2018 Annual Business Meeting: Exploring New Horizons

From June 28-30, members of the U.S. architectural licensing boards gathered in Detroit for NCARB’s 2018 Annual Business Meeting. Throughout the three-day conference, delegates learned about NCARB’s evolving programs and services, voted on four resolutions, and elected new officers. Through various sessions and workshops, board members also explored how the convergence of new technologies, the current political landscape, and shifting priorities among emerging professionals could impact the future of architectural regulation.

Embracing Continued Evolution

2017-2018 NCARB President Gregory L. Erny, FAIA, NCARB, Hon. FCARM, reflected on the advances the organization made over the past year and emphasized the importance of evolving with the profession’s regulatory needs. “The world is changing rapidly, and we must do our best to adapt to this era of acceleration,” he said. “Now is the time to get comfortable with how constant change can work for us instead of against us.” Learn more about how NCARB is embracing continued change.

In addition, keynote speaker and futurist Jack Uldrich encouraged delegates to consider how emerging trends could impact the role of licensing boards. He identified a number of technologies already transforming the profession—including virtual reality, 3D printing, nanomaterials, robotics, artificial intelligence, and big data. “We’re living in times of exponential change,” said Uldrich. “As leaders, we have to be prepared for the possibilities.”

Serving Licensing Boards

CEO Michael Armstrong outlined how the organization is planning to deepen its commitment to helping licensing boards protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Specifically, NCARB staff will enhance Member Board support in four key areas: outreach and marketing, data management, investigative services, and advocacy efforts. Armstrong also emphasized the need to strengthen the voice of Member Boards through compelling advocacy efforts and public outreach. “By distinguishing architecture as a profession rather than an occupation, rebuffing myths regarding mobility opportunities, and demonstrating our ability to evolve with the changing nature of architectural practice, we can prevent uninformed attacks on public safety,” he told delegates. Explore how NCARB is going further to support licensing boards.

Commitment to Ethical Conduct

Culminating a three-year effort to review and strengthen the role of ethics in the regulation of architecture, NCARB refreshed its Model Rules of Conduct to emphasize the organization’s commitment to professional conduct. The refreshed document serves as a national model that licensing boards can adapt to ensure ethical practice among architects. Among other issues, It addresses workplace harassment, lays out the obligation to report unethical conduct, and requires that Architectural Experience Program® (AXP™) supervisors maintain objectivity when reviewing experience reports. Learn more about NCARB’s new Model Rules of Conduct.

Delegates at the meeting also approved a realignment of the continuing education categories laid out in NCARB’s Legislative Guidelines and Model Law/Model Regulations, eliminated the need for an Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) for architects completing the Certificate Portfolio path (a savings of over $2,200), and made several housekeeping edits to the NCARB Bylaws. Read the 2018 Resolutions Summary Report.

Preparing for NCARB’s Future

2018-2019 President David L. Hoffman, FAIA, NCARB, Hon. FCARM, outlined the timeframe to refresh the organization’s Strategic Plan, which will be unveiled in June 2019 during NCARB’s Centennial Celebration. “Recent efforts have affirmed that much of our current Strategic Plan is viable, yet we should make adjustments to reflect emerging priorities, and Member Boards should see themselves woven throughout the language,” said Hoffman. With NCARB’s Centennial Celebration just around the corner, Hoffman encouraged delegates to reflect on the organization’s milestones as they look toward the future. Learn more about NCARB’s plan for FY19.