Analysis of Practice—What’s Next?

Over the last 12 months, thousands of individuals across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry participated in NCARB’s once-in-a-decade Analysis of Practice study. Through a series of short questionnaires, focus groups, a final extensive survey, and more, NCARB gathered key insights about the field of architecture that will help shape the licensing model of the future. The study explored the current practice of architecture by reaching out to you—architects, designers, educators, and emerging professionals in the industry—to better understand how you work, collaborate, and protect the public.

After receiving over 14,000 responses to our final Analysis of Practice survey, NCARB will now spend the next several months reviewing findings with our consultants at Alpine Testing Solutions. As we move into our next phase of the ambitious project, results from the study will help us to better understand the ecosystem of architectural practice and may lead to changes to the national licensing programs and standards of the future.

FY23 NCARB President Bayliss Ward, NCARB, AIA, has established two task forces of subject matter experts who will review the study’s findings, conduct additional research where needed, and make recommendations to NCARB’s leadership regarding the evolution of programs and services. Due to the complexity of this process, significant changes to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) and Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®) may take several years.

We look forward to providing more details on the findings in early 2023 and will keep our community informed of any additional research conducted along the way.

None of this would be possible without your input, as it is essential to shaping NCARB’s programs and initiatives as well as how your local licensing board regulates practice and protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

Thank you again for being a part of this critical research. Make sure you never miss an Analysis of Practice update—sign up for our newsletter!