Tag: NCARB

Presidential Honors

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Michael Enomoto, FAIA, President of the AIA California Council recently recognized 12 AIA members and staff for their exceptional contributions to the profession and/or to the AIA California Council.

Jon Baker, FAIA – for his service on the California Architects Board (CAB) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

“Your work on the CAB and your commitment to emerging professionals, and your many contributions to public health safety and welfare, are commendable, and exemplify the volunteer spirit that is the hallmark of the profession.”

John Mutlow, FAIA / Marvin Taff, FAIA / Andrea Cohen-Gehring, FAIA- For their work in leading the Fellows Committee in Los Angeles which has resulted in an unprecedented number of chapter members receiving the highest honor an AIA member can attain.“Your commitment to developing this mentorship program and helping your fellow architects attain this recognition is commendable.”

Mark Christian, Hon. AIACC– for his outstanding service to the American Institute of Architects, California Council, its membership, and the entire architectural profession as our advocate to the Legislature.“Always cognizant of the profession’s respected public reputation, and its valued service to society, your ability to quickly recognize and effectively respond to emerging challenges, while always seeking “the high road,” continues to position the AIACC as a meaningful player in Sacramento’s political environment.”

William H. Fain, Jr., FAIA– in recognition of your career of outstanding work as an urban designer, your exemplary service to the built environment, and for your literary prowess – elevating the discussion about the urban environment through your writings and many publications.“Your commitment to planning and developing communities that are skillfully woven into the fabric of California is remarkable.”

John Grounds, AIA– for his tremendous service and tireless efforts at all levels of the AIA
“Your work in cultivating future generations of architects is especially noteworthy, and your leadership by example has empowered many others to emulate your record of selfless service.”

Robert A. Jernigan, AIA, Leed AP - changing the face of architecture within Los Angeles, your determined advocacy for the value of design in rebuilding the downtown core has made an indelible mark on our community and is worthy of recognition.“Creating a space that both celebrates design and invites civic commentary, you have enhanced the public’s admiration of both architects and architecture.”

Marilyn Lyon - in recognition of your long and distinguished service to your people of California, and the architectural profession, as a Public Member of the California Architects Board.“Your leadership has benefited greatly the public’s understanding of the role architects can play in professional and community affairs, and is greatly admired and respected by your many friends and colleagues.”

Ralph Simoni, Hon. AIACC- in recognition of your extraordinary service, commitment, and advocacy on behalf of the California architectural profession; as the AIACC’s advocate for over 32 years, you have represented the profession’s agenda before the California Legislature, and the Executive Departments, Boards, and Commissions.“Without hesitation, you provided wise counsel; the clarity and pragmatism acquired through countless battles and confrontations, and you continuously offered exceptional political sensibilities on many sensitive issues, challenges and opportunities.

Suzanne Stalder-Mansur, Hon. AIACC– acknowledging your resourceful spirit of collaboration, and your thoughtful and persistent approach to envisioning the possibilities, while also being a faithful steward of scarce financial resources.“During a time of severe financial challenges, your strategic thinking enabled the Council to successfully navigate a perilous environment of shrinking resources, in the face of expanding member services and delivery.”

Dawn Quisenberry, Hon. AIA San Diego- in grateful recognition of your many years of service and dedication to the American Institute of Architects.“Serving in many different capacities, your commitment to the membership and your dedication to creating a strong AIA in the communities which you have served, has made an indelible mark on the profession.”

Hraztan Zeitlian, AIA - in recognition of your long and distinguished service to the architectural profession, and the people of California as an architect member of the California Architects Board.“Your collaborative spirit of engagement exemplifies the highest standards of the profession, and your determined advocacy for the contributions of design in creating livable communities and improving the human condition is greatly appreciated.”

California CACE- recognizing the extraordinary service of AIA chapter executive staff to the AIA in California.“It has been said “anyone can run an organization in good times, but it is the hard times that test one’s character and abilities.” The time in which we live cannot get much more difficult. However, despite all these challenges, you continue to perform brilliantly.”

 

NCARB CEO Visits California AIA Components

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AIACC, AIA California Council, NCARB, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Mike Armstrong, Michael Armstrong, certification, reciprocity, six month rule, six-month rule, reciprocal certification, ARE, Architects Registration Exam, IDP, Intern Development Program

Michael Armstrong, CEO of NCARB

Licensing, reciprocity and the relationship with The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) are oftentimes hot-button topics for the architectural profession. In an effort to address these issues, Michael Armstrong, CEO of NCARB, has arranged three outreach visits with California AIA chapters this year. Armstrong, who joined NCARB in 2011, has expressed his commitment to improving NCARB’s member services, and its relationship with its constituents; this was the focus of the two visits he has made so far.

