Professional practice courses are an essential part of architectural education. During these courses, students learn critical skills that will prepare them for a career in architecture, including project management, business management, how to understand and apply laws and regulations, and how to navigate professional ethics.

The teaching of professional practice varies widely across architecture programs. Accredited programs may have only a single course covering this broad spectrum of content, and faculty assigned to the course can vary widely in their tenure and experience.

NCARB is dedicated to ensuring that educators teaching Professional Practice have access to the resources they need to help students succeed. Our NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program gives professional practice professors the opportunity to enhance the delivery of their courses through expert training, collaboration, and discussion. By building a community of pro-practice peers, educators can access the support they need to engage the next generation of architects.

About the Program

The NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program is a multi-day intensive professional development opportunity. Held annually by NCARB, the event has been hosted at colleges and universities around the country.

"This was a fantastic opportunity to self-evaluate my classroom content and teaching methods, but even more importantly, to get constructive and meaningful input from colleagues dealing with the same challenges." — 2022 NCARB Scholar

Applications to attend the program typically open in the spring to professors or adjunct faculty at National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited programs (or programs in NAAB candidacy status). To be eligible, educators must teach or be scheduled to teach a professional practice course.

NCARB invites 12-20 applicants to attend the annual training event, providing full funding (including travel) for up to 16 attendees.

2023 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice

This year’s NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program will be held August 10 – 12, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Be on the lookout for the application launch in early spring!

"My original expectations were to improve and polish my teaching skills but the event caused me to question and re-think some of my basic ideas, which proved refreshing and valuable." — 2022 NCARB Scholar

Read a recap of the 2022 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice event.