Architect registration board executives from the UK and US. 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.
NCARB & ARB Sign US-UK Architect MRA Agreement
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.
The MRA agreement is the first of its kind since preceding legislation was dissolved in the 1990s and represents a new approach to registering international architects in the UK.
The final signed US copy of the MRA document rests on the table at the Churchill Room of the Old Admiralty Building in London. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.
The AIA UK Chapter would like to congratulate and thank all involved in this initiative!
Visit the AIA UK website to LEARN MORE.
If you are interested, look out for an upcoming AIA UK event - Expedition ARE: NCARB and ARB Info Session in May 2023. This will cover general guidance on taking the licensure exams abroad as well as further information from NCARB and ARB following the launch of the MRA.
This note is part of an ongoing story; please refer to NCARB and ARB for the latest information.
2023 AIA UK Excellence in Design Awards - SUBMIT By 17 APRIL
Deadline Extension! Click here to enter by Monday 17 April.
There is still time to submit for the AIA UK 2023 Excellence in Design Awards. For over 20 years, these awards - which are not restricted to AIA members or UK projects - have proven highly valued by architects as they confer international recognition for design excellence.
The awards programme recognises and honours excellence in design in three categories: Professional, Emerging Practice and Exemplary Performance in Sustainability.
Projects are eligible as long as they fall into one of the following categories:
Projects located anywhere in the world and completed by designers and architects based in the UK
Projects located in the UK and completed by designers based anywhere in the world.
