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.

"The Scholars in Practice program inspired me to reconsider the delivery methods and reference material I use to teach professional practice."
–2023 NCARB Scholar

2026 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice

Applications are currently not available for the 2026 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice. Stay tuned for the latest information!

Eligibility + Applications

Both full-time and adjunct faculty teaching professional practice are invited to apply through our online application, with full scholarships available (including travel) for attendees.

To be eligible for the 2026 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program, you must:

  • Be a professor or adjunct faculty in an architecture program
  • Teach, or be scheduled to begin teaching, a professional practice course. Note: Faculty interested in moving into teaching professional practice may also apply and should clearly state their intention in the application
  • Be able to attend the in-person training event
  • Previous NCARB Scholars attendees are not eligible to attend this year’s program

More About the Program

The NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program is a multi-day intensive professional development opportunity. The cohort-based program strives to build a strong community of professional practice educators able to prepare students for careers in architecture. In a three-day intensive training event, attendees focus on maximizing student learning by sharing best practices, learning from experts in both architectural practice and teaching, and engaging in peer-to-peer coaching.

Through presentations and interactive sessions, attendees explore teaching techniques outside their typical approach and critically examine the content and teaching of professional practice topics. Held annually by NCARB, the event has been hosted at colleges and universities around the country. Read a recap of last year's event!