Licensure candidates and new architects are more diverse than ever before, according to new data from the 2017 edition ofNCARB by the Numbers. Released annually by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the publication provides exclusive insight into the number of U.S. architects, the pool of candidates working toward licensure, and diversity in the profession.
Closing the Gender Gap
For the first time since NCARB began collecting demographics data, gender equity improved along every career stage—including gaining professional knowledge through the Architectural Experience Program™ (AXP™), starting the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), and earning a license.
In 2016, women accounted for 47 percent of new AXP participants and 42 percent of new ARE candidates. While women remain underrepresented among practitioners and NCARB Certificate holders, they now account for 36 percent of newly licensed architects, compared to 34 percent in the previous year. According to 2015 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, women make up 51 percent of the U.S. population.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Racial and ethnic diversity is also increasing among licensure candidates, although at a slower pace.
In 2016, 42 percent of new AXP participants and 30 percent of new ARE candidates identified as non-white—up three percentage points for both groups. However, diversity among newly licensed architects and NCARB Certificate holders remained the same. For comparison, 38 percent of the U.S. population identifies as either non-white or Hispanic, according to 2015 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
“While several groups remain underrepresented within the profession, these trends point to growing diversity among licensure candidates, and eventually, future architects,” said NCARB President Kristine A. Harding, NCARB, AIA. “In response, NCARB will continue to ensure our programs balance inclusivity with the rigor needed to protect the public.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 16, 2016
Leading economists predict construction industry growth through 2017
The Chief Economists for ABC, AIA, and NAHB all see the construction industry continuing to expand over the next year and a half.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 9, 2016
Key strategies to reduce healthcare facility costs and maintain operations
The right approach during the planning, design, and construction of a new facility can yield a positive return on investment and lower the overall cost basis for ongoing operations, writes Steve Higgs, Senior Managing Director with CBRE Healthcare.
Laboratories | Aug 8, 2016
The lab of the future: smaller, flexible, tech-enabled, business focused
A new CBRE report emphasizes the importance of collaboration and standardization in lab design.
Industry Research | Aug 5, 2016
47 states experienced improvement in year-over-year construction unemployment rates in June
The drop in the construction unemployment rate from June 2015 extends the uninterrupted monthly sequence of year-over-year rate decreases that started in October 2010, according to Bernard M. Markstein, PhD, President and Chief Economist of Markstein Advisors.
Industry Research | Aug 2, 2016
Nonresidential construction spending declines again in June
On a year-over-year basis, nonresidential construction spending has fallen 1.1 percent, marking the first annual decline since July 2013
Industry Research | Jul 26, 2016
AIA consensus forecast sees construction spending on rise through next year
But several factors could make the industry downshift.
Industry Research | Jun 15, 2016
Survey: Americans avoid touching handles but use their phones in public bathrooms
Bradley’s 2016 Healthy Hand Washing Survey offers insights into restroom use.
Industry Research | May 11, 2016
Why corporate bathrooms stink and how good design can fix this
Despite their importance, bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to building design. Gensler's Johnathan Sandler spoke with people in the industry and detailed some of the biggest gripes.
Big Data | May 5, 2016
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has launched the largest source of transit data in the country
AllTransit analyzes the social benefits of good transit service by analyzing data related to health, equity, and economic development.
Industry Research | May 5, 2016
National survey reveals offices aren’t built to benefit employees
A Saint-Gobain and SageGlass Work Environment Survey found insufficient access to daylight, poor air quality, and distracting noise at workplaces as the major issues experienced by employees