Armstrong’s first visit was to San Diego on January 23, marking the first time in memory that an NCARB CEO had traveled to meet with the members at a California AIA chapter. More than 40 members of AIA San Diego, AIACC staff, and members of the AIACC’s Academy for Emerging Professionals attended the meetings. They shared concerns and open dialogue regarding NCARB’s programs—initiatives supporting the path to licensure from internship to examination to reciprocal certification.

Major topics of discussion were recent changes to the Architects Registration Exam (ARE) and Intern Development Program (IDP). It should come as no surprise that NCARB’s record maintenance and ARE fees were discussed at this meeting; what did come as a surprise was that the cost of the ARE is subsidized by the fees paid by certificate holder. It was also pointed out that, while fees had increased due to an ARE security breach, the large increase was also a necessary consequence of NCARB’s failure to raise fees incrementally over the past ten years in response to annual increases in the cost of living. Armstrong indicated that going forward the NCARB fees would adhere to a schedule issued far in advance with linkage to common indicators such as the Consumer Price Index. There was also discussion concerning NCARB’s business process re-engineering efforts around customer service and ways to improve information response times to record holders.

Another subject brought up was the newly enacted Six-Month Rule, which requires interns to submit their training hours in reporting periods of no longer than six months and within two months of each reporting period’s completion. The Six-Month Rule has been criticized as being a problem for women and is viewed as a career penalty to those who choose a part-time schedule, or a temporary leave of absence from work, to start a family during this same period of time. At the January meetings, Armstrong indicated he is paying close attention to possible unintended consequences of the rule, and if necessary, amenable to exploring the possibility of extending the Six-Month Rule’s allotted reporting time.

Armstrong visited a California chapter for the second time on June 26, this time attending meetings at AIA San Francisco. He met with chapter leadership and over 50 AIASF members, including San Francisco firm principals and Emerging Professionals. Having heard California members’ concerns during his January visit, Armstrong now reported out on NCARB’s efforts to respond to these concerns.

To reduce the impact of its fee increases, NCARB has opted to make some allowances for certificate holders whose records have lapsed due to financial hardship. Armstrong also noted that NCARB is reevaluating the form and content of licensing exams, specifically in response to concerns about testing methodology. This is another issue that members raised during Armstrong’s January visit; many in the profession would like to see the exams incorporate more of the critical thinking and creativity at the heart of architecture.

Armstrong’s third series of meetings will be held at AIA Los Angeles in later this year. As he has emphasized in these first two visits, Armstrong and the NCARB Board of Directors are committed to an open and transparent dialogue with record holders and licensure candidates, and they will continue working with the AIA to strengthen the future of the profession. We have heard positive feedback from the members who have met with Armstrong so far, noting that they appreciated his candor and openness to their ideas.

Do you have any subjects you would like NCARB to address? Please add your comments below.

 

Help Shape the Future of the Profession – Take NCARB’s Practice Survey

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NCARB, survey, practice survey
This April, more than 80,000 architects, interns, and educators will be invited to participate in the 2012 NCARB Practice Analysis of Architecture Survey. As the foundation of NCARB’s 2012 Practice Analysis, the survey is designed to help identify the tasks and knowledge/skills necessary for the independent practice of architecture.

Survey findings will help drive the Architect Registration Examination, inform the Intern Development Program, and guide NCARB’s response to the National Architectural Accrediting Board 2013 Accreditation Review Conference. The results will also be used to inform the Council’s continuing education policies.
We know your time is valuable—and so is your expertise; NCARB is asking for approximately an hour of your time. This survey, which can be completed in multiple short sessions, will inform several important programs and policies pertinent to the profession.

Survey participants will benefit from enhanced navigation and graphics, as well as new techniques such as matrix sampling, which tailors the number and focus of questions each participant receives.
When you receive the electronic survey, please respond—it’s an important opportunity to give back to the profession and share your expertise. It’s time well spent.

For details, visit 4-2-12 NCARB Practice Survey.

The greater the number of architects, interns, and educators that complete the survey, the more depth and relevance the collected data will have across the profession.

It is more than data collection—it is about the future of the profession.

For more information visit the NCARB website.

 

CIDP is No Longer a Requirement for Licensure in California

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CIDP, Comprehensive Intern Development Program, NCARB, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, California Architects Board, CAB, Kurt Cooknick


Effective March 29, 2012, the Comprehensive Intern Development Program (CIDP) is no longer a requirement for licensure in California. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ Intern Development Program (IDP) remains a requirement for California candidates (unless deemed exempt due to establishing candidate eligibility with the Board prior to 2005).

