Scottsdale, AZ—Edward T. Marley, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, of Tucson, Arizona, was inducted as president of the National Council of Architectural Boards (NCARB) at the organization’s 2025 Annual Business Meeting. For the next year, Marley will lead the organization, which facilitates licensure and credentialing for architects in the United States.
During his presidency, Marley will lead the organization through a transitional period as its programs and services evolve within NCARB’s ongoing Pathways to Practice initiative, which aims to modernize the architectural licensure process. Additionally, Marley will work to develop an informed, dynamic pool of future NCARB leaders through the NCARB Leadership Institute program.
“I am excited to lead the organization through this critical time as we work to make meaningful impact, improving the licensure process for the next generation of architects,” said Marley.
In 2024, Marley led the Inaugural NCARB Leadership Institute, a training program (spread over six months) designed to ensure NCARB’s members and volunteers are equipped to make informed, strategic leadership decisions. This follows over a decade of offering his time and expertise to many NCARB efforts, including the Broadly Experienced Architect, Credentials, Policy Advisory, Regional Leadership, Audit, Education, and Member Board Executives committees.
Marley began volunteering with NCARB in 2012, following his appointment to the Arizona Board of Technical Registration. He went on to serve as the Arizona Board’s chair from 2013-15 and vice chair in 2016. He continues to serve the Arizona Board as chair of the Legislation and Rules Committee.
In addition to his service to NCARB and the Arizona State Board, Marley served as president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Arizona and Southern Arizona chapters. In 2004, he was awarded the Arizona Architects Medal by AIA Arizona, and in 2024, he was elevated to the AIA’s College of Fellows. Marley also serves on the board of the Cornerstone Building Foundation Charities, where he served as president from 2009 to 2023, raising scholarship funds for the local college of architecture. As the 2003 chair of the Mount Lemmon Restoration Committee, he helped facilitate the rebuilding of a local community after a devastating wildfire.
Marley studied architecture at University of Arizona, during which time he studied at the Ecoles d’Arte Americaines in Fontainebleau, France. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1982. Following college, he joined Swaim Associates, Ltd., in 1983 and was promoted to principal at the Tucson firm in 1992. Marley holds the NCARB Certificate for national reciprocity and is licensed to practice architecture in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, and Virginia.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
