LICENSURE MATTERS 2 / NCARB & ARB Describe Paths To Architecture Qualification

At the 28 Sep 2022 Roca Gallery event described in Part 1, the speakers representing NCARB were Patricia Ramallo and Harry Falconer with Emma Matthews representing ARB. It was the first time the NCARB and ARB representatives had met their counterparts in person.

The speakers and event organizer. Pictured from left to right: Patricia Ramallo (NCARB), Harry Falconer (NCARB), Adelina Koleva (AIA UK Emerging Professionals), Emma Matthews (ARB). Photo courtesy of Roca London Gallery.

As Vice President of NCARB Experience + Education, Harry Falconer discussed the licensure processes for United States jurisdictions for architects on the Standard Architect Path. Typically, this refers to those who do have a NAAB-accredited US architectural education. Though the educational component is less available to UK-based candidates, Harry leads the development of NCARB’s education-related programs and is the point of contact for the NCARB Education Standard, Scholars in Professional Practice, Education Alternative for Certification, Foreign Architect Certification programs, and continuing education initiatives (CES, equivalent in the UK as CPD).

Harry is also in charge of professional support for the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). Unlike education, the experience component is readily available to US candidates based in the UK. US candidates can earn AXP hours while in the UK from both the “A” and “O” settings. The “A” setting requires a licensed US architect supervisor, while the “O” setting can be any licensed supervisor, such as a UK architect.

Harry Falconer, Vice President of Experience + Education at NCARB, presents to a captive audience at the Roca London Gallery meeting room. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

Following Harry, Patricia Ramallo spoke about US licensure for architects on the Foreign Architect Path. This typically refers to those who do not have a NAAB-accredited US architectural education, and received a degree or diploma accredited in another country. Patricia is highly knowledgeable in this area, having herself followed this path with an architecture background in Argentina. As Assistant Vice President of Innovation at NCARB, she is currently working to implement innovative strategies and advance international relations efforts.

Where the educational component is not automatically recognised in the US and an MRA is not in place, candidates have two options: to seek recognition of either (A) a foreign license or (B) a foreign education through EESA. Typically, both options will result in a more targeted appeal to a specific jurisdiction – in Patricia’s example, the US State Licensing Board of New Jersey. This is because the level of acceptance for the Foreign Architect Path sees more variation than the Standard Architect Path. Once of NCARB’s primary goals to improve standardisation and acceptance of both – but with independence bodies of governance on the level of both states and countries, this can obviously be very challenging.

Patricia Ramallo, Assistant Vice President of Innovation at NCARB, discusses the foreign architect path to certification in the US. She and her colleague, Harry Falconer (next to the presentation screen) travelled to the UK for the London Conference. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

Following Patricia, Emma Matthews spoke briefly about the processes for UK registration (licensure), both in terms of a “Standard Architect Path” and a “Foreign Architect Path.” In ARB terms, these are known respectively as the Standard Route to Registration and Alternative Routes to Registration. The Standard Route comprises of Parts I, II, and III which satisfy the education and experience components within the UK. Unlike the US, there is no ARE equivalent sit-down test that is required for UK candidates.

The Alternative Routes to Registration for candidates no longer includes any of the EU routes, which were formally revoked following Brexit. Candidates who do not benefit from Mutual Recognition – typically, non-US and non-Irish MOU candidates – will need to pass ARB's Examination for Equivalence to Prescribed Qualifications (also known as the Prescribed Examination) to progress towards registering as an architect in the UK. This requires the candidate to go through the Part I and II Exam interview process, prior to completing the Part III course and 2 years of work experience. Unlike the US, the UK does not currently offer an application process to directly recognise a foreign license – all Alternative Routes are focused on achieving core education equivalency, after which the candidate must still complete some experience and education in order to join the ARB Register.

This approach is unfortunate for the non-US audience and those who do not benefit from an MRA. On the bright side, the ARB only regulates title, and not the practice of architecture. From a day-to-day standpoint, this can be seen as a less restrictive measure than in the US, where the formal practice of architecture must be undertaken by a licensed architect. Nonetheless, the post-Brexit status of foreign licensed individuals – many of whom have high levels of expertise – does have a tangible detrimental effect on social and business standing. The ARB is currently working to address this through MRA agreements.