CIDP was originally developed and implemented as part of the Board’s structured internship requirement in 2005 as an IDP overlay program to focus on evidence-supported documentation of training and enhanced intern/supervisor interaction. Improvements to IDP, as well as enhancements made via the implementation of IDP 2.0, prompted the Board to re-evaluate the need for the continuance of CIDP last year.

On June 16, 2011, the CAB voted to eliminate CIDP, and, after approvals of various oversight bodies within state government, it became active. The result of this change is candidates who are in various stages of the examination/licensure process and who were previously required to complete CIDP as a condition of licensure no longer need to complete the program and submit CIDP Evidence Verification forms to the Board. Affected candidates will be notified by the Board in April, and those who are now eligible for the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) as a result of this change will be mailed an application for the CSE.

The AIACC actively participated in lobbying the CAB Board to discontinue CIDP. According to Kurt Cooknick, Assoc. AIA, AIACC Director of Regulation and Practice, “The AIACC is pleased with this outcome, as it is evidence of the CAB’s commitment to ensure an efficient licensure process.”

The CAB is in the process of revising its website content and other materials to reflect the discontinuance of the CIDP requirement.

 

Bridging the Gap: Public-Interest Architectural Internships

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Georgia Bizios & Katie Wakeford, editors
2011, available for $9.63 at lulu.

public, public interest, Georgia Bizios, Katie Wakeford, Bridging the Gap, internship, NCARB, IDP, Intern Development Program, Victoria Beach, Andrew Caruso, North Carolina State University, Christina Calabrese, ecoMOD, University of Virginia, ivory tower, Luke Weldon Perry, Luke Clark Tyler, Peachtree-Pine, Atlanta, Sam Valentine

Bridging the Gap: Public-Interest Architectural Internships

Bridging the Gap is a compilation of 19 perspectives on public-interest architectural internships as voiced by senior practitioners, professors, and interns. The book is divided into three sections: facing the issues, at the universities, and beyond the ivory tower. The discussions are current and refer to the recent economic downturn and newly established internships. The book is not a reference for available public-interest architectural internships; there is no comprehensive list of opportunities. Rather, it is a discussion of the future of the profession in the public sector, the role of interns, the creation of service opportunities, and alternate career paths. It provides thought provoking discussions beneficial to architects early in their career or to those who desire a career in public architecture. Current internship programs, resources, and websites are embedded in the essays throughout the book.

Important issues such as the structuring of internships, compensation, and the role of the profession in the public sector are highlighted in facing the issues. As noted by several public-interest interns, it is often not possible to complete IDP (Intern Development Program) as administered by NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) through a public-interest internship: an architecture intern is often forced to prioritize either service work or licensure. Yet, as several of the essays in Bridging the Gap discuss, the benefits of a public-interest internship can exceed those of a traditional architecture internship. Victoria Beach observes, “With logistical hurdles aside, a public-service internship program offers an ideal model for independent practice. Right from the outset of a project, interns are given a broad range of responsibilities without having to beg for them. Interns then lead while experts assist, not the other way around.”(8) Although many of the authors advocate such benefits of a public-interest internship, a counter viewpoint is offered by Michael Payatok: “What is interesting about projects executed within mainstream corporate offices is that they are, more often than not, larger in scale and impact than projects undertaken by nonprofit community design centers. The scale of these projects and their technical complexities offer educational opportunities that are not readily available in the smaller projects of community-design centers. . . . I think young interns should spend at least ten years working in mainstream offices, supplemented by their volunteer work during evenings and weekends, before joining community-design centers.”(41,43)

The majority of the public service internships cited in the book are for academic credit, for very modest pay, or performed pro bono. In Bridging the Gap, several authors discuss compensation and give concrete examples of how existing internships are funded. Often, a public-interest architect must not only initiate a project, but also find the funds to support it. Andrew Caruso notes, “Serving a community that cannot afford design services does not necessarily mean that such services must be offered gratis; assuming so limits the potential of these for-profit/not–for-profit partnerships. . . . Thus, designers must be as creative with how they fund and deploy their ideas as with the design of the ideas themselves.”(66)

Look Inside: Bridging the Gap


Bridging the Gap is an extension of Georgia Bizios & Katie Wakeford’s work on the Home Environments Design Initiative at North Carolina State University, which experiments with offering public-interest internships through the university. This type of program is the focus of at the universities. The editors note, “Universities are leaders in innovation, education, and increasingly in community engagement, making them ideal laboratories for testing new models of public-interest internship. . . . Universities are well positioned to seek funding and leverage faculty expertise and qualifications for supervision of public-interest interns.”(74) The majority of essays in this section are authored by the directors of university based programs, such as ecoMOD at the University of Virginia School of Architecture. Christina Calabrese offers a student’s perspective. She discusses in detail her experience with four public service opportunities, all tied to the University of Virginia, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Included are the eligibility requirements, cost, compensation, and expectations of each opportunity.

