of architects who do not qualify for the NCARB Certificate under conventional circumstances. Please note: Information and instructions in past Direct Connection articles may be out of date. Please check our web site for the latest information on NCARB's programs and services.

Make Way for Daylighting
NCARB's latest monograph explores the fascinating characteristics of daylighting, an integral component of sustainable design and green buildings.

IDP-ARE Sequencing: An Update
NCARB leadership and Member Boards continue to sort out details of the IDP/ARE timing issue. Please note: Information and instructions in past Direct Connection articles may be out of date. Please check our web site for the latest information on NCARB's programs and services.

Member Board Round Up
News from NCARB's Member Boards.

News Briefs
News Briefs: Council Honors Employees for Milestone Anniversaries Alternate Item Types are Coming...