Washington, DC—The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has released a new Future Trends Report, highlighting key aspects of architectural practice that are driving the evolution of health, safety, and welfare (HSW) in the built environment. Developed by NCARB’s Futures Collaborative, the report explores five trends shaping the future of architectural practice: artificial intelligence (AI), resource stewardship, space architecture, wellness, and the role of the architect. 

Explore the Future Trends Report

“The Future Trends Report provides exciting insights into several areas of architecture practice that are becoming increasingly important,” said NCARB President Edward T. Marley, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP. “As we reimagine the licensure process through our Pathways to Practice effort, NCARB can use this research to ensure that our programs can adapt to the needs of the future.” 

Since 2017, NCARB’s Futures Collaborative—a volunteer-led effort comprised of practicing architects and other experts from across the country—has been exploring how the practice of architecture is evolving, both in the near-term and the long-term. Through their research, NCARB is able to ensure that the regulation of practice can adapt proactively to change. 

NCARB’s Future Trends Report focuses on five emerging trends with far-reaching HSW impact within architecture practice: 

  • The Future of AI: As architects increasingly use artificial intelligence to inform design outcomes, the Future Trends Report identifies opportunities for regulators to take proactive action to ensure AI is integrated safely into architectural practice.
  • The Future of Resource Stewardship: Factors like scarcity, volatility, and environmental impact are affecting the availability of traditional design materials. To address these factors, the report highlights several opportunities to encourage a shift in architects’ stewardship of the planet’s resources.
  • The Future of Space Architecture: As the space architecture industry expands, so does the question of regulatory boundaries. The Future Trends Report identifies how regulators might collaborate across industries to ensure HSW in extraterrestrial exploration.
  • The Future of Wellness: New technological advancements are allowing architects to better measure the impact of the built environment on public well-being. As these metrics advance, regulators increasingly have the ability to define well-being standards in code and law.
  • The Future of the Architect: As changing systems, technologies, and tools shape the role of the architect, regulators must consider how the licensure process can adapt to maintain public protection. 

NCARB is in the middle of a multi-year effort to refresh the licensure process, expanding Pathways to Practice and ensuring the future of licensure can respond to the needs of the future. As NCARB continues this work, the areas highlighted in the Future Trends Report will help inform the ongoing evolution of its programs and services. 

To read NCARB’s Future Trends Report, visit www.ncarb.org/future-trends. 

To learn more about Pathways to Practice, visit www.ncarb.org/pathways.

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 Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.