Emma Matthews, Director of Governance and International at ARB, presenting on UK paths to qualification. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

For the AIA UK and US audience, the new MRA agreement is on the horizon that will dramatically change opportunities. Once ratified by the UK government, this will be added to the Alternative Routes to Registration. According to Emma, the news so far is that the NCARB Certificate will be key to joining the ARB Register, in addition to one new Examination that will certify the candidate to the ARB panel. For the RIBA and UK audience, the ARB qualification will unlock the NCARB Certificate, which will allow registration in any US jurisdiction (state) that recognises the MRA agreement. As this is still under development, this remains to be confirmed as we await news regarding the specific procedures.

This article is a continuation of the 2022 LICENSURE MATTERS series. This is an ongoing story; please refer to NCARB and ARB for the latest information.

Written by Adelina Koleva, AIA 

LICENSURE MATTERS 1 / NCARB & ARB Join Forces At Roca London Gallery

Guests and members of the AIA UK met at the Roca London Gallery on 28 Sep 22 to hear presentations from NCARB and ARB. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

On Wednesday 28 Sep 2022, AIA UK Emerging Professionals and Roca London Gallery held a landmark joint event with NCARB and ARB that focused on paths to architectural registration in both the US and the UK. The event coincided with the AIA International LONDON 2022 Conference and concentrated on the exciting Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), announced in June of 2022.

The information session was attended by architecture professionals of various ages, nationalities, and career backgrounds.  Most were US architects or licensure candidates based in London who were looking to obtain equivalent UK qualification.  There were also UK architects and Part II/III candidates who were interested in learning more about opportunities to work in the US.  Architects from UK firms were also interested to benefit from the MRA as their companies expand internationally.

The event was a milestone for the representatives from each licensing board, as it was their very first in-person meeting following COVID-19 restrictions after working together for years developing the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

The in-house Roca event was a follow-up to a 4 Aug 2022 Zoom webinar that allowed for more questions and audience engagement.  Over sixty people had attended the webinar from across the globe.

Representatives from AIA UK, NCARB, and ARB attended the August webinar to discuss licensure in the US and UK and the new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

Following the presentations, attendees were invited to test their architecture knowledge for a chance to win prizes in the first-ever Emerging Professionals ARE Quiz. The first place prize went to Gustavo Ribeiro, who received a copy of The Complete Zaha Hadid (courtesy of AIA UK) and a one-on-one mentorship session with Thierry Paret (courtesy of AIA International). The second place prizes went to Sharlene Young and Phil Langley, who received Roca brand goody bags, courtesy of the event sponsor. Special thanks to Saoirse Walsh and Indra Sinkeviciute of Roca Gallery for organising and hosting the event.

AIA UK sponsors and prize-winners. Pictured from left to right: Saoirse Walsh (Roca London Gallery), Michelle Montgomery (AIA International Emerging Professionals), Sharlene Young (second place ARE Quiz winner), Gustavo Ribeiro (first place ARE Quiz winner), Phil Langley (second place ARE Quiz winner), Adelina Koleva (AIA UK Emerging Professionals), Indra Sinkeviciute (Roca London Gallery). Photo courtesy of Roca London Gallery.

Throughout the evening, there was an opportunity to enjoy food and drinks in the Zaha-Hadid designed Roca London Gallery space. This presented everyone with an opportunity to ask personal career questions, find valuable resources, and network with others on similar career paths.

At the Roca London Gallery, attendees were able to enjoy refreshments amid the Everything Flows exhibition of Zaha Hadid Design.  Photos courtesy of Roca London Gallery.

The event enhanced contact between Roca Gallery, NCARB, ARB, and AIA UK, and marked a new era of relationships with the announcement of the new MRA. The presentations focused on a variety of timely topics, but its principal emphasis was on how to become licensed in the US and UK from both standard and non-standard educational and experience backgrounds. 

The AIA UK hopes this event and the MRA will be remembered as a turning point in international practice.

This article is part of the 2022 LICENSURE MATTERS series. This is an ongoing story; please refer to NCARB and ARB for the latest information.

Written by Adelina Koleva, AIA 

In Person Building Tour – 100 Liverpool Street

Photo Credit: ©SRM Website

After a two-year curtailment of the AIA live building tours due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK chapter resumed its in-person events in February 2022 with a live tour of 1 Finsbury place. The second live tour of the 2022 series was a walkthrough of 100 Liverpool Street, winner of the 2021 AIA UK Design Excellence Award for a Professional Large Project in May 2022.  On 21July 2022, 100 Liverpool Street also became one of six buildings contending for the coveted Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize awarded to the UK’s best new building. 

Chris Bannister, Director Architect at Hopkins Architects, the RIBA Stirling Prize winning architecture practice, led an engaging tour of this refurbishment and restoration project completed in 2019. 

