Greetings from the AIA California Office,

I am sure you spend much of your time heading off problems with clients, contractors, or consultants. You’re constantly putting out small fires before they erupt and when you have good relationships and alignment, the process is much easier. Well, for AIA California, our work is much the same. Lots of what we do is heading threats off before they become a bill or working with regulators about the process for the design and delivery of projects to make sure they understand how architecture may differ from other professional boards. 

Since this biweekly message started in 2023, I have tried to share the direct ways AIA California is helping you – from tools for your practice, ways we’re advocating for your interests, or information that impacts your bottom line. This message is a bit different as I was in Washington DC this week for the AIA Leadership Summit (visiting DC in the current political environment is a uniquely different experience, but I digress). This national AIA event brings together 600 architects and design professionals – the elected leaders and professional staff from AIA chapters from across the country. I am continuously impressed by the commitment of our volunteers to this organization and this program is one of the best opportunities to learn, share and innovate from one another. They share a common goal to expand the relevancy and impact of the architectural profession across the nation.

This conference also brings together some of the collateral organizations that are part of the profession together – both NOMA and NCARB were included. I took the opportunity to meet with NCARB CEO, Michael Armstrong and his team about the new NCARB competency standards and the rumors swirling around that this may change the licensing exams. Periodically, NCARB assesses what it means to be an architect – the “competency” required in 16 areas – the knowledge, skills, and abilities that architects must demonstrate to meet professional and licensure requirements. This process is part of their diligence to ensure the examination is relevant to the profession and that “architects are prepared to practice safely, ethically, and effectively”.

Key aspects of NCARB’s competency standards include: 

• Technical Knowledge – understanding building systems, construction methods, and codes.
• Design Skills – ability to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically appropriate designs.
• Project Management – handling contracts, budgets, and schedules.
• Ethics & Professionalism – upholding legal and ethical responsibilities in practice.
• Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) – ensuring public safety and well-being through architectural decisions.

This updated standard was established with input from thousands of architects across the nation, several NCARB Committees, and the members of NCARB (the 55 licensing jurisdictions around the US) over the last few years.  While they will undoubtedly use this information to modify the content of the exams, I was pleased to learn there is no truth to the rumor that NCARB is changing the ARE from 6 to 16 divisions or talk of the elimination of the AXP and experience.

If you’ve read this far, you may be asking why I am sharing this story for NCARB and what this has to do with “heading off problems before they get big”. Whether you’re an emerging professional on the path to licensure or an experienced practitioner, supervisor or mentor, you should know that the content of the ARE will continue to evolve, but the steps toward licensure will remain predictable.

Having direct access to NCARB leaders, engaging in meaningful discussions about the impact of these changes on the profession, and actively connecting with California’s members to clarify the process are all essential – and should there be a problem, these types of relationships are important as we advocate on behalf of the profession in California. This is just one more way AIA California is working for you.

Nicki