NCARB BY THE NUMBERS REPORT AND DISCUSSION
President Eva Read-Warden, AIA presented information for a professional issue for discussion by the Board of the hiring environment in Texas and nationally. A few highlights from the NCARB report:
» U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 2020-2030 job outlook for architects at 3% (slower than avg. for professions).
» In TX—according to the Texas Labor Market Information website run by the Texas Workforce Commission projects a 13.9% increase in employment opportunities for architects in Texas.
» In 2020 there was a 5% increase overall in architects in the U.S.
» In TX—there was a 20% decrease in licensure candidates who have an NCARB record and a 29% decrease in active candidates.
» In the past 10 years the population of the U.S. increased by 6% yet there was a 17% increase in the number of architects in the same period of time.
» In TX—there is 1 architect per 3,200 people while nationally the average is 1 architect per 2,700 people.
» Texas ARE completion rates are 3% below the national average.
No solutions were determined but discussion was held regarding these statistics and breakout groups debated, among other issues, the following:
» The value of the licensure process
» A consistent strategy to attract and retain candidates to the profession
» The need for more students in the pipeline
» The need for practitioners as college professors
» Better communication between NCARB, AIA, AIAS and ASCA
» Alternative pathways to licensure like, but not exclusive to, the IPAL program
STRATEGIC PLAN
We spent time at the meeting reviewing the key priorities for TxA in 2022 and discussed how they are interconnected.
Goal A Equitable Representation
Objective: Increase diversity in membership and leadership to reflect our community.
Goal B Prosperity of the Profession
Objective: Increase firms’ ability to anticipate and respond to changes in the architectural profession to help their businesses be successful.
Goal C Public Understanding
Objective: Increase public awareness and understanding of the value of architects as creative problem-solvers and the important impact of design.
Goal D Resiliency
Objective: Promote the practice of the Framework for Design Excellence, Principles for Livable Communities, and like guidelines.
Goal E Professional Development
Objective: Promote and make accessible professional development for licensure and beyond.