A Note as I Begin My Term as NAAB President
Dear Colleagues,
As I begin my term as President of the National Architectural Accrediting Board, I want to connect directly with you, our partners in architectural education.
NAAB’s work relies on continuity, care, and collaboration. I step into this role with deep respect for the board members, volunteers, and staff who have carried this responsibility forward, and for the programs that engage thoughtfully with the accreditation process.
This year marks the beginning of a new eight-year accreditation review cycle. These cycles ensure that architectural education remains grounded in enduring principles while responding to evolving contexts, technologies, and practices. They also provide opportunity to examine how accreditation operates—how expectations are communicated, processes function, and how accreditation supports the daily work of programs.
My focus this year is on launching that process through a Standards Revision Committee that actively seeks your input while maintaining the strong standards relied upon by the profession, collateral organizations, and State Boards with continuing attention to efficiency and clarity. Accreditation should be something programs can navigate with confidence—supporting quality, innovation and continuous improvement rather than distracting from it.
I am committed to open communication and to working in alignment with the many stakeholders invested in architectural education and look forward to engaging with programs and partners throughout the year ahead.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to students and to the profession. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Mark Mistur, AIA
2026 NAAB President
Dean, College of Architecture & Environmental Design
Kent State University