NCARB & ARB SIGN ARCHITECT MRA AGREEMENT

Architect registration board executives from the UK (left) and US (right) gather following the official signing of the agreement. From left to right: Emma Matthews (ARB), Hugh Simpson (CEO ARB), Alan Kershaw (Chair ARB), Bayliss Ward (President NCARB), Michael J. Armstrong (CEO NCARB), Harry Falconer, Jr. (NCARB), and Patricia Ramallo (NCARB). Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

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

On Thursday 16 February 2023, the landmark UK-US architect Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the UK Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the US National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) was officially signed in London at the Old Admiralty Building Churchill Room. This transformative agreement will enable UK and US architects to practice internationally and benefit from shared knowledge and expertise.

AIA National President Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA travelled from Washington, D.C. to attend the signing. From AIA UK, President Gregory Fonseca, AIA and Secretary Adelina Koleva, AIA were also present along with colleagues from the ARB, NCARB, RIBA, and government representatives from both the US and UK.

US architecture representatives pose with 2023 AIA UK President Gregory Fonseca. Pictured from left to right: Bayliss Ward (President NCARB), Michael J. Armstrong (CEO NCARB), Harry Falconer, Jr. (NCARB), Patricia Ramallo (NCARB), and Gregory Fonseca (AIA UK). Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

In a request for comment, AIA UK President Gregory Fonseca has made the following statement:

The basis for the agreement is an acknowledgement of equivalency between the standards and qualifications set forth by ARB and NCARB. Such acknowledgement has grown from a longstanding relationship and shared esteem between US and UK architects, who regard one other as global leaders in architecture and design. The new MRA will therefore enable eligible architects in one country to register in the other, while still upholding the expected standards of practice that protect the public in all participating territories.

The signing of the agreement triggers the 60-day window for implementation. Starting on 25 April 2023, eligible MRA candidates will be able to benefit from a streamlined registration process that aims to reduce previously required costs and examinations. To that effect, ARB is launching a new UK Adaptation Assessment for US applicants applying through MRA routes. The assessment will be available those holding an NCARB Certificate holders who went through the Standard Path to registration (a process which typically refers to graduating NAAB-accredited professional degree programme, passing all required ARE divisions, and completing the AXP experience hours).

In the accompanying ARB press release, NCARB CEO Michael J. Armstrong and ARB CEO Hugh Simpson have been quoted with the following statements:

Michael J. Armstrong (CEO NCARB, pictured far right) discusses material of importance as Emma Matthews (ARB, pictured far left) leans in to listen. Meanwhile, Bayliss Ward (President NCARB, centre right) and Hugh Simpson (CEO ARB, centre left) contribute their signatures to the two copies of the MRA document as Alan Kershaw (Chair ARB, centre) looks on. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA

The MRA agreement is the first of its kind since preceding legislation was dissolved in the 1990s and represents new approach to registering international architects in the UK.

The AIA UK Chapter would like to congratulate and thank all involved in this initiative!

Written by Adelina Koleva, AIA

MRA Signing: Official Attendees

US Embassy