Chris Bannister, Director Architect at Hopkins Architects, the RIBA Stirling Prize winning architecture practice, led an engaging tour of this refurbishment and restoration project completed in 2019.

Arup Associates designed the original office block in the 1980s in response to the booming banking industry. The original design had a stone-clad facade and deep-plan floors, measuring 40 metres deep at the narrowest point. This configuration proved inflexible and unlettable in the current market. 

Arup Associates designed the original office block in the 1980s in response to the booming banking industry. The original design had a stone-clad facade and deep-plan floors, measuring 40 metres deep at the narrowest point. This configuration proved inflexible and unlettable in the current market. 

As explained by Chris, this refurbishment project delicately transformed the deep floor plates into a high-quality, flexible and commercially viable building fit for current usage.  {I was just trying to avoid repeating current market from sentence above.} Hopkins approach demonstrated clear strategic thinking in reusing the existing building selectively - that is, retaining key elements, unpicking what could not be retained, and adding only what was necessary to achieve design excellence with a BREEAM Outstanding.

As explained by Chris, this refurbishment project delicately transformed the deep floor plates into a high-quality, flexible and commercially viable building fit for current usage. Hopkins approach demonstrated clear strategic thinking in reusing the existing building selectively – that is, retaining key elements, unpicking what could not be retained, and adding only what was necessary to achieve design excellence with a BREEAM Outstanding.

Photo Credit: ©SRM Website

The tour took us from the Liverpool Street lobby up to the main entry point and circulation space where you find the beautifully crafted receding cylindrical atrium and feature staircase.  We were able to get up the feature staircase and visually explore some of the let spaces.  The closer that you get to the detail it becomes evident that the material selection and the minimalist philosophy provides another glimpse into the clear strategic thinking of the design team. 

The tour took us from the Liverpool Street lobby up to the main entry point and circulation space where you find the beautifully crafted receding cylindrical atrium and feature staircase.  We were able to get up the feature staircase and visually explore some of the let spaces.  The closer that you get to the detail it becomes evident that the material selection and the minimalist philosophy provides another glimpse into the clear strategic thinking of the design team. 

It is not particularly obvious upon first inspection that the building sits over several railway tracks and is next door to a bus station - all adding to the many complexities in the design and build process. Chris highlighted that the design retains the existing foundations and a large proportion of the original steelwork. Unfortunately, we were unable to experience the three new office floors with extensive terraces and rooftop gardens at upper levels. Hopkins Architects were very generous with their time and the level of detail provided during the presentation. The attending group were delighted by the tour and the ability to experience the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlisted 100 Liverpool Street firsthand. 

It is not particularly obvious upon first inspection that the building sits over several railway tracks and is next door to a bus station - all adding to the many complexities in the design and build process. Chris highlighted that the design retains the existing foundations and a large proportion of the original steelwork. Unfortunately, we were unable to experience the three new office floors with extensive terraces and rooftop gardens at upper levels. Hopkins Architects were very generous with their time and the level of detail provided during the presentation. The attending group were delighted by the tour and the ability to experience the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlisted 100 Liverpool Street first hand. 

The AIA UK Chapter will continue to host a combination of live and virtual buildings tours recommencing in 2023, offering architects the opportunity to visit notable buildings that have a variety of design interests in the UK and abroad. 

The AIA UK Chapter will continue to host a combination of live and virtual buildings tours recommencing in 2023, offering architects the opportunity to visit notable buildings that have a variety of design interests in the UK and abroad. 

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA 

Virtual Building Tour – Esteam Centre Somerset College

Image by ©Andre Engelbrecht

This year’s AIA’s 2022 Building Tour Series has been a combination of, virtual and in person events. In June, we were back to touring virtually due to the location of the building. On 09 June 2022, the UK AIA Chapter ‘visited’ Esteam Centre, Somerset College, by Walters & Cohen Architects, and winner of the 2021 AIA Design Excellence Awards, Medium Projects. 

Michál Cohen, founding Director of Walters & Cohen Architects, led a comprehensive virtual tour of the Esteam Centre, Somerset College. At the beginning of the tour, Michál noted that she had given a lecture on 21st-century school design, and as a direct result Somerset College commissioned her team to undertake a masterplan and ultimately develop a concept for a “cross-curricular learning space.” The Initial commission for a masterplan for the college, identified the best location for a new ESTEAM Centre a forward-thinking Institution within the College that accommodates Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. 

