Blogs

ICert News, Summer 2024

Read our Summer 2024 Edition of ICert News here! #Feature
In February of 2024, NAAB issued a Call for Comment proposing a new funding structure. This structure would allow a financially sustainable future for the accreditation of architecture programs. The new funding structure focuses on a quality assurance process that is responsive to the needs and changing landscape of higher education and the architecture profession; aligned with accreditation industry standards; provides comprehensive quality services; and ensures integrity of architectural accreditation. NAAB was compelled to suspend the Call for Comment soon after issuing it, to address an assessment initiated by the American Institute of Architects ...

NAAB News, Summer 2024

Read our Summer 2024 Edition of NAAB News here! #Feature
Join NAAB’s dedicated pool of site visitors! NAAB site visitors are a vital part of the accreditation process, serving as the eyes and ears of NAAB’s Board of Directors and contributing their time, expertise, and passion for excellence in architectural education. Visit the Volunteer with NAAB page for more information about becoming a site visitor. #Feature

NAAB News, Spring 2024

Read our Spring 2024 Edition of NAAB News here! #Feature
NAAB is excited to announce its spring and summer 2024 accreditation trainings! Join us for four new trainings, designed for programs at different stages of the accreditation process. Each training will be a live, online event and will be offered twice, with time for discussion and Q&A. Learn more about all four trainings and register here #Feature
NAAB seeks a Public Director for the term of January 1, 2025–December 31, 2027. Nominees should be individuals whose business or professional activity is not in the field of higher education and who are not engaged in the practice or professional study of architecture. Nominees should not be affiliated with an institution or program that applied for candidacy, is in candidacy, or is accredited by NAAB. Nominations are due June 1, 2024. Learn more here . #Feature
NAAB is currently seeking Board Director nominations from ACSA, AIA, and NCARB for an individual to serve a three-year term on the NAAB Board, January 1, 2025– December 31, 2027 , and from AIAS for an individual to serve a two-year term on the NAAB Board, January 1, 2025–December 31, 2026. Nominations are due June 1, 2024. Individuals interested in being nominated should read below to learn more about serving as a Board director or visiting team member and should reach out to the following contacts to inquire about being nominated: ACSA: Mike Monti , Executive Director AIA: Vicky Schneider , Strategic Advisor AIAS: Colt Brock ...
In May 2023 NAAB sent out a call for comment on proposed revisions to Condition 4.2 of the 2020 Conditions for Accreditation . We received a number of comments, some of them complex, raising important issues with respect to the proposal that required additional research. NAAB has revised the proposal for which we are seeking further feedback. Background: May 2023 Call for Comment and Response In May 2023, NAAB issued a public comment on a proposal to remove language in Condition 4.2, which states: “NAAB-accredited professional degree programs have the exclusive right to use the B.Arch., M.Arch., and/or D.Arch. titles, which are recognized by the public ...
NAAB is excited to introduce our new in-depth workshop, designed to help programs develop an effective, robust process of program-level assessment. This three-hour course will be delivered virtually on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 10:00am–1:00pm EST. The cost of the workshop is $200 per participant. Who should attend? This workshop is designed for both participants who are new to program assessment and those who would like to evaluate their existing program assessment process against current best practices. Why now? NAAB’s 2020 Conditions require programs to engage in a process of continuous improvement by using outcomes-based assessment of ...
The Fundamentals of Program-Level Assessment NAAB is excited to introduce our new in-depth workshop, designed to help programs develop an effective, robust process of program-level assessment. This three-hour course will be delivered virtually on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 10:00am–1:00pm EST. The cost of the workshop is $200 per participant. Who should attend? This workshop is designed for both participants who are new to program assessment and those who would like to evaluate their existing program assessment process against current best practices. Why now? NAAB’s 2020 Conditions require programs to engage in a process of continuous improvement ...
Program Directors, As the topic of alternative paths to licensure trends across industries, it is becoming increasingly timely in our own field . As you may be aware, NCARB and the Minnesota licensing board are planning to come together as soon as January to explore removing higher education requirements for licensure. Register here to join NAAB and your colleagues for a virtual session on The Value of Architectural Accreditation and Emerging Trends in Credentialing on Tuesday, January 16 from 5pm to 7pm ET NAAB values both the role of credentialing in providing quality assurance for public safety and the importance of diversity & inclusion in ...

ICert News, December 2023

Read our First Edition of ICert News here!
Effective January 1, 2024, NAAB is returning to on-site visits for accreditation. The following 18 programs have a NAAB Continuing Accreditation Visit taking place this Spring: Drury University (M.Arch.) Kean University (M.Arch.) Massachusetts College of Art and Design (M.Arch.) Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (B.Arch.) Portland State University (M.Arch.) Princeton University (M.Arch.) University at Buffalo- The State University of New York (M.Arch.) University of North Carolina at Charlotte (M.Arch.) University of California at Berkeley (M.Arch.) University of Cincinnati (M.Arch.) University of Idaho (M.Arch.) University of ...

NAAB News, December 2023

Read our December Edition of NAAB News here! #Feature
It is with great honor that I assume the role of President of the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) for the 2023-2024 term, alongside a distinguished volunteer board of directors , and with the support of our highly dedicated and skilled staff . In the upcoming year, NAAB is poised to reintroduce in-person visits for accreditation and international certification. We are committed to maximizing critical investments in accreditation management systems, focusing on innovation, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and responsiveness. Our emphasis at NAAB will be on fostering collaborative relationships with programs, enhancing communication, and creating ...

NAAB News, October 2023

Read our October Edition of NAAB News here! #Feature
I have heard that at the end of their tenure, some organization officers have the sense that the time of their service passed at lightning speed. Closing out my year of service, my sense is that time has certainly not flown by, and that is a good thing, as much has been accomplished. Program Site Visits The largest cycle of 32 accreditation visits under the 2020 Conditions and Procedures and two International Certification (ICert) visits was completed earlier this spring. Fourteen accreditation visits and one ICert visit are currently underway in the fall 2023 cycle while NAAB staff simultaneously plan for 18 accreditation and ICert in-person site visits ...

NAAB News, Summer Edition 2023

Read our Summer Edition of NAAB News here!
As we look to the beginning of another academic year, I am pleased to share with you an update on NAAB’s efforts in delivering quality assurance services for architecture education. With immense gratitude to our volunteers who bring subject matter expertise to the evaluation process of site visits, NAAB successfully completed its largest cycle since the new Conditions and Procedures for Accreditation were announced at the beginning of 2020. Our knowledgeable and helpful staff was there every step of the way, supporting teams, programs, and the board of directors in the accreditation process. We are receiving positive feedback from NAAB programs who have embraced ...