California Architects

Newsletter Logo for California Architects

2019 Edition, Issue 2

Architects

A Publication of the California Architects Board ■ Public Protection Through Examination, Licensure, and Regulation


Executive Officer Message

Laura Zuniga
Laura Zuniga

Architectural licensing boards gathered in Washington, DC for the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s (NCARB) 2019 Centennial Annual Business Meeting (Centennial) for three days in June. California had four representatives in attendance—Sylvia Kwan, California Architects Board (Board) President; Tian Feng, Board Vice President; Nilza Serrano, Board Secretary; and, Laura Zuniga, Board Executive Officer.

Throughout the three-day conference, delegates learned about NCARB’s evolving programs and services, received updates on the Model Law Task Force and the 2019 Accreditation Review forum, helped set the agenda for upcoming years, celebrated the organization’s history, and elected new officers. Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, former Board member and President, was elected to serve as NCARB Secretary for fiscal year 2020.

To kick-off the Centennial meeting, the focus was on the future of architectural regulation. Award-winning journalist Thomas L. Friedman was the keynote speaker and addressed how digital globalization, climate change, and technology were reshaping the worlds politics, economics, and ethics and how boards could adapt to the pace of change.

NCARB also released its updated mission statement and their 2019 Strategic Plan that launches NCARB into its second century and provides the framework for initiatives over the next three to five years while retaining successful elements of their former plan. In addition, attendees previewed and discussed the newly released NCARB by the Numbers. According to the publication, there are over 115,000 architects in the United States and nearly 41,000 candidates pursuing an architecture license.

The Board looks forward to continued participation with NCARB and focusing on a framework for continuous quality improvement, growth, and betterment of the architectural profession.