A friend of mine, who is also studying for architectural licensure, posited an essay prompt for us, “Why Licensure?” Even though I dread architecture for some reasons and am hesitant to want to ever build anything more than a modest 3D print, my initial thoughts are that I had invested in the process already, hold a respect for the profession, and understand how that credential yields credibility.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has a blog post from a few days ago, about this essay prompt, and they highlighted these three reasons for licensure: obligations to the public, personal credibility, and career opportunities. My personal inclination is basically in alignment with these, and this organization. The more I learn about them the more I appreciate.
I have the education needed for a license, but took more of an architectural history track for my doctorate. However, I am not sure, honestly, if I ever want to build anything. These are the reasons I DO NOT want to be an architect, it is: too expensive, over built already, and it is riddled with risks and perils.
SOURCE CITED
Martinez, Claire Hilton. NCARB, “Why Do Architects Need a License?” 5 21 2025. https://www.ncarb.org/blog/why-do-architects-need-a-license Accessed 5 23 2025.
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