Summary: This week, readers talk about NCARB’s proposed change in the ARE format, calling yourself an architect in a state in which you are not licensed, and NCARB’s practice survey.

Re: NCARB to Launch New ARE Format in July 2008

I was just wondering about the process involved in changing the ARE format. The continually changing examination process and an apparent lack of any system of checks and balances have a direct correlation to the decreased licensure in our profession. I would ask whether the recent changes to the exam (the five-year Rolling Clock from 2005, the Alternate Item Type questions from 2006, now the completely restructured exam for 2008) actually benefit the profession? Although I would doubt that NCARB actually operates autonomously, it sometimes seems that way. Even if there has been adequate discourse on the matter, perhaps the process could be more transparent.

Thank you,

—Benjamin Kasdan, Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP
KTGY Group Inc.
Tustin, Calif.

Re: Ethics: Calling Yourself an Architect in a State Where You Aren’t Licensed

To call yourself an Architect in a state you are not licensed in only becomes an issue when you are offering your services to practice as the Architect of Record in such a state. I think if you are licensed in one state you can certainly call yourself an architect colloquially and when interviewing for a job as an employee, since your resume will inform what states you are licensed in. I also thought that NCARB was supposed to end this confusion. To my mind, the profession is suffering from other “professionals” claiming to do portions of what Architects have traditionally done, including interiors, lighting design, kitchen design, etc and to do it better. The profession is suffering more from the high level of responsibility Interns receive in offices before they have had the benefit of training in all aspects of architecture. To focus so narrowly on the definition of Architect licensed or not when these other situations present more of a threat is to deny the real issues in the profession.

—Gisela Schmidt, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Atlanta

Re: NCARB Requests Architects’ Participation in Practice Analysis Survey

NCARB,

I would really enjoy taking the "NCARB Architects in Practice Analysis Survey." Could you please send me a $200.00 fee to cover my cost to transfer my survey answers to NCARB?

Thanks,

—Jeffrey L. Hoge, AIA
Los Angeles