In a Nov. 1, 2019 study commissioned by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), 89% of U.S. voters supported architectural licensing, viewing the process as “an important factor in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare,” according to a NCARB press release. The study, conducted by the New York–based Benson Strategy Group, polled almost 1,000 voters on their perception of the architecture profession, including its regulating and licensing standards.
The majority of voters in the study favored licensing, with 89% agreeing that architects should be licensed given the nature of their occupation in the building industry. When survey participants learned more about the profession’s rigorous licensing requirements, the number of voters favoring professional licensure rose to 94%.
Voters also indicated that the licensing process increases their trust in the architecture profession: 76% of voters polled agreeing that licensing makes consumers feels safe, and 74% agreed that it ensures competent practitioners serve the public.
“As conversations arise regarding the appropriate level of licensing standards, these findings provide crucial insight into ways the individual boards regulating the architecture profession continue to move in the right direction when it comes to protecting the public health, safety, and welfare,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong in the same release.
