DESIGN:ED Podcast: Mike Armstrong | Architectural Record

Description

This conversation with Mike Armstrong, from NCARB, provides an in-depth look at the architectural licensure process, its history, and upcoming changes aimed at increasing accessibility and flexibility. Armstrong explains NCARB’s role as an advisory body to state licensing boards and outlines the three core components of licensure: education, experience, and examination. He discusses efforts to make the licensure process more inclusive, including alternative pathways for candidates without a NAAB-accredited degree and a shift toward competency-based evaluation. The discussion also touches on reducing financial barriers, improving the quality of continuing education, and modernizing the exam to better reflect professional practice. Armstrong emphasizes NCARB’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards while creating more flexible and equitable pathways to licensure.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of NCARB in the architectural licensure process and its function as an advisory body to state licensing boards.
2. Identify the three core components of architectural licensure—education, experience, and examination—and the alternative pathways available for candidates.
3. Analyze the impact of competency-based licensure reforms on the profession and how they aim to create more flexible and inclusive qualification standards.
4. Evaluate the financial and educational barriers to licensure and explore NCARB’s initiatives to improve accessibility, affordability, and professional competency development.

Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective

Speaker:   Mike Armstrong