The masterplan has positioned the ESTEAM Centre prominently near the entrance, the intent to highlight the school’s inventive approach to learning and purposefully shaping new links across the site to other buildings and amenities. 

Michál further discussed the vernacular traditions of the Cape Dutch aesthetic that influenced the overall character of the proposal.  The development of the external veranda and the glazed elements provides a direct connection from the inside to the outside,  whilst providing passive cooling and solar shading during the sun-drenched months. There is a double-height prototyping/testing space running the length of the building, providing a central gathering space, and encouraging students to share their ideas to think “outside the box.” Off of the central double height space atrium rooms are arranged to accommodate a variety of courses such as coding and robotics, a makerspace, innovation and solution spaces, a reflection space, a physics lab, art rooms and offices. 

Like the external facades composed of large, glazed openings, Michal highlights that the glazed doors allow in light from the atrium, give greater flexibility of use and give a sense of openness in those spaces. Additionally, because of the sites setting, the connectivity and transparency of the learning spaces take advantage of breath-taking views towards the mountains. More importantly, the design provides a place where students can explore and share their ideas openly.

Image by ©Dennis Gilbert

Walters & Cohen also used native vines that will eventually crawl up tension cables on the terrace to make a further connection with local vernacular and aesthetics and simultaneously provide additional solar shading. The white walls and dark gable roofs were noted as a further “contemporary response to the Cape Dutch aesthetic.” I personally very much enjoyed the tour of a building I otherwise would not have been able to experience in such detail from afar. The presentation reminded me that there were some good things that have come out of the pandemic: it gave us “Virtual Building Tours.”

The AIA UK Chapter will continue to host a combination of live and virtual buildings tours recommencing in 2023, offering architects the opportunity to visit notable buildings that have a variety of design interests in the UK and abroad. 

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA 

Noel Hill Award Winner Announcement

Image by Noel Hill Award winner: Paris Gazzola

AIA UK is delighted to announce that the winner of this year's £3000 Noel Hill Award is Paris Gazzola, a Master's Graduate from The Bartlett School of Architecture. 

Paris' research focuses on the dichotomy between indigenous and non-indigenous relationships to land in Western Australia. Her research explores the consequences of these two divergent ways of being and their ecological consequences through the examination of archival images, film, diaries, art, interviews and advertising. Her thesis posits that imported colonial knowledge has hindered Australia's ability to peacefully inhabit land, ultimately resulting in its destruction. Her submitted proposal for the Noel Hill Award involved the continuation of ongoing research into indigenous knowledge through interviews and archival research, to explore alternative value-systems and relationships that re-establish sustainable land-management praxis. 

The Noel Hill Award will fund travel into remote communities in Western Australia and help with the production costs of a documentary style film entitled 'Principles for Change,' which will build on the output of her final year project. 

The judges commended the work and had the following comments.

"This project showed a clear and pragmatic methodology for exploring and understanding the real life condition of communities in Australia, and the conversations needed to find an equitable way forward. The overall ambition should be commended for its specificity to the location, but also the importance these discussions can have in translating to a global scale. "

The Noel Hill Award was judged by Jack Penford Baker (Haptic Architects), Rory Alasdair Downes (DSDHA Architects) and Eve Zeltina (ADAM Architecture). AIA UK would like to thank the judges for their participation and careful evaluation of all of this year's entries.

Written by: Nicholas Kehagias AIA, RIBA

Developing the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard

As the global push to address the Climate Crisis continues, the UK construction industry is working towards a more sustainable built environment with the development of a new UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (NZCBS). The aim is to bring the wider industry together around a unified methodology - defining Net Zero Carbon for the UK, as well as agreeing what metrics will be used to measure buildings and what boundaries must be set for how they are measured (e.g, time, physical extent, activities etc.). 

On Tuesday the 6th of December, Dr. Simon Hatherly, an architect, researcher and sustainable design specialists at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, spoke to members of the AIA UK about the emerging standard and his experience as a member of the development team.  The standard will be an industry driven, science-based framework for Net Zero Carbon and the team hope that might help influence policy at the local and national level and guide designers, builders and governments alike as they pursue a sustainable built environment.

The standard is still in progress, due to be launched in late 2023, and there is currently an open Call for Evidence from the sector groups looking to compile data from example projects. For more information on the Call for Evidence, now extended to 11 January 2023, please see the NZCBS website here.  If you missed the lunchtime lecture and want to catch-up, a recording is available here.

Written by: Katharine Storr, AIA