WASHINGTON – April 13, 2021 – Two new guides are being released today that can help K-12 school students and school counselors explore careers in the architecture profession.

Your Guide to Helping Students Consider a Career in Architecture is a resource designed for school counselors and educators to help discuss the possibilities of pursuing a career in architecture with their students. The guide offers insights into the skills students need to advance in architecture education as well as the process for becoming an architect. 

Your Guide to a Career in Architecture is a resource designed for high school students who want to consider a career in architecture. This guide offers students information on how to get their architecture education started as well as insights into the pathway to becoming an architect. 

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) developed the guides with the goal of expanding the pipeline of students who may not have considered a career in architecture. 
 

Exposing underrepresented student groups to the possibilities of a career in architecture will help diversify the profession in the future. By increasing the awareness of students and educators about architecture as a college major and a career choice, the profession is strengthened by such diversity and inclusion.
 

About ACSA

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1912 to enhance the quality of architectural education. School membership in ACSA has grown from 10 charter schools to more than 200 schools in several membership categories. Through these schools, more than 4,500 architecture faculty are represented in ACSA’s membership. ACSA, unique in its representative role for professional schools of architecture, provides a major forum for ideas on the leading edge of architectural thought. Issues that will affect the architectural profession in the future are being examined today in ACSA member schools.

About AIAS

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to providing unmatched progressive programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education. The AIAS aims to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.

About NAAB

The NAAB develops and maintains a system of accreditation in professional architecture education that is responsive to the needs of society and allows institutions with varying resources and circumstances to evolve according to their individual needs. It aspires to be the leader in establishing educational quality assurance standards to enhance the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the architecture profession.

About NCARB

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate.

About NOMA

NOMA, which thrives only when voluntary members contribute their time and resources, strives to build a strong national organization, strong chapters and strong members for the purpose of minimizing the effect of racism in our profession. NOMA’s mission, rooted in a rich legacy of activism, is to empower our local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development and design excellence.

ABOUT AIA

Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.