The number of licensed architects in the U.S. increased by 3% to 113,554 in 2017. That’s 10% more than a decade ago, according to the latest annual survey by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), which has licensing boards in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NCARB estimates that there is now one architect for every 2,900 people in the U.S.
The survey reveals that even though the number of reciprocal (i.e., out of state) licenses issued fell by 1% to 125,349, that’s still the second-highest number on record, and exceeded the number of resident licenses.
Last year, more than 5,200 candidates completed the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure, another record by the Council's reckoning. These registration data “demonstrate that NCARB’s efforts to streamline the path to licensure and remove unnecessary barriers have been effective,” stated Michael J. Armstrong, NCARB’s CEO, in a prepared statement.
Earlier this year, NCARB launched a new Approved Test Prep Provider program, which allows companies to submit for review and approval study materials they've created for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) 5.0.
California has the highest number of licensed architects (16,445), followed by New York (11,104), Texas (8,182), Florida (5,330) and Massachusetts (4,849). New York has the greatest number of reciprocal licenses (7,885), followed by Florida (5,284), Pennsylvania (4,614), New Jersey (4,611), and Virginia (4,413).
Related Stories
Sponsored | Healthcare Facilities | May 3, 2022
Planning for hospital campus access that works for people
This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 3, 2022
For glass openings, how big is too big?
Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.
Architects | May 3, 2022
A U.K.-based design firm flaunts industrialized construction as it expands into U.S.
Bryden Wood wants to set up a network for manufactured components for repeatable building types.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2022
American Institute of Steel Construction updates environmental product declarations
The American Institute of Steel Construction has released updated environmental product declarations (EPDs) “to help designers and building owners design more environmentally friendly buildings and bridges,” according to an AISC news release.
Education Facilities | May 2, 2022
Texas School for the Deaf campus gateway enhances sense of belonging for deaf community
The recently completed Texas School for the Deaf Administration and Welcome Center and Early Learning Center, at the state’s oldest continuously operating public school, was designed to foster a sense of belonging for the deaf community.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022
Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide
Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.
Building Team | May 2, 2022
HED and VAI announce merger to bring strategic expertise and drive community impact in Dallas
HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux), a leading national architecture and engineering firm, today announced a merger with award-winning, Dallas-based VAI Architects Incorporated (VAI).
Laboratories | Apr 29, 2022
Oracle Industry Lab in Chicago enables development of solutions for multiple industries
The Oracle Industry Lab in Chicago, which provides customers in multiple industries the opportunity to test new technologies, recently opened.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2022
U.S. economy contracts, investment in structures down, says ABC
The U.S. economy contracted at a 1.4% annualized rate during the first quarter of 2022.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2022
Architecture firm Perkins&Will to deliver ‘carbon forecasts’ for clients
Global architecture firm Perkins&Will says it will issue its clients a “carbon forecast” for their projects.