There are currently 110,168 architects in the United States, according to the 2015 Survey of Architectural Registration Boards.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of growth and a 2% increase from 2014. Conducted annually by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the survey, combined with other key indicators, suggests the profession is healthy and growing.
The number of professionals working toward licensure reached an all-time high in 2015, with more than 41,500 candidates either taking the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and/or reporting experience hours. This data, which will be available in July’s 2016 edition of NCARB by the Numbers, points to a growing interest among the next generation to become an architect.
“While there are a variety of factors that contribute to the health of the profession, these two trends point to a bright future,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong. “As a record number of candidates work toward licensure, NCARB will continue to ensure our programs remain modern and inclusive, yet rigorous.”
The survey also reveals U.S. architects hold 122,579 (out-of-state) licenses, a 3% increase from 2014.
“As the economy improves, architects may be expanding their businesses across state lines,” said Armstrong. “We’ve also seen a growth in the number of architects who hold an NCARB Certificate, which facilitates reciprocal licensure.”
NCARB collects data on resident and reciprocal licenses from its 54 Member Boards, which includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The survey reflects registration data from January to December 2015.
To learn more about the Survey of Architectural Registration Boards, visit www.ncarb.org.
Related Stories
Architects | Mar 11, 2016
Architecture for Humanity rebrands itself as Open Architecture Collaborative
With a new name, logo, and mission, the Open Architecture Collaborative is seeking a fresh start.
Architects | Mar 11, 2016
AIA survey finds many women and minority architects still feeling underrepresented and unfulfilled
Dissatisfaction with “work-life balance” and compensation are cited as reasons why companies’ diversity strategies may be faltering.
University Buildings | Mar 11, 2016
How architects can help community colleges promote community on campus
Even in the face of funding challenges and historic precedent, there are emerging examples of how partnership between two-year academic institutions and designers can further elevate community on campus. CannonDesign's Carisima Koenig has a few key examples.
Architects | Mar 10, 2016
Value engineering: How to manage the process and limit the risk of VE
AEC consultant Steve Whitehorn shares several ways in which architects can be more effective managers of value-engineered change.
Architects | Mar 9, 2016
Two Houston firms merge to form Method Architecture
In mid-2016, Architects-Plus and Three Square Design Group will join to make a studio that will design industrial centers, corporate interiors, breweries, and more.
Hotel Facilities | Mar 7, 2016
Exclusive villas and spa in China will be built at the center of a lake
The only connection between the complex and the mainland will be a narrow pedestrian bridge.
Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2016
HDR redesigns Twin Cities' studio to have coffee shop vibe
With open spaces, huddle rooms, and a design lab, the firm's new digs are drastically different than the old studio, which felt like working in a law office. Design Principal Mike Rodriguez highlights HDR's renovation plan.
Architects | Feb 25, 2016
12 architects selected for 2016 AIA Young Architects Award
Winners include Amy Kalar and Karen Lu, both with HGA, BNIM's Carey Nagle, and MSR Design's Bob Ganser.
Architects | Feb 24, 2016
Is the booming freelance economy a threat to AEC firms?
By shifting the work (and revenue) to freelancers, “platform capitalism” startups have taken considerable market share from traditional businesses.
Industry Research | Feb 22, 2016
8 of the most interesting trends from Gensler’s Design Forecast 2016
Technology is running wild in Gensler’s 2016 forecast, as things like virtual reality, "smart" buildings and products, and fully connected online and offline worlds are making their presence felt throughout many of the future's top trends.
