About NAAB

Incorporated in 1967 as a 501(c)(3), NAAB’s history dates back to 1940 when ACSA, AIA, and NCARB collectively recognized the need for an impartial organization to facilitate quality assurance in support of architecture programs that prepare students for professional licensure. Since that time, NAAB has proudly established and maintained an accreditation system that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.

Mission

NAAB develops and maintains an accreditation system in professional degree education that enhances the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the profession of architecture.

Vision

NAAB advances educational quality assurance standards and processes that anticipate the needs of academic programs, the profession, and society, to promote a better built environment.

Core Values

The following principles serve as a guide and inspiration to NAAB:

Commitment to
Excellence

Foster a culture of continual improvement that seeks positive organizational transformation and responds to external change.

Diversity and 
Inclusion

Celebrate unique institutional perspectives and ensure the inclusion of diverse populations to enrich the learning environment.

Effective
Communication

Articulate the value of an accredited architectural education to students, the profession, and the communities architects serve.

Spirit of
Collaboration

Promote transparency and collateral cooperation in the shared responsibility of preparing graduates for professional practice.

Volunteers are the Heart of Accreditation

Annually, 120+ unpaid volunteers spend more than 10,000 hours conducting accreditation reviews. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers nominated by the Collateral Organizations, who each contribute approximately nearly 500 unpaid hours per year as part of a three-year commitment.  An average of 126 volunteers (educators, practitioners, and regulators) serving as site visitors, spend upward of 80 unpaid hours per year each conducting much of the work of accreditation. All accreditation work is supported by the NAAB accreditation staff.

NAAB-Volunteers

120+ Volunteers

NAAB-Volunteer Hours

10,000+ Hours

NAAB-Reviews

300+ Reviews

Explore

How NAAB is Funded

NAAB History

2024–2026 Strategic Plan

NAAB's Bylaws

Board of Directors

NAAB Team