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NCARB 2026 Report: More Diverse Architecture Candidates, Persistent Licensure Gaps

architecture-design · 2026-08-19

The 2026 NCARB by the Numbers report indicates that the number of licensed architects in the U.S. rose by 6 percent in 2025, bouncing back from a decline the year before. Conversely, the count of candidates seeking licensure saw a 1 percent drop, totaling over 39,000, with nearly 3,500 meeting the requirements, reflecting a 6 percent decrease from 2024. The candidate group has become more diverse, with 49 percent identifying as people of color and 47 percent as women. Among newly licensed architects, 53 percent were women, and over one-third identified as people of color. The average time required for licensure decreased to 12.3 years. Recent policy changes have focused on enhancing accessibility. Lesley Lokko was awarded the African Cultural Icon Award, while Barbara Buser received the 2026 Jane Drew Prize.

Key facts

  • NCARB released the 2026 edition of its annual NCARB by the Numbers report, based on 2025 data.
  • The number of licensed architects in the U.S. increased 6% in 2025, recovering from a previous-year decline.
  • Active license candidates decreased 1% to just over 39,000; about 3,500 completed requirements, down 6% from 2024.
  • 49% of 2025 license candidates identified as people of color, the highest level recorded by NCARB; women made up 47% of candidates.
  • In the overall licensed population, people of color represent 21% (up 4 points in 5 years) and women 28%; white men make up 60%.
  • Of those who started an NCARB Record in 2012, 46% had obtained a license by 2025, 17% were still seeking it, and 37% had become inactive.
  • Average time to licensure decreased to 12.3 years; women averaged 11.7 years, Asian candidates 11.3 years, and Hispanic/Latino candidates about 13.5 years.
  • Recent accessibility changes include eliminating the five-year expiration for passed ARE divisions and adjusting experience reporting requirements.

Entities

Artists

  • Reyyan Dogan
  • Eric Owen Moss
  • Lesley Lokko
  • Barbara Buser
  • Marc Goodwin

Institutions

  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
  • Bureau Spectacular
  • Eric Owen Moss Architects
  • Marmol Radziner
  • Marmol Radzinger

Locations

  • United States
  • Africa

Sources