The practice of architecture is constantly evolving with the help of new technology, collaboration, and specialization, and it’s important to ensure that regulation evolves with it.  That’s where NCARB’s 2020 Analysis of Practice comes into play. The Analysis of Practice aims to provide a full understanding on the breadth of how practice is delivered.

Over the next year, NCARB will be reaching out to you—the architects, designers, educators, licensure candidates, and emerging professionals that create the built environment—to better understand what’s on the horizon for the profession. Your responses will help shape NCARB’s programs and initiatives over the next several years to ensure that regulation aligns with the realities of practice.

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What is the Analysis of Practice?

To better understand the work, scope, and skills required of architects—as well as those that overlap with other related professionals—the Analysis of Practice will explore current practice through a wide range of data collection methods including:

  • Research of existing materials and resources (e.g., job descriptions, publications, project RFPs)
  • Virtual focus groups
  • Crowdsourced opinion polling
  • In person interviews
  • Surveys to architects, emerging professionals, and other individuals who work in the AEC field

To ensure this is a valid, impartial study, we’ve partnered with Alpine Testing Solutions and Schlesinger Group, who will lead the research and compile findings. Results will be released in spring 2021.

Why Get Involved?

Beginning in the 1970s, NCARB has historically conducted an Analysis of Practice—initially called practice analyses—every five to seven years. Since then, results of our past studies (the latest was released in 2012) have led to the creation of ARE 5.0, as well as a series of changes to the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®). To ensure all program requirements continue to evolve and align with where architectural practice is headed, we’ll need individuals from all career stages around the country to share their perspectives and help shape the future of architecture.


To learn more about the 2020 Analysis, including the study’s latest updates, please visit www.analysisofpractice.com.