2017-2018  NCARB Past President

Officer Reports:

Kristine Annexstad Harding, FAIA, NCARB

When did you first become involved with NCARB, and what inspired you to give back to the profession?

 

I was first appointed by the governor to the Alabama Board of Architects in 2004 while I was serving as the Alabama Council American Institute of Architects (AIA) president. I committed to giving back to the profession when I started volunteering for AIA in 2000, due entirely to the volunteer culture of my firm Jones & Herrin. The firm was not only supportive but also exemplified the value of servant leadership.

 

What was the most rewarding aspect of being president of NCARB?

 

My year of travel allowed me to connect with many Member Boards such as New York, Hawaii, and Guam. I also met many students while presenting at Rice University, The Ohio State University, and Hampton University who showed me what amazing leaders they will be in our profession. The social and environmental impact that the next generation will have on our profession is truly inspiring!

 

How has NCARB evolved since you first volunteered?

 

NCARB was a slow moving, territorial, and closed-minded organization when I first got involved. Over the 12 years that I served on the Alabama Board of Architects, we saw great progress in the last half of my service. Initially, our customers were never happy—now they give NCARB glowing remarks as we set the standard for all other collaterals. Big programmatic changes have allowed us to address the customer needs and adapt to progress.

 

What was your favorite committee to work on?

 

I have worked on several legacy committees at NCARB, but my current assignment as chair of the Futures Task Force is the most enjoyable and exciting one to be involved in as we look at the future of regulation.

 

Tell us about the major initiatives NCARB focused on during your presidency and how they have progressed over the last year.

 

The Intern Development Program (IDP) changed to the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP™) and aligned the experience areas with the way we practice today, which informed the exam development as well. Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) 5.0 rolled out with six divisions and new item types while overlapping with ARE 4.0. Many aspiring architects ramped up their exams to finish 4.0, but now that everyone has transitioned to 5.0, the new exam is being met with great success. I created a Model Law Task Force, which is still in full swing with its work and will begin to present a true model for all jurisdictions to consider.

 

In 2017-18, you chaired NCARB’s Futures Task Force. Can you talk about the work the task force is doing?

 

The task force is in its second year now. The first year was spent exploring different trends in technology and the profession while getting to know our fellow task force members. This group is a very different group than we usually see on NCARB committees, with several people coming from outside the NCARB family who are just learning what we do. We will surely make more progress on our research this year as we prepare for the Annual Business Meeting next June.

 

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is hosting an Accreditation Review Forum (ARForum19) in 2019.  What is NCARB’s role in the ARForum19?

 

I am one of three representatives appointed by NCARB to serve on NAAB’s ARForum19 steering committee. I do not represent NCARB, but rather report back to NCARB leadership to get specific feedback on their vision for the future of accreditation. I have always said that NCARB is the only stakeholder in accreditation, as we serve as the voice of jurisdictional licensing boards regarding accredited education.

 

What are your hopes for the organization moving forward?

 

My hope is that we begin to see our younger architects get involved in their state boards so that we can continue to be agile, open, and diverse as the world of regulation evolves and we respond to our customers.

 

How do you plan on staying involved with NCARB?

 

I will always be a Certificate holder and attend NCARB’s Annual Business Meetings. And I hope that future presidents continue to find valuable assignments where I can keep serving, as well as stay involved in developing and inspiring our future young architects.