NCARB Launches 2012 Practice Analysis of Architecture Survey

2 April 2012

Washington, DC—This week, the 2012 NCARB Practice Analysis of Architecture Survey is being e-mailed to thousands of architects, interns, and educators across the country. Surveying the profession to identify the tasks and knowledge/skills necessary for the independent practice of architecture will provide essential insight into current and future trends.

“By contributing their expertise and assessment of what’s happening in offices, studios, and classrooms, survey participants can help us better understand the ever-evolving practice of architecture,” said NCARB CEO Michael J. Armstrong. Survey findings will be significant to the profession and will help: drive the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), inform the Intern Development Program (IDP), and guide NCARB’s contribution to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) 2013 Accreditation Review Conference (ARC). The results will also be used to inform the Council’s continuing education policies.

The survey will take about an hour to complete; however, participants will benefit from the ability to complete it in multiple short sessions, enhanced navigation and graphics, and the use of new techniques such as “matrix sampling.” Matrix sampling tailors the number and focus of questions delivered to each survey participant, thereby reducing the amount of time to complete the survey, while still providing coverage of a broad range of content areas.

The 2012 survey was developed through the collaborative effort of NCARB and its collateral organizations: the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and the NAAB. With the expert guidance of consultant PSI Services LLC, the Practice Analysis Steering Committee (PASC), comprised of volunteer architects and representatives from each collateral organization plus NCARB staff, spent nearly two years carefully conceiving and designing a survey that will: maximize potential results, provide valuable insights into the profession, and lay the strongest foundation for education, experience, examination, and continuing education.

NCARB strongly encourages those who receive the electronic survey to respond—the greater the number of respondents, the more reliable and informative the data. Participating in the Practice Analysis survey is an important way to give back to the profession and influence its future.

Upon completing the survey, respondents will be eligible to enter a drawing for a $50 Visa Rewards gift card.
NCARB will give away 100 cards in total, drawing 25 names each week, during the four weeks the survey is open.

The survey is also accessible at www.ncarb.org. The deadline for completing the survey is 30 April 2012. For more details, visit: www.ncarb.org/2012PA.

For more information contact:
Kim Kerker
Director, Communications
202/783-6500
kkerker@ncarb.org