First person narratives from public-interest interns give readers insight into the developing field of public architecture. The seven internships presented in beyond the ivory tower are quite diverse. The broad scope of experiences supports one of the reoccurring themes in the book: a career in public architecture does not have a defined path. For example, Luke Weldon Perry and Luke Clark Tyler share their Peachtree-Pine experience. Peachtree-Pine provides many services for the homeless of Atlanta, including shelter, transitional housing, and advocacy. The focus of the internship was the design of a master plan for Peachtree-Pine, one that would create a positive image and connect the center with the community of Atlanta. Both of the interns lived at Peachtree-Pine during their internship and offer insightful perspectives on public-interest architecture. Perry notes, “We have to acknowledge that this work isn’t a good fit for everyone. Expanding the reach of such opportunities might formalize something that may not need to be formalized. . . . Blindly diving in to change the world can actually do more harm than good. If you don’t have the capacity or interest to deeply understand both people’s lives as well as the forces that shape them, your efforts may very well be in vain. Regardless, we really do need more designers doing this kind of work.”(210)

Look Inside: Bridging the Gap

Also included in the seven internships presented is an example from a landscape architecture intern, Sam Valentine, who encourages one to be open minded about opportunities and expanding boundaries of the profession. “If I had been told, even months before finishing school, that my first step after graduation would involve a two-hundred-year-old house, uniformed park rangers, and gaggles of eight- and nine-year-olds, I would likely have scoffed at the apparent irrelevance of the opportunity. . . . But, with time, I slowly broadened the perceived boundaries of my career, and since then I have found my experience challenging, rewarding, and surprisingly relevant.”(222,223)

Bridging the Gap assembles diverse individual viewpoints into a current, relevant discussion on the profession of architecture and the emergence of public-interest architectural internships. An increasing interest in community based internships combined with limited opportunities makes established programs extremely competitive. Currently, the supply of architectural interns eager for public-interest work far surpasses the available projects. Georgia Bizios & Katie Wakeford bring attention to this gap and advocate for expanding the field of public-interest architectural internships.

 

Licensure questions? Haley Gipe, Assoc. AIA, helps answer them!

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Haley Gipe, Assoc. AIA, the State IDP Coordinator for nearly two years, is making an impact on young architects throughout the state. She was appointed to this position in 2009 and finishes her term the end of this year.

In the complex world of becoming licensed, much of the information can be confusing and frustrating. Haley works with local AIA chapters in California, to coordinate and conduct workshops for chapter members regarding the important steps needed for licensure. Since the workshop content is a bit dry, she tries to make it entertaining. She not only covers National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) issues, but goes through all licensing issues with the California Architects Board (CAB) requirements as well. She recently completed two workshops in San Francisco, and as always, members were very grateful for the information shared. She stated, “Workshop attendees are very welcoming of the information, as much of the content is confusing. They know they have to take an exam, but some feel lost and isolated, especially in smaller firms. Many attendees are very frustrated when they arrive and feel much better after the workshop. Some even think I work for NCARB.” When asked what one of the biggest misperceptions are for those seeking to become licensed, she states, “People assume NCARB and CAB talk more to one another, which is not the case. If you have called CAB, they don’t call NCARB, or likewise. Individuals think if they have an NCARB record they automatically have a CAB record as well. That’s not so.”

Unfortunately, there is not one place to go for all the information, so Haley directs them to NCARB ‘s website and the CAB website to help AIACC members get the most up to date information. These sites have good information that she pulls from and compiles for her workshops.

Other resources include:
IDP Handbook by McGraw-Hill
The Path to Licensure Handbook by the AIACC and Kaplan AEC Education
IDP Guidelines from NCARB
ARE Exam Handbook

Hayley enjoys the feedback she receives, as it helps compile the information for future workshops. (Each workshop lasts about an hour.)She and other associates are working with CAB to develop a “Check List” for potential licensees and are hopeful to have it completed by the end of 2011. Haley encourages those seeking licensure and states, “There is a network of people throughout the state, including emerging professionals and IDP Coordinators (for the North and South) that are great touch points for licensure. Whatever you are, a student in architecture school, or someone halfway through exams, there is a network to reach out to.”