<\/p>\n
The number continues\u00a0the downward trend that has been characteristic of the last five years. The organization that creates the architect registration exam (ARE), NCARB, has also seen an up-and-down rate<\/a>, since 2009, of people completing ARE sections.<\/p>\n I asked some of my colleagues for their thoughts to get some other perspectives on the trend. There is optimism and celebration, and also some self-actualization.<\/p>\n I have mixed feelings about the low numbers. We as a community can and should do more in supporting candidates of color. The fact that I have mentored three of the newly licensed architects on the 2014 list and at least two more in 2015 makes me feel like NOMA [National Organization of Minority Architects] is helping an upward trend. For that I’m proud but collectively it takes a village!!! Congrats and kudos to Bryan for mentoring architects toward the licensure process. It’s is much easier to do with a cheerleader\/accountability coach\/nag pushing you to get it done.<\/p>\n I wonder how that number correlates to the number of newly licensed women architects. I have this ambitious theory that there is going to be a surge of licensed AA members in the next 5 years. None of this thinking is substantiated, and is actually opposite of your numbers, but I can only hope that my absolute enthusiasm to become licensed is shared with my AA architectural peers. I think that it is. Also, the incorporation of the 5.0 exam may elicit this surging. The recent press on Public Interest Design has changed the potential pathway for many recent graduates to pursue jobs outside of traditional architecture firms.<\/p>\n The question will be, is the training at community design centers & Public Interest Design firms for these recent graduates the same, inferior or superior to traditional firms in preparing them to pass their licensing exams. Interns can now earn credit for volunteer service with organizations on NCARB’s Community-Based Design Center<\/a> Collaboration list. This will give interns another vehicle to complete this step toward licensure. Many of these centers have architects on staff or as consultants who can help ensure interns are getting a quality experience.<\/p>\n I feel like I’m the reason why those numbers are so low. On the one hand, I encourage architectural professionals to get licensed, however, I’m unable to obtain licensure myself. The main reason is lack of motivation. My job doesn’t support me in the way I need supporting and the work\/life balance hasn’t been mastered. I am sure so many people are in this boat. I was there. At some point, I just buckled down and did it. I started a Yahoo group with others who were also taking their exams. It may sound cliche, but we do “have to be the change we want to see.” Those numbers are not going to increase if we are sitting on sideline.<\/p>\n As I continue to mentor the next generation and cultivate their interest in architecture, I emphasize the value of an architectural education as a solid foundation that can support many other career choices. The more people we can get into the pipeline, the greater the opportunity to increase our numbers. If we are to be included among those who would create the legacy of our time in the built environment, we must be present and accounted for within the profession. This is why many of us continue to mentor, teach youth programs, cajole and nag those who are taking exams: we want to see more in the pipeline.<\/p>\n What are your thoughts on the statistics of licensed architects and its affect on the profession?<\/p>\n References: Previous annual posts: **Note: listings in the directory are self-reported and\u00a0continuously\u00a0updated. Check the website<\/a> for current totals.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n
\nBryan W. Hudson- R.A., NOMA, AIA
\nChicago, Illinois<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nDevanne Pena, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
\nAustin, TX<\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ncarb.org\/~\/media\/Images\/About-NCARB\/NBTN\/2014\/2014_NBTN_small.png\")
According to the June 2014 NCARB by the Numbers<\/a>\u00a0report,\u00a03,153 people completed their ARE in 2013. The report does not give a breakdown of gender for those completing, but it does say that about 35% of test takers were women. The report does not have any data on race or ethnicity.<\/p>\n
\nPrescott Reavis
\nNOMA | LEED AP | SEED
\nOakland, CA<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nMelissa Daniel, Assoc AIA, NOMA
\nWashington, DC<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nR. Steven Lewis, NOMAC, AIA
\nAltaden CA<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nNCARB by the Numbers<\/a>, trends of internship, exam, and licensure
\nAssociation of Collegiate Schools of Architecture data & resources<\/a><\/small><\/em><\/p>\n
\n 2013<\/a> |\u00a02012<\/a> | 2011<\/a> | 2010<\/a><\/p>\n