Architect Prova Zaman-Haque on the New US/UK MRA, Representation, and More

In April 2023, NCARB and our counterpart in the United Kingdom, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) launched a new mutual recognition agreement (MRA) for architects. Through the MRA, qualified architects licensed in either country can easily pursue reciprocal licensure internationally. We recently asked architect Prova Zaman-Haque, NCARB, RIBA, ARB, Assoc AIA, about her experiences navigating the process of applying for U.S. licensure through the MRA, differences in project approach, and more. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in architecture?

Early on, architecture wasn’t really on my radar. When it was time to go to university, my dad suggested, “Why don’t you look into architecture?” I didn’t know much about the profession back then, but it seemed like a good combination of art and science that would suit my skill set. So, I followed my dad’s advice, and here we are!

I have been fortunate to live on four continents and to travel around the world avidly. I have seen the 7th century Buddhist Monastery of Bengal, modern skyscrapers of Dubai, and great English castles to vernacular architecture in West Africa. Going through these experiences, I realized early on what a privilege it is to live in a built environment that is empathetic and planned to serve its community. I learned to appreciate when architects can design in a way that sings to their cultural heritage. The built environment is a universal language that we all can contribute to. Architects have the capability to bring about a positive impact, which is what inspires me.

You initially got licensed in the United Kingdom, and recently applied for licensure in Washington, DC, through our new mutual recognition agreement with the U.K.—how has the process been for you so far?

The process for me was very straightforward. Both NCARB and ARB have the steps explained very well on their websites, and it’s simple to follow. My advice for anyone transitioning between the two countries is to have all certificates ready in hand before starting the process.

Why is earning a license in the United States important to you?

I have recently been helping graduates in U.K. and U.S. with their resumes, portfolios, and walking them through the interviewing process for jobs. I feel a sense of pride in being able to show myself as an architect to a range of students from different backgrounds, so they are also aware of the different types of architects who are out there. As a Bangladeshi woman, I represent two underrepresented groups in the architecture field. It’s important for young architects and designers to have people to look up to and learn from who look like them and understand their struggles. I am excited for more diverse generations of architects to continue to grow in the profession and fill leadership positions. I am passionate about female mentorship and would like to positively contribute to making the architectural profession more inclusive.

Licensure is important as it establishes competency, professionalism, and instills a standard that my clients here in the U.S. have come to appreciate. This platform allows me to meet other architects, to grow individually, and to become part of the community. Having licenses both in the U.K. and U.S., I am excited to explore opportunities in the future for collaboration and sharing understanding of sustainable practice across the continents. 

I might have finished the licensure journey, but I’m continually striving to become a better architect and designer.

Have you spotted any key differences in project approach or style between the work you did in the U.K. and the work you’re doing in DC?

The types of projects I am doing now in DC are different in scale to what I was doing in U.K. The projects I am involved with here are in more urban settings, and mostly larger, mixed-use buildings. Also, Americans typically use lumber, drywall, and siding, while the British use block, brick, and plaster. It has been a challenging and equally rewarding experience navigating through these changes.

I’ve noticed there’s a big focus on the way parking garages are designed here. In U.K., there is a focus more on walkable urban development. Whilst many U.S. zoning codes still require a minimum number of parking spots, many European countries operate with maximum numbers to limit parking. It has been interesting to be involved in projects here that have come up with innovative structured parking and seeing a slow shift in design approach of streets becoming more amenable to walking, cycling, and transit use.

Can you tell us about one or two of your favorite projects?

I’ve been working at MV+A Architects since 2022, and Virginia Village in Leesburg is one of my first projects. This project felt like my dad just threw me into the deep end of the swimming pool, but I will remember how to swim from here on out! This project is a new five-story, mixed-use building, including retail and amenities on ground floor with a five-story precast garage. When I joined the team, the project was in the schematic design phase, and I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to be involved through to completion. 

I love it when projects have a bespoke approach! Whole Foods Market in Reston, Virginia, is just that. The interior design, material, and color scheme all respond to its location with careful consideration. There’s a great amount of detail and coordination that takes place; every inch matters whilst spatial planning. This project led me to learn about the commercial sector that my firm has been involved with for the past 30 years. I feel lucky that I have some great mentors teaching and guiding me along the way—it makes a huge difference when moving to a new country.